GUISELEY'S joint-manager Russ O'Neill has praised Gabriel Johnson's ability from dead-ball situations, but admitted that his crazy goal at the weekend was not part of some grand tactical plan.

The Lions forward grabbed the winner in the Vanarama National League North on Saturday against Gloucester City directly from a corner and nearly repeated the trick on Tuesday against Darlington in a 2-1 defeat.

O'Neill said: "I'm not saying we're looking to score from corners but Gabriel is good from dead balls and this one went in.

"He nearly scored one on Tuesday too, but Darlington cleared off the line. By putting balls into good areas, he creates those chances."

There was positivity all round from O'Neill about his forward line. He is delighted to welcome hotshot striker Aaron Martin back into the fold after a long injury lay-off and said he has been pleased with his attackers as a whole over the last few weeks.

He said: "Having Aaron back is a massive boost for us because he's a real focal point up front. Lee Shaw and Kaine Felix have been doing well for us too and so did Chris Sang on his month's loan.

"But Aaron being back in the side bodes well."

His presence could certainly come in handy at Brackley Town this weekend. The hosts are third in the table and O'Neill believes they set an example to other teams in the division.

He said: "It's a real test. If you look at Brackley, they're the benchmark for teams like us. They've done well over a number of years and kept the same squad (despite not getting promoted). They're hardened to the National League North.

"They've just got beat against Boston (on Tuesday), but it sounds like it was one-way traffic, with Boston defending for 85 minutes and then scoring a winner.

"It does mean Brackley are coming off the back of a defeat like us though, so they'll be looking to rectify that."

It was a home defeat to Darlington for Guiseley, but victory by the same scoreline over Gloucester last weekend means that the Lions have now moved up into the play-off places.

Discussing the two games, O'Neill said: "It was two difficult games and two different types of games. The first half versus Gloucester we didn't really hit the heights we're capable of.

"But I though we did well in the second half and got a deserved winner. Darlington was an even clash between two in-form sides that could have gone either way."