THERE is a new found optimism at Guiseley AFC after some hard work in pre-season training has paid off with excellent performances in pre-season friendlies.

Guiseley drew 1-1 with Huddersfield Town's Academy side on Friday night at Nethermoor Park, players filtering into the ground whilst filming was being wrapped up for the day on the BBC series Playing the Field.

Guiseley took the lead with a penalty after the elusive Kevin Newhouse, a product of last season's youth and reserve teams, was brought down. New signing Mark Stuart, the former Bradford City player, stepped up to convert the penalty. With Town's assistant manager Joe Jordan watching from the sidelines the young Terriers had to wait until late in the game to get the equaliser,.

Players of both sides gave their all in very hot and humid conditions but Guiseley looked to have that bit more pace with Newhouse and Stuart stretching the Town defence.

Lee Poole wasted a number of chances to give Guiseley the lead while at the other end goalkeeper Tom Morgan made one or two excellent saves. It was good to see Simon Phillips back in full match action after almost two years out of the game.

What was virtually a Guiseley Reserves side turned out at Garforth Town on Saturday as the management team continued their bid to give all players a chance in pre-season.

In an excellent display Guiseley tore the Northern Counties East side apart and won 4-1. It could have been even more convincing with both Paul Terrelong and midfield dynamo Ben Thackwray hitting the underside of the bar.

The elusive Guiseley front runners again caused problems and Guiseley's first two goals came via the penalty spot. Firstly after Phil Atkinson was pulled back and secondly when Gareth Pritchard was kicked from behind. Pritchard stepped up to convert both. Town had levelled the first with a penalty of their own. Pritchard went on to complete his hat-trick and Atkinson headed the fourth. Peter Sumner had an outstanding game.

l Tomorrow, Friday, Guiseley visit Eccleshill and continue their build up at Tadcaster Albion on Wednesday. The Reserves visit Pool on Thursday. On Saturday the first team are at Yorkshire Amateurs and the Reserves at Crag Road.