Guiseley 2-1 Boston United

Marc Newsham’s early strike was cancelled out by Andy Holdsworth’s deflected free-kick — and Holdsworth scored the winning goal after 77 minutes.

The result left the Pilgrims embedded in the mid-table region ahead of some must-win encounters over the Christmas and New Year period.

The Pilgrims opted to make three changes ahead of kick-off, with Lee Canoville and Tyrone Kirk joining goalscorer Newsham in the starting XI.

United got off to the best possible start in the seventh minute. NEWSHAM latched onto a throughball over the top to shrug off the challenge of Simon Ainge and angle a classy finish beyond Steven Drench.

Guiseley’s response was a strong one and Danny Ellis looped a header onto Paul Bastock’s crossbar following Holdsworth’s corner delivery.

The Lions went close again when Gavin Rothery zig-zagged across the edge of the penalty area to drill an effort a fraction wide from 18 yards.

Guiseley equalised on 17 minutes when Ian Ross needlessly conceded a free-kick of the edge of the Boston box. HOLDSWORTH stepped up to smash home a low drive, which took a big deflection of an unfortunate Ross.

Holdsworth and Ciaran Toner sailed further efforts off target while a howitzer from Simon Baldry nestled marginally wide from 20 yards.

The early stages of the second half were devoid of too many clear-cut chances.

The Pilgrims were dealt an injury blow midway through the half when Kevin Austin limped out of action to be replaced by youngster Jason Field.

United went close twice in quick succession. Drench excelled to turn aside Ross’ driven free-kick, before the same player sailed an audacious lob fractionally too high from 40 yards, with the Guiseley keeper absent from his goal.

Guiseley struck a killer blow in the 77th minute. Bastock was only able to partially clear Dave Merris’ deep cross and HOLDSWORTH lashed home the loose ball with real aplomb from 18 yards.

United came within a whisker of forcing an equaliser three minutes from time, but after Ward had nodded down Danny Sleath’s cross, Newsham swivelled to crash the ball agonisingly wide from six yards.

Guiseley (4-3-3): Steven Drench; Jamie Clarke, Danny Ellis (Mark Bower 86), Simon Ainge, Dave Merris; Simon Baldry, Ciaran Toner, Andy Holdsworth; Chris Senior, Lee Ellington, Gavin Rothery. Subs (not used): Joe O’Neill, Michael Burns, James Booker, Jacob Giles (gk).

Boston (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Kevin Austin (Jason Field 66); Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ryan Semple, Marc Newsham, Tyrone Kirk (Ben Fairclough 75). Subs (not used): Tony Edwards, Jacob Joyce, Chris Hall.

Referee: Martin Coy