Guiseley boss Mark Bower was looking to Saturday's Conference North journey to Stalybridge Celtic from the minute Tuesday’s home derby against Harrogate Town was postponed.

The Lions were looking to bounce back from three straight league defeats in midweek but the match was one of five recently postponed at Nethermoor.

They have also lost games on the road to the weather, which has frustrated the manager.

Bower said: “Once again it was the right decision on Tuesday but that doesn’t mean it was easy to take. We had to start preparing for Saturday at Stalybridge and we just have to hope that the rain stays away.”

Guiseley have slipped to 12th in the table and are now 15 points off the play-off places, but they have between three and five games in hand on all of the clubs above them. The current problem is getting them played.

“We need to get the Saturday games played because we are running out of midweek nights for re-arrangements,” said Bower.

“The unprecedented amount of rain we had has taken its toll on all the clubs, and not just with the fixtures. A lot of clubs have injuries that have been caused by soft, wet pitches.

“Danny Ellis is out of this game but that’s because of suspension, Danny Hall is struggling with his hamstring strain and Ben Parker had to come off against Worcester last Saturday.

“He wouldn’t have made it for Tuesday’s game but the extra few days will give him a chance of being in contention for this one.”

Stalybridge will be desperate for points as they are just above the relegation trapdoor and battling for survival.

They are currently four points clear of Oxford City but have played four games more. All three of the clubs below Celtic have played fewer games.