Mark Bower believes Guiseley’s enforced break since Boxing Day may be a blessing in disguise as they host neighbours Harrogate Town in the reverse fixture tomorrow.

The Lions won 3-2 at Harrogate in their festive outing and should have hosted Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday but that fixture was washed out. Had Guiseley beaten Trinity, they would have been going into tomorrow above Harrogate in the Conference North table.

Bower said: “We should have one or two players back again after an extended rest, so the Gainsborough game being off could have done us some favours.

“We trained yesterday and have had no reaction back from the players, so we will have a look at them before finalising things. But it’s looking good for Adam Lockwood, who should be available, and it’s quite promising for Danny Hall.”

Not having to put his squad through another gruelling game just two days after their 3-2 victory at Harrogate, which featured a hat-trick of Gavin Rothery penalties, is a bonus for the Lions boss.

Despite not playing on Saturday, Guiseley remain immediately behind ninth-placed Harrogate in the table, trailing by goal difference only but now with two games in hand.

Guiseley have lost one player from their squad as Louie Swain’s loan has now ended and the young striker has returned to Bradford City.

Bower said: “For every team, having so many games in a short space of time is difficult. The Premier League clubs can change six or seven for every match but we don’t have that luxury at this level.

“That’s why it’s good for us to have had a couple of days extra to prepare for this game. On the other hand we wanted to get back into it because we were on the back of a very good result; a win at one of our local rivals, which is always tough.

“But this return game is only six days later, so it’s not as if the players have been kicking their heels. We hope we can pick it up where we left off and carry on our run.”

* There will be a pitch inspection at Nethermoor at 10.30am tomorrow.