Guiseley 2, Durham City 0

Guiseley had to work hard but finally managed their expected victory over winless Durham City with two goals in the second half.

The points banked kept the Lions in the UniBond League Premier Division play-off places.

It was an important victory because North Ferriby United, the club immediately above them, were held to a draw and all the other promotion hopefuls registered victories.

Guiseley created chances in the first half, with Stuart Rudd on the end of most of them, but they could not get behind the youthful visitors’ determined defence.

Fortunately for the home side they did not face as much frustration after the interval as they broke the deadlock soon after the restart.

Liam Needham got the goal that lifted the lid which prevented the tension mounting and spreading to the crowd.

With the pressure valve activated, the Lions could continue to craft openings and not be panicked into reverting to a route one approach.

Former FC United and Bradford Park Avenue striker Rudd was again at the sharp end.

He did not convert one of the chances that came his way but did claim an assist as Guiseley doubled their lead on the hour.

Good work by Rudd carved an opening for Chris Holland and he stroked the ball home with a long-range effort.