The battle for the UniBond Premier Division title intensified tonight, with Guiseley’s 4-2 win at Stocksbridge taking them level on points with leaders Bradford Park Avenue.

The neighbours are locked on 61 points apiece, with Avenue staying top by virtue of a better goal difference.

They still have a game in hand on the Lions and face a tough trip of their own tomorrow night when they make the short journey to Bury’s Gigg Lane to take on FC United of Manchester – who travel to Guiseley on Saturday.

The police have insisted that fixture at Nethermoor kicks off at noon.

Tonight's victory for Guiseley was hard fought as they had to come back from a two-goal deficit inside the first ten minutes, with Richard Tracey and Tom Claisse – both former Avenue players – on target for their South Yorkshire hosts.

Liam Needham pulled a goal back before half-time and Simon Johnson netted the equaliser to open his Guiseley account.

Jamie Walshaw put the visitors in front just before the hour and a second from Needham secured the points.

With fourth-placed Retford United, who drew 1-1 at Nethermoor at the weekend, losing at home and third-placed Boston United having played more games than both Guiseley and Avenue, the battle to secure the one automatic promotion place to the Conference North is developing into a two-horse race.

With Avenue’s home game on Saturday postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, it has helped those players struggling to overcome bumps and bruises time to recover.