Guiseley 2 Oxford City 0

The Lions clawed their way up another place in the Skrill North table as they stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games with a win over lowly Oxford City.

Two first-half goals from Alex Johnson were enough to defeat their visitors and lift them up to 12th spot.

It was a good first-half display from Mark Bower’s side and they needed that against a very spirited Oxford.

Danny Forrest had the first attempt on the visitors’ goal but, although it looked bound for the top corner, it was deflected wide.

However, the Lions did not have long to wait to break the deadlock and Forrest was involved again.

In the 17th minute he picked out Wayne Brooksby with a well crafted crossfield pass. Brooksby then got past his marker to send in a cross that Johnson launched himself at to net a firm header.

Oxford could have levelled soon after but home keeper Steve Drench managed to parry a fierce drive from Darren Pond.

They were left to rue that missed opportunity when Johnson bagged his brace.

Just ten minutes after he had given the Lions the lead he was on the end of a crisp passing move. He had his back to goal but spun around before despatching an excellent shot out of keeper Victor Francoz’s reach.

Johnson failed to turn his brace into a hat-trick when he just missed out on connecting with a Forrest cross early in the second half.

But it was the visitors who had more of the ball after the break without really threatening the home side’s goal.

Bower was happy with the win and suggested it was better than the 3-0 victory over Histon in the FA Trophy the previous Saturday.

“I’m more pleased with that than the Histon game because we responded well when Oxford put us under pressure,” said the Lions’ boss.

“I thought we passed the ball about well and scored two very good goals. Alex’s goals were both very well taken but then he is a very entertaining player to watch.

“His finishes were good but I thought they came from quality deliveries.

“We were very professional but the score wasn’t a fair reflection of the game.

“It maybe should have been three or four nil but we will take 2-0 all day long.”