Guiseley 1, Southport 1

GUISELEY were pegged back late on by struggling visitors Southport in the National League but a draw was probably a fair result.

The visitors had a strong penalty appeal early on when former Bradford City skipper Gary Jones' through-ball picked out Aadrai Jones, who tried to drift past advancing Lions keeper Steve Drench but went to ground claiming he had been fouled.

The referee was not interested – and Southport's frustrations then doubled when Guiseley broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Liam Dickinson gave the hosts the lead with a well-struck free-kick that sneaked in off the post.

Southport, who were third from bottom after their weekend draw with FC Halifax Town at The Shay, showed determination and launched a fightback against Mark Bower's men.

Jones sent in a shot from distance, only to find Drench well placed, and later saw a free-kick headed for a corner by the Lions' defence.

Guiseley took their slender lead into the break but it was under threat in the first minute of the second half when Louis Almond shot against Drench's post. Jones and Almond both went close again before Guiseley scorer Dickinson found Wayne Brooksby but he shot straight at the visiting keeper.

Southport got their breakthrough three minutes from time and it was Almond who netted the equaliser with a great drive from just outside the area.