Guiseley host Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday looking for three points having dropped out of the Blue Square Bet North play-off zone following Tuesday’s home draw against struggling Gloucester City.

But Lions boss Steve Kittrick has injury woes and poor home to deal with as his side enter a critical eight-day period, although it will be a comparatively laid-back spell after the recent rigours that his side have had to endure.

Kittrick said: “We had five games in ten days and won four and drew one. That was Monday’s 1-1 at home to Gloucester and it was not the best match because some of our players looked to be running on empty.

“But we have our hands tied to some extent because of injuries and having a tight squad. All the same, our little run has put us back where we need to be at this stage and in with a chance of the play-offs – but we have three huge games.

“Two of them are at Nethermoor but our home form hasn’t been the best lately. Since the Luton game it has been patchy, whereas before that it was superb.

“But to be on a run like we are – four wins and a draw, including the County Cup victory at Valley Parade – at this time of the season is what you want.

“If we get into the play-offs then we might have Liam Needham and Joe O’Neill back from their injuries but we are not making any plans. If we are in the top five we will be involved, if we aren’t then so be it.”