Non-League Soccer: Guiseley's Mr Consistency defender Colin Hogarth is hoping to beat the flu to play his 500th league and cup match for Guiseley tomorrow.

The 35-year-old postman has been off work this week, but he hopes to recover in time to face Accrington Stanley at Nethermoor.

Peter Atkinson is the only other player in the club's history to have reached the 500 appearance mark.

Hogarth who plays either left back or in the centre of the defence has played a huge part in a decade of success at Guiseley, including two Wembley appearances in the FA Vase, championships and cup triumphs.

He has also had the honour of playing England's non-league team and played against Wales and Holland in 1994-5. He was picked for a third match, but had to decline because of work commitments.

Highlight of his spell at Guiseley was to lift the Vase in the 1990-1 under manager Gordon Rayner. Guiseley beat Gresley Rovers 3-1 in a final replay at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground after the Wembley match had ended in a 4-4 draw.

They also went back to Wembley the following for another Vase final, but this time they lost 5-3 against Wimbourne.

Hogarth said: "It was a proud moment lifting the Vase. We were the first Yorkshire side to win the trophy. I was a lucky man to be captain.

"It was a great season for us because we also won the Northern Counties East League championship to gain promotion to what is now the Unibond League Division One.

"Later, under Ray McHale we won three trophies in one season and almost lifted a fourth. We won the First Division championship by 12 points, the President's Cup and the West Riding County Cup. We also reached the semi-final of the FA Trophy, but were beaten by Runcorn.

"We also finished third in the Premier Division with 93 points so we have had some good times along the way."

Hogarth, who lives in Idle, made his debut for Guiseley in 1987-8 when former Leeds United and Scotland international Bobby Collins was manager.

He left for a season to play with Harrogate Town before returning to Nethermoor and has played there ever since.

Hogarth has also played Saturday football for Thackley, Crag Road and Otley Town as well as Sunday football for Bolton Woods and Whetley Lane.

Paying tribute to Hogarth, Guiseley manager Bobby Davison said: "I would say that out of the 500 matches Colin has played for us you could count only ten bad ones.

"When he is fit he is the first name I write on the team sheet. He is a credit to himself and the club.

"Players tend to move on nearly every season at our level, but Colin has stayed loyal. He is an outstanding footballer. "

There will be a presentation to Hogarth on the pitch by club chairman Phil Rogerson before tomorrow's match.

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