GUISELEY are making a late attempt to bring in some defensive cover before Saturday's Vanarama North opener at Leamington.

The Lions lost both centre half Danny Hall (broken leg) and centre back or left back Danny Lowe (groin injury) in last Saturday's 0-0 draw at Farsley AFC – their final pre-season fixture.

Guiseley manager Mark Bower said: "Danny Hall broke a fibula and Danny Lowe had a recurrence of the groin mishap that he suffered at home to a Huddersfield Town XI on Monday, July 21.

"Danny Hall's injury came as a result of innocuous challenge – you could not blame anyone for it – and he knew as soon as it happened that it was serious.

"He is set to be out for about three months, but at least it was a clean break.

"I feel for the player and for the club because Danny is one of our most important players, and the timing of it so close to the first league match was awful, but these things happen in football."

Bower added: "Danny Lowe thought his groin was okay after the Huddersfield game so we will take a bit of extra care about when he comes back, but he is expected to be out for three weeks.

"Talks are ongoing about bringing in a short-term replacement but at least we know that Ben Parker can move from left back to play centre half and is equally adept in both positions."

After two wins, a draw and four defeats, albeit three of them to Football League opposition, during which time Guiseley have scored only five goals, Bower is just glad that pre-season is over.

He said: "I don't know of anyone who likes it but it has been a bit frustrating as we have been a bit light up front due to the injuries to Alex and Oli Johnson, although we have created chances. And then the injuries to the Dannys have put a bit of a dampener on things."

As for the Farsley game, Bower said: "The pace of the match slackened after we suffered our injuries as they didn't want anyone to get injured either and it had a testimonial-like feel to it.

"It didn't have the zip that we wanted but it was a second straight clean sheet."

Leamington finished 13th last season, 26 points behind fifth-placed Guiseley, but Bower warned: "Nothing is easy at our level and they have forward Stefan Moore back, who has been prolific."

Just to underline Guiseley's defensive issues, Leamington have also signed a Tank to play in central defence – that's 20-year-old Jamie from Wolves, rather than a Chieftain, before you start to complain.

On Tuesday, Guiseley have their first home match – against Stockport County, who finished a place and two points below Leamington last season.

"County were newcomers to our level in 2013-14 and should bring quite a few fans with them, which should make for a good atmosphere," added Bower.