GUISELEY gave youth a chance in pre-season, and manager Marcus Bignot has shown that he is not afraid to throw those players into Vanarama National League North action, with several Under-23s featuring in the Lions' matchday squads.

There was a debut in Saturday's win over Nuneaton Town for 17-year-old winger Tabish Hussain, while fellow academy graduates Will Thornton and Scott Smith have also featured on the teamsheet during Guiseley's first seven games.

Bignot enthused: "We have a limited budget and a small squad but we would have wanted the academy to play a part regardless. It's something we want to develop and it was a remit of mine and Russ O'Neill's when we came in.

"I've been impressed with the work that Dave Currie and the academy coaches have done and it's good that the youngsters are getting competitive games, rather than just in pre-season, as it helps to further their career."

Hussain replaced another talented youngster, 20-year-old Jack Dyche, in the 78th minute at the weekend, and speaking about the teenager, Bignot said: "It was a natural progression for him.

"With us losing Curtis Morrison and only having two wide men left, Tabish came in and did well. It's great to have him available as we like playing with wingers."

Guiseley picked up four points over the Bank Holiday weekend thanks to victory over Nuneaton being followed by a draw at Altrincham.

Bignot was pleased to stretch their unbeaten run to five games and although he is looking forward to welcoming old faces on Saturday when Guiseley host his former team Chester, he insists that his sole focus is on maintaining his side's good form.

However, he is wary that their opponents have only played four times this season due to electrical issues at their home ground, and he feels that the extra rest could suit them going into the clash at Nethermoor this weekend.

He said: "Pre-season is physically demanding and then all the managers agree that it's been a crazy start to the season with the block of fixtures that we've had in August.

"I think Chester will have an advantage having only played four games. They have a new look squad but they'll have been able to spend more time together on the training ground due to these postponements.

"I'd say it's been a blessing for them."

Bignot hinted that the jam-packed start has taken its toll, saying: "We'll be patching up one or two this week and hoping that a couple can make their return to the squad.

"With us being part-time though, we only have one session before Saturday's game so fingers crossed that we can get players back and up to speed quickly."