The police have insisted on an early kick-off for the UniBond League Premier Division clash between Guiseley and the well-supported FC United of Manchester at Nethermoor on Saturday.

The game, originally scheduled for Sunday, has been brought forward 24 hours but is still subject to a noon kick-off.

With at least 2,000 spectators expected at the ground, the authorities are keen to ensure they can manage the event.

There is also a lot resting on the game - not least Guiseley’s title challenge.

The Lions moved level with leaders Bradford Park Avenue with a 4-2 win on Tuesday, only to see their hard work trumped when Avenue won 5-1 at FC United the following night.

Midweek defeats for Retford United and Boston United means Guiseley and Avenue are the favourites for the championship.

However, the local rivals have to meet twice in the hectic run-in, so the chasing pack are not out of the race for the one automatic promotion place.

Guiseley spokesman Stuart Allen said: “We have made arrangements for the early kick-off, so we don’t think that will be a factor.

"It was nice to go joint top for a little while during the week but there is still everything to play for.

“Simon Johnson started at Stocksbridge for the first time since Steve (manager Kittrick) signed him the week before. He played well and got one of the goals but he only started because Andy Bell failed a fitness test.

“Andy is struggling with a hamstring injury and probably came back too soon from that when he played last Saturday against Retford.

"It is good that when we have a striker missing we have the quality of Simon waiting for his chance to start.

"The competition in depth is here at Steve’s disposal, and that’s good because there are some very big games coming up.”