Thursday, February 05, 2009

Guiseley out to erase FC memory

3:11pm Thursday 5th February 2009

By Ian Whiting

After the heartbreak of their late defeat at Gigg Lane to FC United of Manchester last weekend, Guiseley turn their attention to the UniBond League Challenge Cup and a quarter-final at Witton Albion on Saturday.

The 2-1 loss to United, after they were leading 1-0 with three minutes remaining, dropped the Lions out of the play-off places in the Premier Division.

They leave their quest to rejoin the promotion-chasing pack in search of a place in the semi-finals of the cup.

“Everyone is hoping it’s on so we can get the FC United game out of our system,” said Guiseley’s assistant manager Wayne Benn.

“A really tough game like this is just the kind of challenge you need to get back on track.

“There are no easy games at this level and going to Witton is always very testing. They gave Eastwood (Premier Division leaders) a fright last week. But when you get to this stage of a competition you go all out for it.”

Benn reports a clean bill of health among the Nethermoor squad.

He said: “There are no injuries, just a few niggles but everyone is keen to play. Steve Burton returns from injury and James Cotterill is back from illness.

“Cotty was laid low with a virus for over a week but he did come out of the house to watch us at Gigg Lane. He is on the mend now. We couldn’t train because of the weather on Tuesday but he joined in later in the week.”