GUISELEY return to the crucial business of fighting for their National League lives following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Lincoln City.

And they couldn’t have chosen a harder test than Saturday’s away clash with leaders Forest Green Rovers.

Tuesday night’s 2-1 replay defeat may have ended the Lions’ unbeaten run of three games, but manager Adam Lockwood saw a number of positives.

He was particularly pleased with the character his side showed after being reduced to ten men when Connor Brown was sent off, and with the way his fringe player performed.

He said: “Going to ten men is always difficult. Lincoln are a good side and they kept good possession, but we didn’t half give it a go and created the better chances.

“I was really pleased to see that and see the application to get back in the game with ten men.

“That is what I want, winners in my team. They didn’t half give it a go to be winners. Unfortunately it was not to be, but if they keep that application up we will win more than we lose.”

Goalscorer Adam Boyes and goalkeeper Dan Atkinson were just two of the players to stake their claim for first team selection.

“I have always said since day one that I want all my squad to be involved, to push each other and drive standards,” Lockwood added.

“Those lads who came in and haven’t played for a while, gave me a good shift. It stands them in good stead and stands the squad in good stead.

“We’ve got a big couple of weeks and a big season ahead. That is where I want to be. I want to get my squad all competing and giving me tough decisions to make.”