Guiseley 2

Harrogate Town 1

A RUN of poor performances has seen Guiseley manager Neil Parsley re-think his strategy and a new formation has seen his side notch two wins within three days - a rarity in itself but even more so when one of those wins was at home.

Parsley's new formation, with the influential Clive Freeman playing as a sweeper and David Cooke back in his more favoured midfield role after an unhappy sortie as a striker, seems to have brought a new confidence to the side.

Following Saturday's 1-0 win at Belper Town the goalscoring hero of that win Nicky Hey was out of contention through injury.

That brought a call up for Lee Reilly, a product of the club's youth and reserve teams.

He partnered Kevin Newhouse up front in what must be one of the smallest strike forces in football. However, what they lack in height they certainly make up for in speed and dogged determination.

The elusive Newhouse was fouled in the 16th minute to earn Guiseley a penalty which Mark Stuart stepped forward to hammer home.

It was Newhouse again who had the Harrogate defence in tatters as he twisted and turned to hit a thunderous shot in off the post from 20 yards.

The young strike partners certainly kept the Harrogate defence at full stretch and Newhouse had another shot pushed round the post for a corner.

James Nettleton and Simon Phillips also got forward to get in shots with the latter's hooked clear.

With Matt Daly installed as captain for a second game with Simon Trevitt out injured the Guiseley defence had a new found confidence and they were only breached in the 90th minute when Scott Bonsall got in a good strike from the edge of the area.

While the Guiseley faithful revelled in some exciting football for once they were frustrated and angered by some eccentric performances from the match officials.

There was a spate of bookings in a game in which there was not a bad foul or challenge. Benn Gallagher was the most mystified caught in a battle of wills between the referee and his assistant.

One ordered a free-kick and the other a throw in and each time Gallagher went to comply the nearest official told him to do the other and a farcical situation ended with the referee booking Gallagher!

The assistant on the other touchline meanwhile seemed to have opinions about everything and everyone and raised the ire of not only Guiseley manager Neil Parsley - who after the assistant's outburst against him was invited to leave the technical area after responding - but also a clutch of home supporters.

Still, nothing could detract from an upsurge in Guiseley form. Something they will be looking to continue in Saturday's game against struggling Kendal Town at Nethermoor (3 pm).

They then face a trip to fellow strugglers Ossett Albion on Tuesday (7.45 pm) so Parsley's men will be hoping to capitalise on this new found form.

At Belper on Saturday Nicky Hey notched his first goal for the club, albeit from a prone position on the ground. He gave his side the lead in the 14th minute after he had chased a through ball.

He won the challenge with the 'keeper and although laid flat managed to get a touch to knock the ball into the net.

Guiseley produced a string of chances but could not add to their lead.

At the other end Clive Freeman was a tower of strength.

Guiseley will be looking forward to the return of injured players Hey, Senior, Trevitt and Henry as they prepare for the FA Trophy clash with Stafford Rangers on November 3.