Guiseley......1

ASHTON.........2

IT was an inauspicious start for Guiseley in Division One of the UniBond League following their relegation last term. A home defeat by the tough, uncompromising Ashton United was a taste of things to come and Guiseley will have to toughen up if they are to make their mark in this division.

Ashton were a big, rough side and it was telling that their goals came from big defenders - as did Guiseley's.

Guiseley certainly had the skill but they did not have the toughness where it mattered.

Guiseley had looked the more likely to score in the early stages as new signing Kimon Evangelatos made his mark. The young Greek provided some excellent crosses and corners but they were wasted. A drive by Tony Agana from an Evangelatos corner was cleared. The former Sheffield United man took some rough punishment and he was dragged down on a number of occasions. James Shutt made a good stop at the other end but there was no score at the break.

In the second-half Ashton took a 48th minute lead when Darren Royle - son of Manchester City manager Joe - netted. Guiseley levelled two minutes later when their own giant central defender Matt Daly powered home in a melee.

Des Hazel saw a free-kick tipped over and Shutt did likewise at the other end. Ashton made it 2-2 when Paul Clowes netted. Clowes and Guiseley's David Cooke then clashed heads with Cooke suffering concussion and being taken to hospital. What the referee was doing letting Clowes remain on the pitch with blood flowing from a head wound noone knows. The back of Agana's shirt soon turned red from his opponents blood and four other Guiseley players saw their shirts changing colour but still Clowes remained on the pitch.

Belper Town...........1

Guiseley..................1

On a fine but cool night Guiseley shared the points on Tuesday. Guiseley dominated the first-half and created two or three early chances. After six minutes Cory Larkin headed wide. Simon Ireland thean had a chance on 17 minutes but his right foot shot went over the bar.

Guiseley did however take the lead in the 31st minute when excellent work by Kimon Evangelatos saw him pick the ball up out on the left.

he moved in on goal and as the 'keeper dived he chipped the ball over him for a fine goal. In the second-half Guiseley had to defend as Belper came forward. In the 53rd minute Paul Bulgin, who had an excellent game, had a shot saved and substitute Julian Wilkes then had a couple of chances.

In the 63rd minute Belper were lucky to be awarded a penalty when the ball was driven at Danny Brown and handball was given. Justice was probably done when the ball was ballooned over the bar.

Belper did however level in the 85th minute through Cunningham.

l On Saturday Guiseley visit Congleton Town and then on Monday entertain Harrogate Town (7.30 pm).

The Reserves started their Lancashire League programme with a 9-1 win at Runcorn. They netted after 13 seconds and never looked back. Scorers were: Marin Jelev (5), Cory Larkin (2), Andy Yates and an own goal.

l On Saturday they entertain champions Southport (3 pm).