Guiseley players are thriving on the pressure, says Lockwood

PERHAPS nothing illustrates the stunning transformation at Guiseley better than the following fact.
Adam Lockwood.Adam Lockwood.
Adam Lockwood.

Namely, that if the National League table was based upon results since the start of October, then the Lions would occupy a place in the top ten.

Whereas once, Guiseley were seen as routine opponents, especially for aspiring sides in the top echelons of the table, now they are treated deadly seriously across the board – further reinforced after now recording wins over the top two of Dagenham and Redbridge and FA Cup heroes Lincoln City.

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With that comes a fair deal of pressure on a week by week basis, but Adam Lockwood admits it is of the right variety.

After last weekend’s Jordan Preston-inspired victory at high-flying Dagenham, the Lions return to Nethermoor for a home outing with North Ferriby United tomorrow.

Even accounting for some fine results under the stewardship of Lockwood and experienced assistant Dave Penney, the managerial team are under no illusions that standards must be maintained to finish off the job of safety.

Guiseley, seeking a third successive win at this level for the first time ever tomorrow, lie in 18th place, four points above the drop zone with 13 matches left.

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At the beginning of October, it was rather less healthy with the Lions effectively ten points adrift of safety and despite their recent accomplishments, Lockwood wants more.

Lockwood, whose side are defending an impressive 10-match unbeaten league sequence at Nethermoor, which stretches back to September 24, said: “People do make it harder for us (now) and I am asking the guys to step up to the plate.

“We know what we have got in our changing room and squad as a whole and they thrive on that (pressure) in there and you can see it when you look in their eyes. They are enjoying the challenges and that is good.

“It is great to be manager of a group of lads like that.

“We have got a lot of work to do and will keep going and working hard and trying to drive the standards and hopefully we will achieve our goals.”