Guiseley were handed a tough tie in the FA Cup second qualifying round when it was made almost a fortnight ago and their recent form has not made their task any easier.

The Lions visit Blue Square Bet North Division rivals Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday, with Steve Kittrick’s men looking to bounce back from two defeats.

Following their last run out, a 1-0 loss at Gainsborough Trinity, Lions spokesman Stuart Allen said: “The squad is looking forward to a full week of training with no games just to regroup a little.

“We weren’t at our best the game before (the 4-3 home derby defeat to FC Halifax Town) and, though we played all right at Gainsborough, it was uninspiring.

“But the lads didn’t deserve to lose and we are all hoping that’s our bad spell out of the way now. Danny Boshell came back from injury but had to go off holding his hamstring again. Danny Forrest wasn’t involved but he could be this week.”

Looking ahead to Saturday, Allen added: “It is not a good draw – we don’t like it and I’m sure they don’t either.

“It would have been better if we had both drawn a club from a different league. We don’t have a problem playing a side at the same standing and I’m sure it will be the same for Stalybridge but in national competitions you like to meet teams that you wouldn’t normally in the course of your season.”