ADAM Lockwood has heralded Guiseley’s supporters ahead of a crucial Easter Bank Holiday double-header in their quest for National League survival.

The Lions were dragged back into the relegation dogfight with a 1-0 home defeat to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

That left Lockwood’s men just four points clear of the trapdoor with four matches remaining this campaign.

The first of those is a trip to Braintree Town on Good Friday before Tranmere Rovers head to Nethermoor on Monday.

Ahead of those key encounters, the Guiseley boss has personally thanked the Lions faithful for their support – particularly last weekend when Jake Cassidy’s controversial red card left the hosts with a mountain to climb against promotion-chasing Rovers.

“I can only thank the supporters for what they gave the lads when we came off the pitch because that was outstanding,” he said.

“The lads appreciate that because at times like this, when you’re up against it and things aren’t right, that’s when you unite.”

“The supporters know what has happened there, they’ve been to enough games, and it’s disappointing.”

Talking more specifically about Cassidy’s dismissal ten minutes into the second half – for an alleged elbow to then face of Forest Green’s Mark Ellis – Lockwood continued: “There was definitely a coming together, but it’s a game of football.

“To be honest, I’m past commenting. Everybody in the ground knows what’s happened and I’m hoping for a phone call. I don’t think I’ll get one, but I’m hoping.

“I just want to comment on the game, my team and what I can control. You try to help and it’s thrown back at you ten times over.

“I’m a young manager, I’ve got an experienced team around me and we know what the situation is, as do everybody who were at the ground on Saturday.

“I don’t want to comment any more on that and it’s pointless anyway. I feel sorry for a lot of people at this level but you don’t get much time in this profession to feel sorry for yourself or anybody else.

“We’re united as a club and we’ll keep doing what we’ve done all season. I’m very proud to be part of this club and to represent that changing room."

Friday’s opponents Braintree sit in 21st position, in the final relegation spot, and just four points behind Guiseley.

Lockwood is anticipating a real battle at Cressing Road as his side look to keep their relegation rivals at arm’s length.

He added: “They’re all big games and last Saturday was no different.

“We didn’t achieve what we wanted to achieve then but we'll go again and prepare right, and look to get as many points as possible.

“It’s going to be tough to get those points, we know that, so we have to leave no stone unturned and keep chipping away.”