The Lions were 2-1 up against AFC Telford with only 11 minutes to go, but a late rally by the home side run out 3-2 winners, crushing the Lions’ hopes.

Chairman Phil Rogerson spoke of his regret, but was optimistic about the club’s future.

He said: “We’re obviously disappointed to be within 11 minutes of the conference, but all we can do is dust ourselves off and come back next year and win it.

“We just need to increase support – averaging four or five hundred for each home game isn’t good enough at this level.”

Paul McGreavey, of the Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club, said his group had seen an upsurge in members, and they were hoping to get more in the coming months.

“Membership has grown steadily over the past year – once we relaunch for next season, we are hoping to double our membership,” he said.

“It’s all about getting more fans through the turnstiles.”

He added that fans are hoping that the squad will be bolstered for a promotion charge this summer.

“I would expect next season we will be pushing for automatic promotion. As far as I know, the manager is hoping to keep hold of all the players and hopefully make a couple of additions.”

Striker James Walshaw has been linked with a move away from Nethermoor after smashing 31 goals this season, and McGreavey believed this showed the player’s ability.

“We know other clubs are sniffing around him, but it’s to be expected for a player of his quality,” he said.

Phil Rogerson was confident the club could keep hold of Walshaw for next season.

“As far as we know he’s staying.”