An inform Guiseley at home to 18th placed Lancaster looked like it should have been a routine 3 points for the Lions.
In reality the Lions were very fortunate to get even a point as only some wayward finishing denied the visitors a comfortable win.
Injuries to Whitham and Smith undoubtedly meant Guiseley started the game without two key players but I’m not sure this can entirely excuse a performance that, for the second half in particular, we were clearly second best.
We did have first half chances but the sight of Paul Phillips marching to the tunnel before the referee blew for half time indicated he was far from happy with what he had seen.
Whatever he said and the immediate introduction of Haw and switch to a back four did not have the desired effect. In fact arguably we looked even more disjointed and ragged at the back.
At was it this point Cam Mason earned his man of the match award with some good saves.
That said there seemed to be an endless string of one on ones that Alan aster inexplicably blasted over the bar or wide.
Haw missed a decent chance but in truth we were hanging on by the end. Supporters far from hoping the referee would add on plenty of time to snatch a winner were relieved it was only 5 minutes injury time to endure.
Tired legs, busy schedule catching up with a small squad? We may never know and can only hope this was a wake up call that will prove the spark to rekindle our play off push.
Listening to Paul Phillips after the game it seemed clear one or two players may not be seeing much game time, if any,in the run in.
It would be churlish not to give credit to Lancaster who played with a purpose and a pace we rarely matched on the night and will rightly wonder how they didn’t take all 3 points.
As for the Lions we will have to be so much better against Radcliffe on Saturday.
Feed Them To The Lions 