GUISELEY narrowly fell to their first defeat of their 2020/21 Vanarama National League North campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Hereford at Nethermoor.

It was a penalty on the half an hour mark that downed Russ O'Neill and Marcus Bignot's men against a team who will fancy their chances in this strange season.

The delayed start, which was caused due to a late Hereford arrival, seemed to almost benefit the hosts who should have taken the lead after 10 minutes. Jonathan Wafula blazed over from his one on one with Paul White.

Brad Wade was called into action before the visitors opened their account. He denied Lenell John-Lewis' header.

The stopper could not prevent the forward's spot kick though after Tom Owen-Evans was tripped over in the box.

Lebrun Mbeka and George Cantrill fired over the bar before the referee blew to end a frustrating half for the Lions.

Each side received bookings to begin the second period before Kane Felix's blocked effort found its way to Prince Ekpolo. The midfielder could only shoot wide.

As Felix departed, it was one of the hosts' defenders who came close to levelling matters. Dan Cowan smashed towards goal and was only denied by a goalline clearance.

Gabriel Johnson then saw his effort saved well by a determined White who was desperate to cling onto his clean sheet.

After captain Hamza Bencherif's header was met by the defiant hands of White, O'Neill and Bignot did everything they could to try find an equaliser.

Paul Clayton and Nathan Newall were thrown on and the pair combined brilliantly immediately, leading to the former placing his finish just wide.

Kyle Finn nearly sealed the points for the Bulls but Wade stood strong to keep the winger out.

In the end, time ran out for the West Yorkshire team as they failed to follow up their excellent 4-0 opening day victory against Blyth Spartans with the same result.