GUISELEY joint manager Russ O'Neill believes his squad have shown what great character they possess in this past week.

The Lions followed up Saturday's late 2-1 FA Cup fourth qualifying round defeat to FC United of Manchester by scoring in the last minute themselves to rescue a draw at promotion favourites Boston United in mid-week.

It was an 89th-minute Fin Sinclair Smith deflected strike which denied them a place in the first round of the cup.

O'Neill said: "It was a real tough one to take.

"We felt like we had long spells in the game where we were on top. We had various chances that we didn’t take.

"You have got a big carrot at the end of that game, you have got a first round to look forward too.

"A lot of them are young lads who have never really been able to play first round so to get knocked out at that stage it is really heart-breaking.

"There was a massive feel of disappointment in the dressing room even when we got to Boston."

It looked like the Vanarama National League North side were in for three losses on the bounce before youngster Nathan Newall popped up with a 96th minute equaliser.

Guiseley finished the game with 10. After using all three of their substitutes, Prince Ekpolo was stretchered off.

O'Neill added: "They took him straight to the hospital after the game.

"First thoughts were it could be a break, it looked like a nasty cut.

"We hope it is not as bad as first feared. He has gone for a precautionary x-ray."

The injury led to the addition of seven minutes in which graduate Newall scored a sublime half volley in.

"The message we gave Nathan in the summer was to come back with a first team player mentality. It took him a while but his confidence is good.

"He got the equaliser and the lads are delighted for him, he is a popular figure around the club."

O'Neill and Marcus Bignot's men should still be on a high when it comes to Saturday's hosting of Brackley Town.

Nevertheless, the former expects the usual difficult challenge Town normally bring.

He said: "You look at the results even in the Premier League and they are just barmy. It is difficult to gage and predict.

"Brackley have been up there for years and years, and they have good continuity in their squad. They have only been able to recruit two or three this season.

"I have no illusions that they will be right up there come the end of the season. It is going to be a tough test for us."