The Lions face an unwelcome fixture the night before Christmas Eve following a knock-on effect of the recent glut of postponements.

They host Ossett Town on Tuesday when many of the non-league fraternity will be enjoying Christmas celebrations as they break up from their day jobs.

That’s because last week’s County Cup tie against Town was postponed as Ossett’s FA Trophy tie against Ilkeston Town took priority. Frustratingly, it meant Guiseley had a blank week as they had earlier had to shelve their league clash against Eastwood to make way for the County Cup tie.

Next week’s cup fixture comes before a crucial league double header against neighbours Park Avenue but Guiseley assistant Wayne Benn refuses to see it as a distraction.

“It’s not ideal but it is a game we still feel is important for a variety of reasons,” he said.

“Steve (manager Kittrick) and myself have said many times that we would like to bring silverware from a knockout competition to Nethermoor this season.

“Our top priority has to be gaining promotion to the Blue Square North but a cup win would be magnificent.

“This month has been a huge frustration but we can rescue something from it if we keep focused. If we can beat Ossett Town in midweek it would be a huge boost to the confidence before our double header against Avenue.”

Looking ahead to the clashes with his former club Avenue, Benn added: “They have had a difficult time with the manager quitting and players being injured but you don’t poke a sleeping animal with a sharp stick.

“The new management team has had time to settle and they will be up for the derbies, no doubt about it.”