The Lions enjoyed some thrilling highs in what was a wonderful season but also suffered the ultimate low thanks to the nature of the play-offs.

Guiseley ended their first Blue Square Bet North campaign in the play-off final last Sunday when the statistics show they were 11 minutes from the non-league top flight and back-to-back promotions.

That was all that was left when Guiseley led 2-1 at AFC Telford United but the home side levelled the tie and their keeper made two good saves to deny Lions’ leading scorer Jamie Walshaw in the closing minutes.

Just as Steve Kittrick and his staff in the dugout were preparing for extra-time, Telford snatched a 93rd-minute winner. The last minute of stoppage time, and almost the last kick of the game, produced the dagger that plunged deep into the Lions’ hearts.

It was the nightmare finish to the campaign that the astute Kittrick, his hard-working support staff and the talented squad did not deserve.

As his side began their Blue Square Bet North campaign, the Guiseley boss often quoted the ‘surprise package’ line in interviews. But the longer the season went on, the more hollow that modest statement became.

It was obvious that Guiseley were serious contenders and their position reflected that.

The harsh winter gave Guiseley a big backlog of league fixtures, which was intensified by their success in the knock-out compe-titions.

Kittrick’s men proved to be cup specialists as they reached the first round of the FA Cup, losing to Football League-bound Crawley Town, who went on to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

They were also quarter-finalists in the FA Trophy, losing to favourites Luton Town, and they added to their trophy cabinet when they won the West Riding County Cup.

It might have been much less prestigious than the other two competitions but still provided a night to remember, not just for Guiseley but local football in general as they beat neighbouring Thackley after extra-time at Bradford City’s Valley Parade.

It looked as if their cup exploits were taking their toll as the Nethermoor men suffered a blip in the league but they regained their form and the play-off berth was secured as they finished in fifth.

That effectively meant fourth spot as the side above them, Eastwood Town, were denied entrance to the play-offs due to ground grading criteria.

After winning the first leg of their semi-final with Boston 1-0, the Lions lost the away return 3-2 but reached the final on penalties.

Just one hurdle remained and they came so close before bowing out in heartbreaking fashion.