GUISELEY moved into the top 10 of the Vanarama National League North as they claimed a 2-1 home win over Brackley Town.

A wind-assisted late winner from assistant player-manager Paul Clayton took the Lions to within one point of their opponents, who were one of the title favourites in pre-season.

Most of the fixtures on Non-League Day were badly affected by the almost gale-force winds and the clash at Nethermoor was no different.

The home side took an early lead with a well-worked goal but Brackley almost hit back just a minute later and were level soon after.

A good move by the Lions saw Kayode Odejayi in a good position and his final ball picked out Kingsley James, who fired a superb shot past Saints’ keeper Danny Lewis.

Brackley’s first attack after the goal led to a shot from Shepheard Murombedzi that keeper Joe Green did well to palm for a corner. The resulting flag kick was also tipped over by Green but the second corner kick, delivered by Luke Fairlamb, also swung in on the wind and that one ended in the net.

Guiseley were rocking, in the breeze and from the onslaught by the Saints, and soon after Shaun Jeffers sent in a low shot from the edge of the area that hit Green’s post.

Midway through the second half, Fairlamb came close to giving the visitors the lead, but his well-struck shot was tipped away by Green.

Clayton was the home side’s third substitute, replacing Odejayi in the 70th minute, but he made his mark. An 88th-minute free-kick was caught by the wind which wrong-footed the Brackley defence and outfoxed Lewis.

The stopper could not gather it and Clayton pounced to bundle the ball home.

Guisely joint manager Marcus Bignot said: “The wind was awful and it’s obviously played a massive part in two of the goals - their equaliser and our winner - and I’m absolutely delighted that it’s evened out.

“It’s a big win for us and I’m delighted for the football club, the staff, the supporters and obviously the players out there. Brackley are a good side with some serial winners in their team.

“They lost the play-off final last year and won the FA Trophy at Wembley. I was there that day. So it’s a good gauge as to where we’re at. With the players we have coming back from injury and the players still out, it bodes well and it’s a huge encouragement and positive going forward for this group.”

Clayton was very happy with his contribution. He said: “To get the winner was such a good feeling - it’s a really good three points to get. There is a lot of talent in this squad and we have a togetherness, a team spirit, it’s enjoyable being a part of it.”