Guiseley boss Mark Bower is expecting a physical battle as his side look to start another unbeaten run at third-placed AFC Telford tomorrow.

The Lions were defeated for the first time in 12 Skrill North matches when they lost 1-0 at ten-man Barrow in midweek.

But Bower is confident they can prove Tuesday’s reversal was just a blip as they seek to climb the table towards a play-off spot.

He said: “We certainly believe we are a good side who are capable of going on a decent run again and there is no better place to start than at one of the pre-season title favourites.

“It is a chance for us to bounce back but it will be a difficult test. It’s likely to be a physical encounter and they will put us under pressure with their aerial threat.

“The defeat was disappointing but we have got to remember what got us in the position we are now and the positives from that long unbeaten run.”

Tuesday’s defeat at Barrow was Guiseley’s first league loss since early October and was made all the more frustrating after the hosts’ Paddy Lacey was dismissed midway through the first half.

Bower admitted: “We didn’t reach the standards we have set over the last few months and are disappointed to have lost having played against ten men for a long time.

“We didn’t get the rub of the green, especially in the first half. We hit the bar and had a goal disallowed so it is a tough defeat to take.

“It was a difficult journey home – it always seems that bit longer when you haven’t got the result. The players will not have enjoyed that, they were bitterly disappointed.”

Debutant Adam Boyes had the ball in the net against his old club, only for it to be disallowed for offside, and the Lions chief saw glimpses to suggest he will be a good signing.

“Adam showed some good touches and was unfortunate to have his goal disallowed after being put through by Wayne Brooksby,” said Bower. “There is more to come from him.”

With players returning from injury and a decent-sized squad to pick from, Guiseley are expected to rotate their playing resources for the West Riding County Cup semi-final at Eccleshill United next Wednesday.

“I’ll look to play some of the lads who need a game in that match,” said Bower, who could also field some of his academy youngsters.

“We need to have them in the best shape possible as we have a lot games to cram in between now and the rest of the season.”

Centre half Danny Ellis is lined up for the tie as he continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury. Bower said: “Danny can come in and do a job for us though I’m not sure whether he’s ready for 90 minutes.”

“But next week’s game is the perfect opportunity to give him some game time.”