National League: York City ready for one-game shoot-out with Guiseley

A YEAR on from a two-way Yorkshire shoot-out to avoid relegation from the National League, the county is set for another nervy final day of the season.
National LeagueNational League
National League

York City and Guiseley sit either side of the all-important line that separates those who will kick off next term in the fifth or sixth tier come August. Braintree, Torquay United and Woking could also go down on what is certain to be a dramatic dénouement as the Minstermen look to avoid a second consecutive demotion following last year’s slide out of the Football League.

“It is a one-game shoot-out,” said York manager Gary Mills ahead of the game against Forest Green Rovers. “Of course, I would be rather out of the bottom four but that is not the case and we have to take on what it is. We have to do our job and get that win.

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“If we win and it isn’t enough on 52 points, then we have to be an unlucky side. Of course, there is a possibility of that happening. But I do believe if we do our job then we will be all right.

“We might have to win the game but so do all the others. They can’t rely on drawing and thinking that will be enough. If we do our job then the other teams will have to win. We know what is at stake.”

Just a point separates the two clubs with Guiseley’s fate in their own hands due to being fifth bottom going into the lunchtime game with Solihull Moors at Nethermoor. It is a reversal of a year ago, when the Lions were in the final relegation berth and a place behind FC Halifax Town.

A 4-3 win coupled with the Shaymen being held to a draw at home to Macclesfield Town meant Guiseley survived in dramatic fashion. A repeat today would represent an incredible finale in a season that began with just three points being claimed by the Leeds club from the first 13 games.

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Adam Lockwood, who succeeded Mark Bower in September, has been behind that revival and chairman Phil Rogerson wants him and assistant Dave Penney to stay in charge regardless of how today ends.

“Locky says what he thinks and the players respect him for that,” he added. “Just as most people would do in all walks of life. He is passionate about what he wants to do and Dave is adding that bit of experience, it is a good recipe.

“They have a really professional approach and have the contacts to bring the players in. You also get the impression that the players trust him (Lockwood).”

Relegated North Ferriby United travel to sixth bottom Torquay.