Guiseley 2 Torquay United 0

ADAM Lockwood could not hide his delight after Guiseley produced an utterly dominant display to move off the foot of the Vanarama National League table.

The Lions claimed only their third win of the season courtesy of first-half strikes from Jordan Preston and Jake Cassidy.

Lockwood's men could have easily doubled their tally before the break as Cassidy had a penalty saved and several other chances were spurned.

While this was only the Lions' third win since Lockwood replaced Mark Bower in the hot-seat, it took their unbeaten run at home in the league to four matches and moved them to within three points of safety.

Lockwood said: "I'm delighted to win because it was a massive game for me and the club. I thought the guys were fantastic and in the first half we had chances to put the game to bed.

"Respect to Torquay, they came out and made it a game in the second half. We had to get through that period and I thought we managed it well and didn't panic too much.

"I'd just like to see us be a bit more ruthless, weather the storm and take the game back to them. But we've come a long way and what pleases me is that we are in control of things.

"I don't think we were in the opening weeks of the season but now we are controlling games. When you've got that control, you've got half a chance."

A three-pronged attack of Preston, Cassidy and Adam Boyes caused Torquay all manner of problems and it came as no surprise when Guiseley claimed a 14th-minute opener.

Right-back Connor Brown delivered a teasing cross from the right flank and the ball flicked off the head of a Torquay defender before finding Preston unmarked 12 yards out.

He took a touch before producing a clinical side-footed finish into the right-hand corner.

Boyes then had a half-chance but hit a low, left-foot shot straight at keeper Brendan Moore from 18 yards out.

The overworked Moore then produced a fine save to parry a fierce right-footed drive from Preston at his near post.

The second goal arrived in the 19th minute, though, when Will Hatfield's deflected cross was headed home from close range by Cassidy.

Torquay were awful and a clumsy challenge on Hatfield inside the 18-yard box gave Cassidy a chance for his second. He hit his spot-kick straight down the middle of the goal and Moore made another fine save to deny him.

Guiseley went in pursuit of further goals and Hatfield drew another decent save from Moore, before Preston fired across the face of goal and Cassidy side-footed wide when he should have scored.

Torquay, who have not won since September and are now just five points above Guiseley, offered next to nothing as an attacking force.

Although they tightened things up defensively after the break, the hosts held on with relative comfort.

Lockwood said: "I said when I took over that it's a team effort and that doesn't half make a big difference to your momentum."