IT is now five games without a pre-season win for Guiseley after they were outclassed by National League sides Halifax Town and Stockport County.

The Lions began their preparations for the new season in a steady fashion. A win at Thackley was followed by draws against Worksop Town and Mickleover, and a sole defeat at Nuneaton Borough.

However, this past week, the Leeds-based side hit somewhat of a stumbling block as they returned to their faithful home of Nethermoor for the first time since March.

In all fairness, the opposition faced was of supreme professional quality.

In their first outing, Halifax represented a stern test after being on the cusp of Football League status last season, falling short in the playoffs.

Peter Wild's team appeared rusty early on as Kaine Felix beat two defenders before finding the back of the net.

Soon after, Guiseley became unstuck though, due to two quickfire goals.

Firstly, Niall Maher headed home from a corner and then Jamie Allen put the visitors in front with a nice finish.

The hosts were applying pressure with Felix, Matty Gillam and captain Hamza Bencherif all having chances in search of an equaliser.

The National League outfit themselves also came close to finding a much-desired third.

Guiseley's trialist keeper pulled off some fantastic saves and they had a goal ruled out for offside.

Overall, the Shaymen just about edged what was a competitive contest. Although, the same can not be said about Guiseley's mid-week defeat.

James Jennings shot a first-half hat-trick as Stockport County held no prisoners on their way to a romping 5-1 victory in West Yorkshire.

The National League favourites have invested well over the summer and they got off to the perfect start when Jennings grabbed a brace inside the opening 10 minutes.

Another goal was clearly on the horizon after former Lion Ash Palmer saw his effort cleared off the line.

Jennings completed his trio on the 41st minute to leave the hosts licking their wounds.

Again, Felix jumped on the scoresheet after the break with a fine finish.

Any hopes of a comeback were soon dashed though when Richie Bennett restored the Hatters' three goal advantage.

John Rooney, younger brother of Wayne, added a fifth with his deflected shot beating the trialist goalkeeper.

County almost had a sixth, but a good save and a Dan Cowan block kept the score down.

Marcus Bignot and Russ O'Neill's men will be hoping to finish their pre-season on a high when they complete their National League treble with a trip to Chesterfield.

It is then full steam ahead to the new season which begins on October 3 in the FA Cup second qualifying round.

The following Tuesday is when the Lions' Vanarama National League North campaign gets underway at home to Michael Nelson's Blyth Spartans.