Guiseley 2 Torquay United 0: Lions give themselves hope with home win

SECOND STRIKE: Guiseley's Jake Cassidy powers in the second goal. Picture: Tony Johnson.

After bagging their first victory from their last four league games, the Lions jumped above North Ferriby United who are now bottom after being held to a 1-1 draw at third-bottom Woking.

Guiseley took the lead in the 14th minute after fine work by Connor Brown, who crossed for Preston, who was able to control the pass and slot the ball past Brendan Moore.

It got even better for the hosts just five minutes later when a cross by Will Hatfield found Cassidy, who made no mistake with a powerful close-range header.

OPENING SALVO: Guiseley's Jordan Preston, right, celebrates his opening goal with Alex Purver. Picture: Tony Johnson.

Guiseley were dominating possession and should have been 3-0 up after gaining a penalty but Cassidy’s effort was saved by Moore.

The Torquay goalkeeper made a string of impressive saves denying Preston, Adam Boyes and Cassidy.

The away side nearly grabbed a goal just before half-time when a corner found Ben Gerring but his half-volley looped over.

Torquay were fired up for the second-half with Scott Williams missing the target after being found unmarked.

ON TARGET: Guiseley's Jordan Preston, second left, fires in tthe home side's first goal against Torquay. Picture: Tony Johnson.

But Guiseley nearly extended their advantage further only for Danny East to head over.

Lions boss Adam Lockwood beamed: “All aspects of our performance were positive, we looked good going forward but I’m more pleased with how we defended.

“We have to build on this. It was a big result for us and we really saw the game out which was nice to see – it shows the training is working for us.”

Third-bottom Guiseley are now only three points adrift of safety with the Lions returning to action next Saturday at sixth-placed Dover.

In National League North, Harrogate Town’s winless run continues after a dramatic 4-3 loss at home to Tamworth, who struck twice in the last four minutes.

Town led 3-2 with four minutes left after goals from Chib Chilaka, Simon Ainge and Warrenn Burrell. But Dan Newton notched a late brace to turn the game on its head. Town are now 10th – four points off the play-offs – and visit ninth-placed Brackley Town on Saturday.

Bradford Park Avenue finally bagged their first home win of the season as Nicky Wroe’s first-half volley sealed a 1-0 victory against Alfreton Town. Avenue sit 20th and visit 11th-placed Stockport County next.

FC Halifax Town saw off visiting Kidderminster Town 2-0 with goals from Matthew Kosylo and Richard Peniket. The Shaymen now sit fourth and head to 18th-placed Curzon Ashton on Saturday.