Rob Atkinson’s second-half header earned Guiseley a 1-1 draw with Altrincham in the Vanarama National League on Saturday.
At a sodden and drizzly Moss Lane, the Lions started brightly despite the absence of suspended midfielder Will Hatfield and unwell goalkeeper Steven Drench.
Adam Smith was lively on his return from injury and his deflected cross that almost looped in midway through the half was the Lions’ best opportunity early on.
However, Mark Bower’ side were behind three minutes before half-time when Michael Rankine cut inside a number of Guiseley defenders and fired past Daniel Atkinson from distance.
In a largely even contest, the Lions drew level just before the hour when Smith’s lofted cross was converted at the far post by Atkinson – the centre-back having also been on target in the 1-0 win back at Nethermoor in September’s reverse fixture.
Rankine should have earned the hosts all three points when he struck the crossbar with the goal at his mercy but the Lions were given a let-off ahead of Tuesday’s clash with high-flying Forest Green Rovers at Nethermoor.
