GUISELEY manager Marcus Bignot wants to use the disappointing 2-1 FA Trophy defeat to Lancaster City last week as inspiration for his team going forward in their Vanarama National League North campaign.

The Lions visit Nuneaton Borough on Saturday for their first league game since November 17.

They were in two cup competitions heading into December, but bowed out of the FA Cup and FA Trophy after defeats to Fleetwood Town and Lancaster respectively.

Their performance in the 2-1 defeat to League One side Fleetwood is still a huge source of pride for the club, but the collapse against City eight days later still rankles.

Bignot said: "The manner of that FA Cup defeat put a lot of pride and feelgood factor into the club, but the FA Trophy defeat was deeply disappointing.

"It was a competition we had a realistic chance of winning and the game ended up being a reality check for us."

The Guiseley boss admitted that their focus on the FA Cup had been absolute, saying: "The FA Cup was our priority so we knew this would be the case, not playing in the league for a while.

"We're in a false league position and having to catch up but now we're out of the cup, it's important to get our mindset right and get back into it."

That refocus has its first test with that visit to rock-bottom Nuneaton this weekend. Bignot is careful not to write them off though, as circumstances have changed at the club.

He said: "They've got a new manager in Jimmy Ginnelly and I know him well. He's a Nuneaton boy and this is his dream job, so he deserves it.

"He'll get the place going again and I imagine it'll be a hostile environment for us on Saturday.

"They have a whole new management team, who are all excellent, and it would be no surprise to see Jimmy and his staff get Nuneaton out of the situation they're in.

"They won 2-1 at Darlington a fortnight in Jimmy's first game so we know it will be tough for us, although we'll make it difficult for them too."

One player who could be key to Guiseley's chances of success on Saturday is centre back Jo Cummings, who is on loan from Charlton Athletic.

Bignot's only complaint about the young defender is the fact that he has not been able to play regularly.

The Guiseley boss said: "It's been a stop start season for Jo since he arrived in October, which is frustrating as Scott Garner and Terry Kennedy have been missing in that area.

"When he has come in, he's reinforced that backline and done well. We just need consistency and him playing week in, week out now."