Lions ready to grab play-offs slot

11:30am Thursday 23rd April 2009

By Ian Whiting

Guiseley are the team with momentum behind them as the UniBond League season reaches its final weekend with six clubs scrambling for three places in the Premier Division play-offs.

Leaders Eastwood Town and second-placed Ilkeston Town have their own side issue of who wins the title and the one automatic promotion slot to the Blue Square North. The one who misses out will be in pole position for the four-team play-offs.

The Lions have done everything in their power to book themselves a place and their fifth straight victory, 2-0 at home to North Ferriby United on Tuesday, lifted them into fourth position.

They have timed their run to perfection as the other hopefuls have been feeling the pressure in the last fortnight. However, Guiseley will be fully aware that all their good work could be undone if they do not win at Witton Albion on Saturday.

Rivals FC United of Manchester and neighbouring Bradford Park Avenue are both two points behind the Lions and play each other tomorrow. A win for either will prevent the loser leapfrogging Guiseley, should they themselves falter, while a draw would rule both out of overhauling Steve Kittrick’s team.

Hednesford Town are four points adrift in eighth place, so are too far behind to worry Guiseley, so the dark horse on the rails is Kendal Town.

The Cumbrians, and a winner from the FC United versus Avenue clash, could push Guiseley out of the frame if the Lions lose at third-bottom Witton, who are trying to avoid relegation.

Should Guiseley draw then calculators will be going into overdrive as managers, players and fans try to decipher the complexities of the goal difference scenario.