TWO-goal Will Hatfield delivered an unexpected Christmas bonus for Guiseley as they defeated the National League leaders and lifted themselves off the bottom of the table.

The midfieldman struck the winner in the final minute of a dramatic Boxing Day encounter which saw both sides have a player sent off in the closing stages.

The result brought to an end to Lincoln's impressive 17-game unbeaten record and saw them lose the leadership to Tranmere Rovers who beat Macclesfield 1-0.

York's 1-0 away win at North Ferriby in the day's early kick off had pushed Guiseley back to the bottom, but it was a position they were happy to relinquish to the newly-promoted Humberside club after pulling off their best win since joining the National League.

The result was warmly received by the large Guiseley contingent in the bumper Nethermoor crowd of 2,446, who braved the cold temperatures.

It wasn't entirely unexpected that Lincoln would attempt to make the early running. Lions keeper Jonny Maxted saved well from Terry Hawkridge before Luke Waterfall headed over the bar.

Guiseley were determined that the Imps wouldn't have everything their own way and they emphasised the fact by taking the lead in the 13th minute.

Midfieldman James Wesolowski triggered the move with a neat pass to Michael Rankine. The powerful striker produced a lovely low cross which Jordan Preston stepped over to create the chance for Hatfield to fire a firm shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Paul Farman.

It was just the tonic the improving Lions – now unbeaten in five games –?were looking for as they rocked Lincoln with their positive approach.

Striker Jake Cassidy saw a shot saved by Furman before Lincoln's Theo Robinson tested the reflexes of Maxted at the other end.

Lincoln finally secured an equaliser after 30 minutes when the unmarked Waterfall glanced home a header from a corner. It was a disappointing goal to concede, but Guiseley didn't let it lessen their resolve.

They had to weather a spell of pressure in which Maxted once again had to react smartly to keep out a Sam Habergham effort.

The Lions had a great opportunity to regain the lead in the opening minutes of the second half but Farman's feet kept out Cassidy's effort.

There was one moment of good fortune for the Lions when Maxted was stranded as Elliot Whitehouse looped a shot just over the bar.

Guiseley boss Adam Lockwood sent on strikers Oli Johnson – back from his loan spell at Bradford Park Avenue – and Adam Boyes to replace Cassidy and Preston who had put in a big shift.

There was no real concern when Rankin, who has seized his chance since being restored to the side, was booked after 77 minutes, but there was dismay and some anger when he received a second caution which led to him being sent off for allegedly blocking a Farman clearance in the 84th minute.

Referee Andrew Miller wasn't flavour of the month and the Guiseley's fans feared the worst knowing their team's past history of conceding late goals.

But Miller redeemed himself in their eyes just four minutes later when he sent off Lincoln's Whitehouse after his second bookable offence.

The Lions seized the moment. Hatfield's shot from the resulting free kick slipped from the grasp of Farman and went over the line.

It could prove to be a massive goal in the context of Guiseley's season. It means they will end the year just two points from safety, a far cry from the depressing days of August when they lost their first seven games to find themselves rooted to the bottom.