Aldershot Town 1 Guiseley 0

GUISELEY remain second from bottom in the National League after a narrow defeat at promotion-chasing Aldershot.

The Lions matched the Shots for the majority of the game – despite the dismissal of Jake Lawlor for a second bookable offence with a third of the game to play.

But it was the Hampshire side who banked all three points to move to the brink of the play-off places in sixth, just two points behind fifth-placed Barrow.

When Guiseley had a full complement of players, the game was always in the balance, although the home side had one moment to make their numerical advantage pay and seized it.

Nick Arnold broke down the flank in the 74th minute and, although his progress was checked by Danny East, he managed to get in a low drive that Guiseley goalkeeper Jonny Maxted parried.

The subsequent corner was only half cleared and when it was played back into the area, Charlie Walker curled a shot beyond Maxted's reach.

Maxted had a good game and denied both Walker and Bernard Mensah in the opening 20 minutes.

Guiseley's travelling support in the crowd of 1,731 thought the Shots had taken the lead five minutes before the interval but Scott Rendell's effort was ruled out for a push in the build-up.

Aldershot keeper Jake Cole had to work hard to foil Jake Cassidy and Alex Purver as the Lions continued to create chances. They almost grabbed a dramatic equaliser when substitute Oli Johnson placed a stoppage-time shot just wide.

Guiseley boss Adam Lockwood, who had named himself among the substitutes, was furious with the decision to red-card Lawlor.

"To be honest, I thought we were absolutely outstanding and I am very disappointed," he said.

"We are told to keep our mouths shut but sometimes we are right. It's getting to a point now where, every single week, we are getting let down by people who should be at a game – but no-one should know that they are there.

"Everybody on that ground, I dare say even the Aldershot fans, will look at our side and the effort and application that we've put in. When things like that happen, it changes games; it spoils games.

"I've got a squad of lads that have come here and done everything and – even with ten men – have still created probably the better chances of the game. It's disappointing but you have to bite your tongue."