GUISELEY remain in the drop zone after they were unable to muster a leveller at Chorley, losing out 1-0.

Harry Cardwell's smashing strike was the match-winner on a frustrating midweek trip to Victory Park.

Despite a difficult start to the campaign, the Magpies are finally starting to come into some expected form, undefeated in five including two classy away victories.

And who can forget their amazing Emirates FA Cup run.

Jamie Vermiglio's men have come through five stages, beating League One sides Wigan Athletic and Peterborough along the way, to book a third round home tie against Championship Derby County.

As for Guiseley, a 2-0 win away at Spennymoor Town has been the only positive since they returned from a three-week covid layoff.

In an attempt to reverse their fortunes, Russ O'Neill and Marcus Bignot signed two youngsters pre-kickoff.

Ex-Scunthorpe United academy striker Miracle Okafor and midfielder Josh Parsons both appeared on the bench.

Brad Nicholson, Gabriel Johnson (pictured) and Kian Harratt all returned to the starting XI, while Adam Haw recovered from injury to be one of the substitutes.

It was all Chorley from the off. Will Tomlinson saw his free kick clear the bar in the opening five minutes.

The hosts then squandered several chances wide. Cardwell, Arlen Birch and Tomlinson all came close.

After 20 minutes, Guiseley had their first effort on target. Captain Hamza Bencherif headed into the hands of Matt Urwin from a corner.

Johnson and Lebrun Mbeka both fell into the book before the Magpies broke the deadlock and what a goal it was!

Cardwell picked up the loose ball from 25 yards out and thumped it past the stunned Brad Wade.

George Cantwell picked up the Lions' third yellow card for a late tackle to finish a disappointing first half.

It was a lacklustre start after the break with more players ending up in the referee's book. Chorley's Scott Leather and Tomlinson, and Nicholson were the offenders.

Jonathan Wafula had a brilliant chance to level matters in the 65th minute. Harratt played the forward through on goal but he fluffed his lines, producing a weak strike straight at Urwin.

Nathan Newall almost bagged his second Lions goal. However, his shot fell narrowly wide of the far post.

The away side were really pushing for that equaliser in the last 10 minutes.

Haw placed a rebound off target, and was unable to connect with Parsons wonderful ball across goal.

That was the best it got for the flawed travellers who fell to a sixth defeat of a season which means they remain 23rd in the table.