Recently appointed manager Mark Bower has a smile on his face for the first time since taking over at Guiseley.

Guiding his side to their first point under his stewardship last weekend and then a first win three days later has lifted a huge weight off the former Bantams skipper’s shoulders.

The Lions clawed their way out of the Conference North relegation zone by banking those four points.

The only downside for Bower and his players is that they have a free weekend.

Bower said, “It was a good feeling on the way home Tuesday night (after their 3-2 win at third- placed North Ferriby United). We put in a performance and came away with what we deserved.

“We haven’t been able to say that over the last month. The performances since I took over have been good but we have not had the rub of the green.

"But we kept our belief, and four points from two games has put a different complexion on it.

“Both games were against good teams. It has been a tough start to be fair, I looked at it and we have now played every team in the top nine.”

Bower made three signings last week, making Alex Johnson’s loan from FC Halifax Town permanent, bringing in centre back Adam Lockwood from Bury and recapturing Danny Boshell as assistant player-manager.

“It was a big week for the club and the squad is much better for it. Getting a player of Adam’s experience is a big coup, Danny is very popular at the club and a welcome addition to the squad and staff and Alex is at the other end of his career.

“Alex is only young but he has a physical presence and at six-foot odd the centre backs he plays against know they have been in a game.

"He has done such a good job since he has been here, bringing other players in and holding the ball up front. I’m delighted that he agreed to join us on a permanent basis.

“It’s a pity we can’t take the momentum from the last two games into another this weekend but it’s our fault we’re out of the cup so we can’t complain.”