Guiseley hope to strengthen their grip on second place in Blue Square North this week as they face two games in 48 hours, starting with a trip to Stalybridge Celtic tomorrow night.

Steve Kittrick’s men then take on Altrincham at Nethermoor on Thursday and the Lions boss admits it is a gruelling schedule.

After their 1-0 defeat at third-placed Brackley last Saturday, Kittrick said: “We have got another three games this week and that is tough on the players and everyone involved.

“You can’t play at your best in so many games in such a short space of time. That’s not an excuse but it is a crazy schedule.”

The manager is trying to rotate his squad to keep everyone fresh and he has Gavin Rothery back from a long-term knee injury just in time for the busy run-in and the play-offs.

Rivals FC Halifax Town bid to boost their play-off hopes at home to Bishop’s Stortford tomorrow night.

Thackley are also in action in the Baris Northern Counties East Premier Division and are looking to bounce back from a defeat. The Dennyboys head to Parkgate just three days after losing 3-0 at home to title-chasing Brighouse Town.

In the North West Counties Premier Division, Silsden will be looking to distance themselves from the relegation zone when they play one of the five clubs below them in the table.

The Cobbydalers head to Ashton Athletic, who are four points behind them in third-from-bottom spot, having played a game less.