Guiseley 2 Chorley 1

MARK Bower’s Lions chewed up and spat out Garry Flitcroft’s Magpies at Nethermoor as Guiseley won the promotion battle to go above Chorley in Vanarama Conference North.

A brace from Adam Boyes made the difference as the home side edged a tight clash but other results mean both clubs are confirmed as being in the play-offs.

The Lions moved above Chorley into fourth place on goal difference. They have a four-point cushion over their closest challengers, who only have one game remaining.

Guiseley could yet improve their finishing position as they have two games left but Bower believes the important aspect was reaching the end-of-season extras.

He said: “It’s nice to get into the play-offs with a couple of games to spare.

“I think the main thing now is to make sure we have the biggest pool of players available for the extra games. We might have to manage the squad and make changes for the last two league games.

“Obviously we want to win both games but it’s important to go into the play-offs in the best shape we can be in.”

Boyes had the Lions’ first chance against Chorley but put his effort wide of the post.

Gavin Rothery had a shot blocked and defender Danny Hall turned a corner goalwards, only to see the ball cleared off the line as Guiseley looked to break the deadlock.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Boyes slid home the Lions’ first goal but the Magpies levelled just before the break, James Dean converting Andy Teague’s pin-point cross with a back-post header.

Boyes netted the winner with a great finish from inside the area just after the hour mark.