Guiseley are eager for Saturday’s fixture to beat the expected big freeze so they can mount another tilt at the Blue Square Bet North summit.

The Lions had an earlier chance to topple Nicky Law’s Alfreton Town but that fell flat as they lost 1-0 to fourth-placed Telford.

Guiseley still held on to second place and they now face second-bottom Stafford Rangers at Nethermoor.

Steve Kittrick’s men have not been as affected by postponements as their neighbours or even their divisional rivals. In fact, they have played three more league games than Alfreton.

There appears to be no hangover from their near-miss assault on top spot as they have progressed in two cup competitions since.

They won at holders Barrow in the FA Trophy last Saturday and then put neighbours Brighouse Town out of the West Riding County Cup in midweek.

Spokesman Stuart Allen said: “The spirit within the squad just seems to be getting stronger and stronger.

“No-one wants to let their performance drop in the slightest because they are desperate to keep their place in the team.

“Liam Needham has been out for a while with an ankle injury but he had a good test when he played against Brighouse, while Darryn Stamp has served his three-game suspension now.

“They could both be back for Saturday, if the game is played. I’m sure everyone is aware of the forecast.”

Guiseley’s reward for beating Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Barrow is a second-round tie at home to Stalybridge Celtic. The pair have already met at Nethermoor this season.

Allen said: “I feel we have to be fairly pleased with a home draw after our win away in the last round.

“We have already beaten them 3-1 at home in the league this season but it was not the nicest of games. They will come here looking for revenge, so Steve will take nothing for granted and he will have the boys fully focused for the tie.”