Guiseley 1, Harrogate Town 0

An unusual line-up yesterday proved Guiseley's strength in depth at Nethermoor, and they won all three points from a tight derby to climb to the top of the Blue Square Bet North Division in the process.

A Guiseley starting line-up shorn of many regular starters was too good, too experienced and more potent than anything Harrogate Town could offer.

It was a typical derby full of nervous energy but the team who created more up front were justifiable victors.

The goalless first half was predominantly played in the visitors’ half, and their keeper Mark Cook made some telling stops. Some of them were only parried which meant the home side also bossed the corner count.

An uncharacteristic defensive error handed Town a rare chance at the start of the second half but Matt Bloomer, who was unmarked at the far post, elected to chip across the face of goal when a blast at the target would have had greater effect.

The Lions were soon back on top, with James Walshaw, Joe O’Neill and Warren Peyton all putting Cook to work again. The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute.

Walshaw drilled a low ball through the six-yard box and it reached O’Neill, who was in space at the far side.

The striker was quickly closed down but he twisted and turned several times to find room for a shot into the roof of the net.

Guiseley boss Steve Kittrick said: “It was a tight derby but I thought we deserved it and that their keeper was man of the match.

"Finding out after the game that Alfreton Town had drawn their derby and we had gone top made it an even better start to the year.

“We had Simon Ainge, Danny Ellis and Ryan Toulson, all from our back four, suspended and Danny Boshell was also out. The three defenders are back for tomorrow's game at Hyde but Danny got a two-game ban so he sits out again.

“The lads who have come in - Dave Merris, James Cotterill and Simon Baldry - have given me a real selection headache.”