GUISELEY face a huge home game against second-placed Tranmere Rovers at Nethermoor on Monday following their 2-0 defeat at relegation rivals Braintree Town.

The battle to beat the drop from the National League will go to the wire following Good Friday’s results – and the Lions are very much in the thick it.

Adam Lockwood’s side retained 17th place despite their defeat, but the four clubs immediately below them are now just one point behind with three games remaining.

It was a nervous encounter at Braintree’s Cressing Road Stadium as the Iron looked to end a run of four straight defeats. The home side did that with two second half goals as they slashed Guiseley’s cushion over the drop-zone.

Lions keeper Jonny Maxted made a comfortable save early on before Will Hatfield got a sight of goal but put Guiseley’s first chance wide.

Adam Boyes, who was in the side as Derek Asamoah dropped to the bench, was picked out by a through ball but Braintree keeper Sam Beasant was equal to the striker’s effort.

There was a chance for Iron forward Craig Braham-Barrett and Maxted made a save following a later corner in a largely uneventful first half.

However, the home side broke the deadlock 11 minutes after the break when Jerome Okimo converted a corner with a near post header.

Braham-Barrett fired over Maxted’s goal following a scramble soon after.

Lockwood shuffled his pack and brought Asamoah on, but the home side doubled their lead when Michael Cheek tucked away a shot from inside the area.

The goal came as the Lions’ defended a corner kick poorly and, with just 18 minutes remaining, it was a killer blow.

Michael Rankine replaced Boyes and on-loan Leeds United man Alex Purver was also introduced by Lockwood but to no avail.

The boss will have to pick his side up for the visit of Tranmere who were held to a 2-2 home draw by play-off chasing Aldershot Town.

Braintree’s win added to victories for North Ferriby United, York City and Woking meant that four of the seven clubs below Guiseley picked up three-point maximums.

One issue was settled as Southport’s relegation to the National North was confirmed following their 3-0 defeat at Dover Athletic.