It’s been quite a week for Mark Bower and the next one promises to be even tougher.

Guiseley’s impressive 1-0 away win over Skrill Premier neighbours Halifax Town in the FA Trophy was followed by the Lions’ boss being named Skrill North’s manager of the month on Monday.

His side also extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 2-1 win over Selby Town on Tuesday night to move into the semi-finals of the West Riding County Cup.

But all that will pale into the background as they face up to a hectic schedule which sees them playing two crucial league games at home to Boston United on Saturday and at Bradford Park Avenue on Monday, before tangling with their neighbours again in the FA Trophy on Saturday week at Nethermoor.

Bower, who has also agreed a deal to keep defender Danny Hall at the club for the rest of the season, has barely had time to reflect on his achievement in turning the club’s fortunes around.

Bower said: “Winning the man- ager of the month award is nice as it is recognition for the progress we have made as a club.

“We have been playing some good football and the Trophy win at Halifax was particularly pleasing, especially as we kept a cleansheet too.

“Now we have to focus on three tough games against sides who beat us earlier in the season.”

Boston defeated the Lions 3-0 in Bower’s first game at the helm, and he was impressed with what he saw.

“They are a good side and they beat us comfortably down there. They have got a goo mix. They can pass the ball around well and also have a physical side to their play.

“Boston score a number of goals from setpieces so it is a difficult test for us but with the confidence of the run we on are on at the minute can go into the game thinking we can get something from it,” said Bower.

The two matches against Park Avenue present Guiseley with the opportunity to avenge the home defeats they suffered against their closest rivals in the league and FA Cup earlier in the season.

“We know quite a lot about Park Avenue and they are obviously know plenty about us too,” said Bower.

“John Deacey has done a great job as manager and has got them playing some smashing football which isn’t always easy on their Horsfall Stadium pitch.

“They have good players throughout their team and they promise to be two great games.

“Both of us knocked Skrill Premier sides out of the FA Trophy and whoever wins our tie has a great chance of enjoying a long run in the competition.”