GUISELEY clicked into gear after a slow start in their Northern Premier League Premier Division game at Gainsborough Trinity, deservedly winning 2-0 in the end.

The first chance of the game just before the half-hour mark, when home stopper Dylan Wharton got a hand to Lebrun Mbeka’s header, with the loose ball hacked off the line.

Declan Howe fired a wild effort wide at the other end before both sides came close to opening the scoring.

Will Lancaster flicked an effort just wide for Gainsborough, while moments later, Leo Farrell was inches away from finding the net after a Guiseley counter-attack.

The Lions put their foot on the gas in the final 10 minutes of the half, Mbeka striking the post, Jordan Thewlis hitting the bar and Prince Ekpolo forcing a good save out of Wharton.

Guiseley finally made their pressure count on the stroke of half-time, as centre back Jake Lawlor thundered a volley virtually through the keeper and into the net.

Jake Lawlor headed home a memorable winner for Guiseley against Scunthorpe in the FA Cup earlier this season, but his goal yesterday was a huge one for the club too. (Image: Alex Daniel.)

Farrell struck an effort well over the bar at the start of the second half, while he missed a great chance on the hour mark after being found by Ollie Brown, who deserved the assist after his marauding run.

Lewis Butroid almost fired the leveller for Gainsborough with 20 minutes to go, only for James Cracknell to make a superb save at full stretch.

Guiseley made the game safe soon after, as substitute Jack Emmett played a slide-rule pass through to Thewlis, who made no mistake in the subsequent one-on-one with Wharton.

The game petered out thereafter, save a late yellow card for Lawlor, with Guiseley able to toast a festive three points, ensuring they will end 2024 in second place behind runaway leaders Macclesfield.