Guiseley turned in a much-improved display from Monday’s tame defeat at Gateshead to earn a 1-1 draw at high-flying Grimsby Town on Saturday.

A hugely disappointing second half on Tyneside left Mark Bower deeply frustrated earlier this week but the Lions took their one clear-cut chance and defended resolutely to kick off 2016 with a hard-earned draw.

The Lions – missing a host of players through injury and illness – withstood heavy spells of Grimsby possession before half-time, albeit while Steven Drench remained relatively untroubled.

And Oliver Norburn gave the visitors a surprise lead with a well-struck half volley shortly before half-time – much to the delight of the travelling contingent from West Yorkshire.

Having lost Tom Craddock to injury early in the second half, Guiseley were pegged back when Padraig Amond converted from close range after a cross from the left deflected off Adam Lockwood and into the forward’s path.

Grimsby threw everything at Bower’s side for the remaining half-hour but a gritty defensive display earned the Lions a valuable point ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Forest Green Rovers at Nethermoor.