Tranmere Rovers 1 Guiseley 0

FORMER Guiseley boss Mark Bower insisted that, despite his side losing five matches on the spin before his exit, they were competing in all of their games.

That is still the case going off the evidence of yesterday’s encounter.

The Lions were away at leaders Tranmere Rovers in the National League under the spotlight of live television, and it ended in a seventh straight defeat.

It was a valiant effort and the platitudes were trotted out that the Lions had regained some pride but they are still propping up the table.

Guiseley were undone by their nemesis from the corresponding fixture last season as James Norwood scored the game’s only goal.

Norwood, who netted both goals in Tranmere’s 2-1 win at Prenton Park last term, thumped a first time volley past Lions’ keeper Dan Atkinson to convert Steve McNulty’s 41st minute through ball.

The home side should have had a second in the first period but Connor Jennings’ effort was ruled out by an offside flag, erroneously as the TV replays showed.

Both Ashley Palmer and Nicky Clee were a yard in front of Jennings as he broke the offside trap before lashing an angled shot past Atkinson.

That decision irked Rovers’ boss Gary Brabin, who said: “People say we needed a second goal to be sure but we scored a perfectly legitimate one in the first half. It’s frustrating for managers but we know that it’s difficult for referees.

“Guiseley came here with a game plan and they frustrated us and tried to turn the crowd against us. They played with a back four and a back five in front of them.”

Lions’ caretaker manager Adam Lockwood said: “Everyone knows our situation and I’m immensely proud of the guys.

“We have gone into the game with lads that have come in after being injured for months, and they’ve come in and shown what it’s like to be a footballer. It’s tough, that’s seven defeats and it’s tough to come to the top of the league.

“I thought as individuals – and as a team more importantly – we were tremendous. Yes, we got beaten but over the last two weeks we have improved.”

Another thing Bower said on his departure was: “It doesn’t matter how well or badly you have played – all that counts is the league table.”

Guiseley are at the foot with no points on the board after seven games. The last word went to former FC Halifax Town manager Jim Harvey when he was asked if he would like the job.

“I’m not working at the moment, so yes I’m available,” he said.