The Lions’ winless run now stretches to seven games, which has now seen them fall to eighth in the Blue Square North League.

Guiseley managed to shade the opening exchanges on a balmy Tuesday evening – the lively James Walshaw caused problems for a shaky Alfreton defence before his cross led to a goalmouth scramble before eventually being cleared.

Top-scorer Walshaw was again involved a minute later, as his rasping free kick was saved low at his near post by Ross Turner.

Despite enduring early pressure, Nicky Law’s side gradually grew in confidence as wing-demons Nathan Arnold and Laurie Wilson both had near misses before a quickly-taken corner found former Gainsborough Trinity striker Paul Clayton unmarked to power a header past a hapless Steve Drench to put the Reds in front.

Guiseley wasted no time in getting back into the match - it took just 40 seconds before Danny Boshell’s cross caused another goalmouth panic and Walshaw bundled the ball into the net for his 19th of the season.

The goal seemed to galvanise the Alfreton team, as they now seemed intent on stifling Guiseley’s midfield, leading to a booking for the combative Antony Howell after a rash challenge on Boshell.
Lions left-back Dave Merris then made sure he had a night to forget, as his weak attempted back-pass found Nathan Arnold through on goal, only to round the keeper and roll the ball into the back of the net.

Guiseley supporters were becoming frustrated as the team’s over-reliance on attacking down the left hand side led to the talented Danny Forrest being double-marked out of the game by Josh Low and Aden Flint.

Former Huddersfield man Simon Baldry was the creative hub of Guiseley’s midfield, and spent the second half trying to drag his tiring teammates forward in search of an equaliser.

However, other than a looping shot onto the crossbar from Joe O’Neill, the Lions threatened little, leaving Alfreton to comfortably play the game out for a morale-boosting victory for the promotion-chasers.