Guiseley 2 Harrogate Town 3

AN understrength Guiseley were on the ropes in the first-half of this West Riding County Cup game, their defence being cut to ribbons by some pacey Harrogate attacking.

With four of the newer signings in James Cotterill, Lee Pugh, Damien Dunne and Bailey Camfield being cup tied and James Hanson and Aron Wilford injured manager Steve Kittrick took the opportunity to give a start to some of the players who have been on the fringes.

Players such as Paul Rickers, John Swift and Tom Greaves were given a start and three youngsters from the Reserve team - Scott Reid, John Douglas and Luke Hudson took their places on the bench alongside Nathan Hay and Darren Thornton.

In the first-half Harrogate seemed to be slicing through at will and they opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Tony Hackworth's shot cannoned off the bar and Lee Whittington was the first to react to hammer home.

It was the poacher Whittington who increased the lead in the 24th minute when keeper Steve Dickinson was unable to hold on to the ball.

Just after the break Harrogate increased their lead to 3-0 with a goal from Danny Holland and there looked to be no way back for Guiseley.

How wrong could one be? Kittrick's men were suddenly transformed and it was Harrogate who started to panic with the previously immaculate Denny Ingram having to resort to hammering the ball out just anywhere to relieve pressure.

Guiseley had what seemed like a good goal disallowed, perhaps the linesman did not notice the defender on the ground when Danny Ellis netted with a header after the keeper had clawed out Greaves' effort.

Two penalty appeals by Guiseley were turned down and as the pressure mounted they pulled two goals back.

A Dean Walters shot went into the net via defender Leigh Wood and the other goal was credited to Walters although Harrogate hotley dispited this one feeling it had not crossed the line.

The Harrogate goal was peppered and there were countless efforts blocked in the six yard box but all to no avail.

l On Saturday Guiseley travel to bottom club Lincoln United for a UniBond League Premier Division game looking to build on their two 3-1 victories in their last league games.

On Tuesday they entertain Eastwood Town in the much postponed League Cup tie.

On Saturday Guiseley Reserves are hoping to make a long awaited return to action when they entertain Bradford Park Avenue with a 3pm kick-off.They have not had a game since November 24.