Guiseley showed their steel as they staged a dramatic second half fightback to snatch a point in what was to prove a tough fixture against Worcester City.

The Lions, whose side included debutant Michael Brough at the back, were given several warnings early on from City as they looked to seize the initiative. It was Guiseley who were to have the first two meaningful attempts however, Lee Ellington and Gavin Rothery both spurning early chances.

City were looking threatening, especially burly forward Mike Symons, and the breakthrough came on 37 minutes with Lee Ayres dispatching a loose ball in the box following a corner.  Things were to get worse for Guiseley just six minutes later, when Symons surged past Lions skipper Simon Ainge before slotting the ball past ‘keeper Steven Drench.

Symons, the thorn in Guiseley’s side all afternoon, was withdrawn shortly after the break and with it much of Worcester’s attacking momentum. The Lions started to click and chances were created.  Manager Steve Kittrick made a number of changes and the freshened-up side were given hope when Danny Boshell cutely lobbed a headed effort over the Worcester goalkeeper on 73 minutes.

Searching for the leveller, Guiseley continued to probe with substitute Danny Forrest proving a handful for City’s back line. The moment the Lions’ travelling contingent was waiting for came right at the death. Joe O’Neill raced for a loose ball in the box, only to be felled by the Worcester stopper before the referee pointed to the spot.

In-form midfielder Rothery then stepped up to smash home in the 91st minute and secure the Lions an unlikely but valuable away point.

Lions side – Drench, Clarke, Ainge, Brough (O’Neill), Merris, Gall (Baldry), Boshell, Toner, Holdsworth, Rothery, Ellington (Forrest)

Substitutes (unused): Burns, Giles

Star man – David Merris

Entertainment value  ****