JORDAN JUST TOO HOT AS SHOTS LET CHANCE SLIP

JORDAN PRESTON proved the match-winner with a goal of individual brilliance.

Preston’s strike came after a 50-yard run and a sustained period of Aldershot pressure early in the second half, and the Lions held firm to move six points clear of the drop zone.

Guiseley manager Adam Lockwood was delighted to see his side gain another victory, saying: “After we lost to North Ferriby, I needed a reaction and in the last three games I have seen that, I’m delighted that we have beaten such a tough team.”

Both sides had a good chance within the first ten minutes; Preston made a direct run into the area and fired an effort towards goal before the Shots went up the other end with Nick Arnold firing wide on the angle.

The visitors then missed a golden opportunity when Shamir Fenelon was put through one on one, only for Guiseley keeper Jonny Maxted to tip his effort onto the post.

The Shots were at it again at the start of the second half, with Idris Kanu showing good skill to move into the area. He went down under a challenge from Connor Brown but despite appeals for a penalty, referee Martin Coy waved the protests away.

The Shots’ frustration was added to when Cheye Alexander placed a pass across the face of goal; it looked like Matt McLure would have a tap-in, but Ash Palmer blocked the effort and Marcus Williams cleared the ball away.

After withstanding a period of pressure, Guiseley found their gears and they took the lead when Preston took control of possession in his own area and ran 50 yards, before slotting home with a fine finish. One very nearly became two moments later when Will Hatfield was denied by Jake Cole – whose strong hand pushed the effort away for a corner. Aldershot continued to push forward for a leveller and almost got it late on when McLure hit the post in a crowded area from four yards out. But Guiseley stood firm and held on for the win. A disappointed Aldershot boss Gary Waddock said: “We just did not take the chances that were provided. If we were a goal or two up early on, I don’t think it would have been unfair, but credit to Guiseley they did better than us during the second half. “We know we can get into the play-offs, but we need another unbeaten run to start again soon.”