Vanarama National League: Guiseley 1 Macclesfield Town 2

GUISELEY boss Paul Cox drafted in three new players ahead of Macclesfield Town’s visit and started Saturday’s signing Simon Lenighan but his Guiseley side still slipped to their second Vanarama National League defeat in three days.

It was a close and entertaining game against the Silkmen, who were fourth as they headed to Nethermoor, but the visitors took all the spoils thanks to an 87th-minute winner.

The new faces were striker Mike Fondop, young left back Lewis Freestone, on loan from Peterborough United, and winger Andy Haworth.

The latter had to settle for a place on the bench but Fondop, Freestone and Lenaghan were all in the starting line-up for the first time after Lenighan had made his debut as a substitute in the 3-0 defeat at Maidenhead United on Saturday.

Guiseley almost grabbed an early lead as John Rooney’s shot ricocheted off a post, and Fondop was soon in the action, with his 12th-minute shot forcing the Silkmen’s keeper Shwan Jalal into his first save of the evening.

Macclesfield snatched a lead soon after when Danny Whitaker, on his 400th appearance for the club, slotted in after Scott Wilson’s shot had hit the woodwork.

Chances at both ends followed in a frantic opening, and a Lee Molyneux free-kick caused the visitors’ defence problems.

The Lions levelled minutes before the break as Fondop immediately endeared himself to the Guiseley faithful.

The former Oxford City forward latched onto a through ball and neatly chipped it in over Jalal.

Rooney had a shot well saved by Jalal early in the second half, but Molyneux picked up a yellow card soon after for a foul on Elliot Durrell. The resulting free-kick was headed just wide by Mitch Hancox.

A chance went begging for the Lions just after the hour when Fondop outmuscled his marker inside the area, but then fired over when Kayode Odejayi was alongside him in space.

Macclesfield forced several corners, and Wilson fired over Jonny Maxted’s goal before the home keeper was beaten late on.

Silkmen substitute Tyrone Marsh turned and laid the ball off for Durrell, who drilled it past Maxted.

It was another spirited and promising display by the Lions, who are third from bottom, against one of the promotion hopefuls but, ultimately, another loss to contemplate as they prepare for another long away day at Maidstone United at the weekend.