Harrogate Town 1, Guiseley 2

Guiseley rode their luck at times in a full-blooded derby at Harrogate Town tonight to bank another three points in Blue Square Bet North.

The Lions hardly need the points as they have second place already wrapped up but manager Steve Kittrick insists he wants his players to have the right mental attitude going into the play-offs. Tonight’s victory suggests he is getting what he wants.

It was the visitors who had the first chance, Mark Bower heading just wide from an Andy Holdsworth free-kick, but Harrogate who took an early lead.

Michael Woods planted in a header from the edge of the six-yard box just six minutes into the game.

The closest the Lions came to a first-half equaliser was Gavin Rothery’s effort which was cleared off the line.

However, they got on level terms seven minutes after the interval when James Walshaw netted a bicycle kick after Danny Ellis had headed the ball on.

Walshaw needed no assistance when he put Guiseley into the lead with two minutes to go as he shot home after a slalom run.

Harrogate should have equalised seconds later as their next attack led to them being awarded a penalty but Woods fired over from the spot.

FC Halifax Town lost 2-0 at Altrincham, second-half goals from Nicky Clee and Matthew Doughty giving Lee Sinnott’s side the win which saw them climb above the Shaymen.

Halifax are now in fifth spot, which would see them up against Guiseley in the play-offs, but they have two games left while fourth-placed Altrincham, who are now three points clear, have just one.

Meanwhile in Baris Northern Counties East League Division One, Pontefract Collieries beat Eccleshill United 2-1

Tomorrow night, in the Premier Division, Thackley will be keen to snap out of their recent malaise when they head to second-from-bottom Hall Road Rangers.

The Dennyboys know a win would lift spirits ahead of next midweek’s League Cup semi-final but the home side are only in the relegation zone by one point and they have games in hand on their rivals.

Heanor Town host Liversedge in a mid-table battle.

The Derbyshire outfit have done well in the first season in the league while Sedge have had a poor second half of the season.