Guiseley manager Mark Bower has challenged his players to go on another unbeaten run following their FA Trophy exit.

The 3-0 defeat at Aldershot was their first loss in 16 games. Now Bower wants his men to focus on closing the gap on the Skrill North’s top five.

The Lions are currently 11 points adrift of the play-off positions but now have four games in hand on most of their rivals.

After having three matches called off over Christmas and New Year, Guiseley will be playing catch-up over the coming weeks.

It all starts with Saturday’s home game against Stockport County and Tuesday’s trip to Solihull Moors.

Bower said: “We need to get another run going and start closing the gap on the teams above us.

“It is tough with us playing two games a week for the next two months, but it was something we knew would happen after our Trophy run and having the three games called off.”

Bower is looking to add to his squad to cope with the busy schedule.

“It is easy to just get players in, but it’s not so easy to get the ones that will improve your team,” he said.

Popular defender Danny Ellis could be on the bench on Saturday after four months out with a knee injury.