Guiseley manager Mark Bower admits that their FA Trophy draw could hardly have been harder.

The Lions’ reward for a 3-0 home victory over neighbours Bradford Park Avenue is a third-round trip to Skrill Conference Aldershot Town on Saturday, January 11.

“It is a difficult one,” said Bower, “and also because of the travelling involved.

“They will expect to progress but all the pressure will be on them and we can take confidence from our earlier Trophy victory at Halifax Town, and everyone knows about our 13-game unbeaten run.”

Guiseley’s goals against Avenue last weekend came from left back Ben Parker, Gavin Rothery and Alex Johnson, although Avenue reckon they should have had a penalty when they trailed 1-0 and immediately had Richard Marshall sent off for a second yellow card.

Bower said: “The wind made it a game of two halves. In the first half, we were excellent and passed the ball really well and restricted them to very little, and if we had gone in at half-time 4-0 up I don’t think there would have been any complaints.

“We were guilty of missing our chances and not getting that second goal. We came in at half-time and said ‘we have let them off the hook and we are going to have to win the game again’.

“We defended well and they are a very attacking side and to have kept two clean sheets against them is really pleasing.”

As for Avenue’s claims for a spot-kick, Bower said: “I didn’t think it was a penalty as he went to ground very easily.

"It was theatrical and I would have been very surpised and disappointed if the referee had given the decision there.”

He added: “We could have put it beyond doubt, hitting a post or just going the other side, and we had the best chances in the second half and it was nice to put a fairer reflection on the score.

“It is always good for confidence with Gavin and AJ getting a goal apiece, and we went into these two games (against Avenue) wanting three points and to win in the Trophy, and we have got that.”

Guiseley host Altrincham on Saturday, and Bower admits he may have to freshen things up as he will be without Danny Forrest, who was injured on Saturday.

The player-manager said: “Danny Forrest felt his hamstring and hopefully he came off without doing too much further damage but with a strain like that he will probably be out for a couple of weeks.”

Bower has called the 4-1 defeat at Altrincham in October a dark day for Guiseley and a performance they want to put to bed.

He said: “We saw what they did to us at their place in the second half, although they were gifted a couple of goals. We will use that as motivation this week.”