Farsley Celtic 2 Guiseley 2

A deflected equaliser in injury time denied Guiseley a memorable victory in a combative derby at Throstle Nest on Boxing Day, which finished with a man dismissed from either side writes Stephen Exley.

On a dismal December day, the players were forced to have their pre-match warm up on the pitches adjacent to the ground. Despite the Farsley manager's praise for the state of the Throstle Nest turf in the programme notes, both sides found the going somewhat soft, but endeavoured to play good football nonetheless.

Indeed there was plenty of mud-slinging during a tempestuous match, both from the typically welcoming home supporters, and in a more literal sense when former Guiseley favourite Paul Stevenson petulantly launched a handful of the cutting-up pitch in the direction of David Cooke midway through the first-half.

Despite suffering two defeats to their fierce rivals in cup competition, Guiseley began the match in assured fashion. The visitors' passing was excellent throughout, but often in the first half seemed to lack direction. After Farsley had wasted a good opening in the third minute Guiseley began to put the hosts' goal un-der pressure.

Cooke, who as the sole striker led the line superbly for the whole match, headed over a Mark Stuart cross, and then fired wide after linking well with Stewart Airdrie. Peter Sumner also had his shot saved when he only had the goalkeeper to beat.

Then on 16 minutes Farsley took the lead against the run of play. After the home side had won the ball back in their own half, a swift counter-attack was finished by Michael Midwood, to the delight of the announcer on the PA system who gave a dubious imitation of a Brazilian commentator's goal celebration.

The hosts grew in confidence but were almost back on level terms when the 'keeper had to be alert to palm an Airdrie corner over the bar. The winger, back at the club on loan from Hednesford Town, had another good ball into the box caught by the 'keeper.

Towards the end of the half, a few robust challenges from both sides sparked the match into life. This culminated with a challenge from Mark Stuart which proved the catalyst for a free-for-all, as the referee struggled to keep control. Stuart was then dismissed and the Farsley players involved remained unpunished.

Angered by the decision, Guiseley came out in the second-half determined to force their way back into the match. David Cooke got a deserved equaliser after 52 minutes when he headed in a fine cross from Richard Chattoe.

Farsley threw on three substitutes to try and make their extra man count but their numerical advantage was soon erased when Stevenson was dismissed for disgracefully stamping on Cooke's head in the penalty area leaving the Guiseley man with blood streaming down his face and a look of total shock as he was led away.

Bloodied but unbowed Cooke returned with his head swathed in bandages. Prodigal son Peter Atkinson capped arguably his best performance since returning to the club by slotting the penalty just beyond the outstretched arms of the 'keeper in the 75th minute.

Guiseley looked to be coasting to a satisfying victory when in added on time a Danny Spence effort from 25 yards took a cruel deflection over Chris Hill to ensure that neither side would return home for their turkey sandwiches with more than the stocking-filler of a single point.