Guiseley are looking to cash in at expense of big spenders

The Conference North club make their fifth appearance in the first round proper today when Crawley Town are the visitors to Nethermoor.

Guiseley are yet to make it beyond this stage of the competition and face a tough challenge to improve that record with the Sussex side having invested heavily in an attempt to win promotion to the Football League.

Former York City striker Richard Brodie, signed for 250,000 in August, is just one of several big money captures by Crawley, who recently tried to sign former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires following his departure from Villarreal.

Kittrick said: "Crawley are the Manchester City of non-League. They have spent a lot of money, thinking nothing of paying 300,000 for a player here or another 100,000 there. It means they have a very talented squad.

"But they have to come here and perform. I don't believe they will take us lightly. I doubt any of their players will know what to expect from coming to Guiseley. The dressing rooms aren't the biggest and we are determined to give them a real game.

"I know for a fact Crawley were up watching our game (against Boston) last Tuesday night, making sure they knew what we are about. I take that as something of a compliment as it shows they clearly recognise us to be a decent side."

Crawley went to the top of the Conference last weekend courtesy of a 4-1 victory at Mansfield Town. It was an 11th win from 17 league outings for the Sussex club, who sit one point clear of a chasing pack led by AFC Wimbledon.

Guiseley, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive start to life in Conference North after winning promotion from the Northern Premier League last season as champions.

After losing on the opening day at home to Nuneaton, the Lions have responded with a 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions and sit third in the table.

Such an impressive record is why Kittrick has been named the division's Manager of the Month for September and October.

He said: "We had Crawley watched last week when they went to the top of the Conference and I believe it will be a good game as we have also been playing well."