MARCUS Bignot says he was a happy man despite the defeat as his Guiseley side gave Leeds United a scare in their friendly clash.

The Lions, who fielded a starting line-up including three trialists, lost out to their Championship neighbours in a 2-1 loss at Nethermoor Park.

But it was the Vanarama National League North side who took the lead through an eighth-minute strike from striker Kaine Felix, an advantage they kept for the rest of the first-half.

Marcelo Bielsa's side took control in the second period, which started with them having a goal disallowed due to offside.

Guiseley made a double substitution on 64 minutes and three minutes later Leeds equalised through new signing Helder Costa.

Then Leeds, who fielded first-team regulars Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Bailey Peacock-Farrell among others, extended their advantage 12 minutes from time through a Mateusz Bogusz strike.

Joint-manager Bignot says he was delighted with his side's physical and tactical performance against the West Yorkshire giants on Thursday night.

He said: "We have lost a football match, but I could not be more delighted for what we have been through tonight.

"They have shown the potential the squad have got. We are still short in one or two areas. We want to build on our squad.

"We have one eye on that opening game of the season.

"In pre-season, it's about fitness, but it's also about the result. Leeds came to win and we wanted to win.

"It has taken two top-class finishes from them to open us up. We still had opportunities too.

"Every Guiseley fan can come away really encouraged with that performance. This was a serious test. They (Leeds) were approaching this game as a serious game. They pretty much wanted to keep the same 11.

"I am delighted with their fitness. We are a part-time club and we have put in a performance against Leeds that was mentally draining and physically tough.

"I am going to pretend that we've not lost 2-1, but we've won 2-1.

"We have put this schedule of games in deliberately so it helps to develop the mentality, we can work on the technical elements.

Guiseley hope for better fortunes against EFL opposition today when they host League Two Scunthorpe United (3pm kick-off).