Vanarama National League: FC Halifax Town 2 Guiseley 0

GUISELEY'S damaging defeat in their West Yorkshire derby at FC Halifax Town means that tomorrow's home game against Hartlepool United has added significance.

The seventh game in the Vanarama National League season cannot be described as a must-win fixture but the pressure is on the Lions as they host fellow strugglers Hartlepool.

Both clubs are in the bottom four, with Guiseley taking five points from six games while the Pools have just two points on the board.

The Lions conceded in each half at FC Halifax Town and, although they enjoyed good passages of play, the visitors failed to create clear-cut chances to trouble home keeper Sam Johnson.

Matty Kosylo gave the Shaymen the lead when he was allowed to dance along the edge of the area midway through the first half.

Having made room for the shot, he then dispatched it just inside Joe Green’s left-hand post.

The opening stages had been even in what was a typical fast paced, competitive derby.

The Shaymen created the best openings, with Tom Denton heading over and Kosylo firing his first effort too high.

Guiseley’s main threat was John Rooney as he used his guile and skill, operating just outside the Halifax area.

Both sides had penalty appeals before the Shaymen took the lead - a muted one for the Lions as Reece Thompson was well tackled, and a more vociferous one as Green ran out and appeared to trip Halifax forward Adam Morgan.

There were half-chances and dangerous free-kicks outside both areas as the teams slugged it out until half-time.

The home side had another strong penalty claim soon after the break, Matt Brown appearing to be wrestled to the ground by Guiseley centre back Rob Atkinson, but that was also waved away.

Home skipper Brown got his reward as he netted the second goal - 12 minutes from time - that sealed the Shaymen’s victory.

Brown was allowed space just outside the six-yard box from a corner and planted a bullet header past Green from eight yards.

Lions’ boss Adam Lockwood was critical of his players, saying: “I thought we were bright at times but had no cutting edge and I’ve asked people to stand up and be counted.

“In both boxes you have to be ruthless and we’re not doing that. We had a good discussion in the dressing room after the game and it becomes about individuals taking that role and being ruthless.

“It’s part of their job as footballers and ultimately they have to stick their chest out and do it.”