Workington 2, Guiseley 2

BEFORE making this trip to one of the northern outposts of the UniBond League Guiseley would probably have been happy to think they would get a share of the spoils.

However, it was a different story after they had twice given away the lead and full-back Kieron O'Brien had been the biggest threat to his own 'keeper John Lamb.

Lamb had to make a magnificent save to keep out a shot from O'Brien in the early stages of the game. It was a superb shot heading for the top corner until Lamb made a breathtaking save.

Scott Jackson put an early effort over for Guiseley before in the 13th minute Richard Chattoe headed the ball back into the danger area and Mark Stuart hit a quality strike, his twelfth goal of the season, to give his side the lead.

Dave Henry and Scott Jackson both had chances which they put wide before Jeremy Illingworth completed a well worked move with his shot being saved.

Guiseley had been in the ascendency but had not made their territorial advantage pay.

It started to look ominous when O'Brien was caught too far forward on a number of occasions and the central defenders were stretched to cover.

Nathan Hay had a magnificent game but Gary Birchall at times struggled for pace as Workington finally woke up.

Glen Murray levelled in the 48th minute but Guiseley were back in front just four minutes later when Dave Henry held the ball up well before losing it - a sad feature of his game in this match.

The clearance fortuitously came to the hard-working Jackson and his right foot shot sailed into the net to put Guiseley ahead again.

Workington however were not finished and with a five match unbeaten run behind them they were not going to give in easily.

Guiseley soaked up the pressure and there were few chances until Matthew Henney drew Workington level again in the 83rd minute.

In the end Guiseley were glad to hang on to a point as Workington could have grabbed the full quota.

In the late stages O'Brien slipped on the heavy surface and only managed to poke the ball into the path of Tony Hopper who looked to have the easy task of slipping the ball into the net but he fired wide of the far post.

It was a great let off for Neil Parsley's men who will have to defend better than this if they are to progress against Worksop Town in Saturday's FA Trophy tie which kicks-off at 3pm.