York City 1 Guiseley 2

GUISELEY upset the odds with an away win at title-chasing York City as they gave their own promotion prospects in the Vanarama National League North a boost.

The Lions had the best possible start as Hamza Bencherif met a fourth-minute corner with a powerful header.

The visitors’ lead didn’t last long, though, as Kieran Green fired a low shot past Marcus Dewhurst in the 13th minute.

It was a fairly even contest with both sides having chances throughout but Guiseley were the most under pressure, however they defended very well. There efforts were rewarded when former Minstermen winger Kaine Felix curled a low shot past home keeper Peter Jameson with just minutes remaining.

Guiseley’s joint-manager Marcus Bignot said: "That win is the one I’ve most enjoyed since we’ve been here – to a man our players were different class.

“I have the utmost respect for Steve Watson (York manager) and his York team is a good team, the players they have here are better than Conference North. We had a lot of young players in our side. I think the average is 22 years of age.

“If I’m a Guiseley fan now I’m really excited about the future. Kaine is one of those younger players and it was a big goal for him, an ex-York player scoring against his former club, it gives you an edge when you go back to your old club.

“In our last four away games on the trot we’ve got two wins and two draws which is a superb return, our away form is promotion form. Yes – I know we need to address our home form but I’m looking forward to the second half of the season. I think we can go from strength to strength.”

Meanwhile, Steeton’s prospects of escaping relegation from the North West Counties Division One North took a nosedive as they missed a huge opportunity to lift themselves out of the drop zone.

The Chevrons remain rock bottom after a 4-1 home defeat to Garstang, who were second from bottom and on the same points total but are now above the relegation places.

Roy Mason’s side took a first-minute lead thanks to Toby Jeffrey’s well taken solo goal. But the Lancashire side hit back soon after the half hour mark through Ric Coar and they eased to a win with a solid second half display.

Garstang skipper Alan Coar put the visitors in front at the start of the second half and after Jonathon Hothersall added a third inside the last 10 minutes, the visitors’ skipper bagged his brace as he wrapped up the scoring.