National League: Solid start pleases Guiseley boss Bower

So, for manager Mark Bower to describe the Lions’ last outing as a “wake-up call” may seem a tad misplaced.

However, Aldershot’s 4-0 win at Nethermoor a week ago undoubtedly rocked the newcomers, hence Bower’s insistence that his players use that heavy defeat as inspiration today against Gateshead.

He said: “We are going to come up against some quality sides and just need to make sure we are solid.

“You have to put it into perspective really. We’d had four good performances early on and we actually started well against Aldershot, only to be hit by an absolutely diabolical refereeing decision.

“But we just got carried away trying to get back into the game and we were the architects of our own downfall and kept giving the ball away.

“Aldershot being the experienced and quality side they are, punished us, although the score was a bit harsh on us.

“Hopefully it will be a wake-up call.”

Guiseley, who head to Chester on Monday, may welcome Ben Parker back as Bower contemplates making changes.

FC Halifax Town, meanwhile, head to third-placed Wrexham today looking to build on the dramatic finale that saw a point rescued at home to Bromley by two stoppage-time goals.

Richard Peniket remains the Shaymen’s only absentee for the trip to north Wales.