AFC Telford 3,Guiseley 2

Guiseley almost produced an upset when they visited table-topping AFC Telford United on Saturday.

They suffered a narrow defeat after a highly contentious opening goal from the penalty spot for the hosts proved to be the difference.

There was nothing between the sides as Terry Dolan's battling side set out to improve on their 1-0 reverse by Telford at Nethermoor.

He included new signing Mark Betts, the former Farsley Celtic player, on the subs bench whilst giving a first start to teenage striker James Hanson. Betts was signed from Gainsborough Trinity.

Telford took the lead after an early incident that had a massive bearing on the game.

Gavin Knight and Scott Jackson had both put efforts over the bar before in the 12th minute the referee appeared to indicate a corner for the home side.

He was then attracted to the sideline by his assistant's flag. Following discussions the referee then pointed to the spot for a foul by Sam Denton inside the area.

Guiseley 'keeper Steve Dickinson made a brave effort to save Steve Foster's spot kick parrying the ball but Foster was there to snap up the rebound.

Midway through the first-half Guiseley hit back with close efforts from Gavin Knight, Ryan Serrant, Scott Jackson and James Hanson.

The visitors finally equalised just after the half-hour with a superb free-kick from skipper Richard Dunning. The home 'keeper was left rooted to the spot as Dunning's well-struck effort flew into the top corner.

Any celebrations were short-lived however as Telford went on the attack from the re-start and restored their lead with a goal by Justin Marsden.

Serrant and Jackson then squandered good chances for Guiseley.

After the break Dunning had an effort from another free-kick saved before Telford went 3-1 up following some poor Guiseley defending.

Having conceded a corner, the Guiseley rearguard made hard work of dealing with it and Andy Jones bundled the ball into the net.

Other chances followed at both ends in an exciting and entertaining game between the side pushing for a promotion play-off place and the team rushing headlong into Conference North.

Knight hit the bar in the 57th minute after good work by Jackson and Nathan Hay. Sam Denton had a shot saved in the 69th minute and Knight then put an effort wide in the 77th minute.

The result was back in the balance with ten minutes to go, when Dunning netted another special from a set piece. This time his free-kick took a slight deflection off the head of a defender as it beat the home 'keeper.

The tension levels in the 2,000 plus crowd reached a peak as Hanson sent in a late header but the 'keeper tipped it over the bar in spectacular style.

Guiseley manager Terry Dolan said: "We played the leaders and they sneaked it.It is one of those when you are disappointed with the result but can take a lot of positives from the performance.

"Normally, if you score two goals away from home against the team leading the division, you expect something out of the game. That didn't happen because we gave sloppy goals away and that is what cost us.

"In one respect I can see that improving in the coming weeks but instant results are what we need in this business."

Dolan added: "We had two great chances to score after that penalty decision went against us and didn't. We defended poorly.

"I said to the players after the game that they had shown a lot of character and that I couldn't fault their attitude and commitment.

"At 2-1 down at half-time, I fancied our chances. I would think a lot of that large crowd must have had a few concerns about us coming back as well."

Guiseley: Dickinson; Hay, Serrant, Sturdy, Ellis, Denton; Green, Dunning; Jackson, Knight, Hanson. Subs. Collins, Hall, Bett.