Guiseley 2

Alfreton Town 2

LEAGUE leaders Alfreton arrived at Nethermoor on Saturday on the back of a 25 match unbeaten run that very nearly came to an end.

A hard working Guiseley side as ever lacked only the killer instinct in front of goal whichwould have seen them take all three points.

Alan Bailey made his long awaited home debut replacing the suspended Mark Stuart and left the Nethermoor faithful hopeful of what might happen once he is paired up with injured striker Ryan Senior.

In a frantic opening spell Alfreton opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Steve Johnson back-heeled the ball into the net from close range following a goalmouth melee.

With Dave Henry linking up well with Stewart Airdrie in midfield and David Cooke and Richard Chattoe working like Trojans Guiseley forced a quick succession of corners.

From one Alan Bailey had the ball in the net only for his effort to be ruled out for off-side.

Guiseley however were not going to be denied. In the 37th minute another corner was floated to the near post where Cooke's back header bounced of the underside of the bar only to be caught by 'keeper Ross Turner.

Unfortunately for the Alfreton custodian he was standing a yard behind the goaline.

As Guiseley piled on the pressure, Cooke's clever chip on the turn deserved a better reward as did a searching cross from Henry that was collected by Turner under no pressure at all.

At the other end as half-time arrived Chris Hill saved well from an Alfreton corner.

Once again Guiseley's good work was for nothing as just three minutes into the second-half some poor marking at the back post allowed Johnson to net his second with a downward header.

Johnson was proving a thorn in Guiseley's side and he almost notched his hat-trick with a lob from 12 yards that went just over.

Cooke produced an excellent through ball which was just too far ahead of Bailey as Turner rushed from his goal to collect. Bailey had another chance but blazed over after more good work by Cooke.

Guiseley battled hard for the equaliser and it came with ten minutes remaining. The busy Bailey was again involved finding himself free on the right. He drew a defender before threading a superb pass into the path of Stewart Airdrie who drew Turner from his goal before shooting into the roof of the net from 15 yards out.

Guiseley could scent victory and they rolled their sleeves up for a final onslaught. They were however unable to break down a resolute Alfreton defence.

An entertaining game ended level as Guiseley extended their unbeaten run to six games. Another confusing display by the match officials was not allowed to detract from a good Guiseley performance.

Guiseley have some vital game scoring up against teams in close proximity to them in the league table.

These are games they must win if they are to battle their way into the play-off zone. Something which on Saturday's performance does not look out of the question.

For Saturday's game at home to Droylsden in the League Chairman's Cup Guiseley will again be without the suspended Mark Stuart.

Young striker Ryan Senior is still not ready for a return after damaging ankle ligaments in November in the FA Cup tie at Luton Town.