James Hurst’s first goals for Guiseley in the Vanarama National League earned the Lions an impressive 2-2 draw against high-flying Tranmere Rovers.

Mark Bower welcomed Will Hatfield back into his XI for Tuesday’s clash at Nethermoor while Oli Johnson was in the matchday squad for the first time this season, but the visitors dominated the early stages and were unfortunate not to lead when Michael Higdon headed against the crossbar nine minutes in.

Rovers did take the lead after 35 minutes courtesy of an unfortunate own-goal from Rob Atkinson but Hurst hauled the Lions level before half-time with an expert volley from Danny Lowe’s cross.

Bower’s men improved further after the break and saw Nicky Boshell rattle the woodwork before a slip-up in defence allowed Jake Kirby to restore the visitors’ lead on 59 minutes.

But again a spirited Guiseley display saw them hit back through Hurst as the former Torquay United man send a low drive past Scott Davies to register his first league goal since October.

Both sides had chances to win the game in the final half-hour – substitute Johnson curling an effort wide of target shortly after receiving a rapturous welcome from most of the 1,197 at Nethermoor – but the spoils were shared ahead of Guiseley’s trip to Bromley on Saturday.