GAINING momentum by securing points during a busy festive period can shape Guiseley's season, according to joint-manager Marcus Bignot.

The Lions are rested following a blank weekend of action and may have needed that break as they face three games in seven days over Christmas.

Guiseley face a long trip on Saturday to face Hereford, followed by a derby double with eighth-placed Farsley Celtic the visitors to Nethermoor on Boxing Day and then a trip to second-placed York City on Saturday, December 28 (all 3pm kick-offs).

Bignot says the break from action can work in his side's favour but says with the festive fixtures coming thick and fast they can give their play-off bid an extra push.

Guiseley are 10th in the table with 25 points from their opening 19 games of the season, but with a game in hand on some of their rivals above them.

But the former QPR defender says his side face a stern test first when they travel to Edgar Street on Saturday, as he shares the touchline with an experienced boss. Hereford are guided by former Grimsby Town and Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade and Bignot expects a tricky challenge ahead.

Bignot said: "There are a lot of games in a short space of time. We are at a crossroads in terms of a healthy points return, you've got to see where these games can take you.

"We are in the top 10, it could take you into the top seven or the bottom half.

"We will look at Hereford first, they are an ex-Football League club, a big club. They have found their feet after some hard times.

"They are possibly disappointed with how the season has gone for them so far. They have an experienced manager in place. He is one of the most experienced managers in the country in terms of games managed.

"The National League North has a number of top managers in it, it's a very good league.

"They are three games we will look forward to.

"It's been nice to be in and around the play-offs, but that's not the remit for this football club.

"But anything is possible. But for us, the next game is the most important one. If we can get back-to-back wins that changes the landscape. We know how important these games are, in terms of where we want to be.

"We need this points return now to stay in and around it."

Bignot added it could be beneficial for his side to have had a free weekend for their busy programme ahead.

He added: "The most important thing was it gave us extra time to prepare for the Hereford game.

"It gave us time to work into them. It's game-to-game then. There are a lot of games in a short space of time."