Farsley Celtic 1

Guiseley 1

NEIL Parsley's new look Guiseley side are riding high at the top of the UniBond Premier Division and remain unbeaten after four games.

They won their opening three fixtures against Leek Town, Gateshead and Burscough and then drew the tough derby encounter with Farsley Celtic at Throstle Nest on Bank Holiday Monday.

This was a battling encounter in which no quarter was given and it looked to be between two sides who have the strength in depth to be challenging at the end of the season.

Parsley again utilised centre-back Chris Clarke, a close season signing from Halifax Town, as a striker. With Simon Parke still injured Clarke gave Guiseley another dimension in what were two tough games against Burscough and Farsley.

It was a dour derby game but one had expected nothing less.

Farsley were looking to improve on an indifferent start to the season while Guiseley were keen to continue their 100 per cent record. Guiseley's former Celtic players were keen to impress against their old club. Lee Connor was dominant at the back for Guiseley where Nathan Hay again had an oustanding game.

Connor combined with another former Celt to almost force an opener, Matty Smithard's cross being headed wide by the big man.

Roy Stamer showed the Celts what they are missing being constantly involved in play. He threatened the Celts' goal with two free-kicks and then saw his left foot drive deflected round the post.

After a goalless first-half Farsley broke the deadlock when Mark Bett raced on to a long ball and netted with a fine shot.

Guiseley battled for an equaliser and it came 12 minutes from time. Stamer provided the cross for Clarke to stab home.

Parsley said: "I think a draw was a fair result. Neither side did enough to win it. Bett's goal was the only bit of quality in the game."

Guiseley's game at Prescot Cables has been moved to Friday night to avoid clashing with the England game, kick-off 8pm.