Ashton United 2 Guiseley 2: TWO of the division’s promotion hopefuls fought out an entertaining draw on a cold, but dry, afternoon at Hurst Cross.

Both sides put in committed displays and there was plenty of goalmouth action with three quality strikes and an own goal.

With Ben Deegan suspended and Rod Thornley injured, manager Danny Johnson paired Callum Flanagan with Robbie Talbot up front but neither lasted 90 minutes with Flanagan withdrawn through injury at half-time and Talbot playing for an hour.

The visitors had the better of the early exchanges and Adam Muller hit a shot just over, while Dave Merris pulled one wide.

Home keeper, Teery Smith, did well to push away Simeon Bambrook’s free kick, while at the other end, Talbot headed just wide from Iain Howard’s cross.

James Hanson had a low shot saved by Smith and also flashed a header wide as Guiseley continued to press.

Ashton conceded a number of free-kicks on the edge of their penalty area, and the opening goal came when Jerome Fitzgerald’s fiercely hit shot curled around the wall and past Smith.

Parity was restored a minute before half-time when Matty O’Neill’s far post cross was headed into his own net by defender Danny Ellis.

The home side looked a different outfit after the break and passed the ball around with more authority.

Ashton duo Haydn Eames and Gareth Richards both had efforts off target, so it was somewhat against the run of play when Guiseley restored their advantage just before the hour mark.

A cross from the right found space at the far post and Bambrook hit a superb shot on the turn that went in off the inside of the post.

The lead lasted less than two minutes, before the home side replied with a stunning strike of their own.

This time, it was midfielder Ian Bennett who met a right-wing cross with an unstoppable half-volley that sailed into the top corner, past the despairing dive of Piotr Skiba.

Ashton had the majority of the territorial advantage in the closing stages, but Guiseley were always dangerous on the break with Bambrook looking to shoot at every opportunity.

In stoppage time the Guiseley striker had three efforts on goal – Smith saved one, another was pulled wide and the third hit another Guiseley striker before it could reach Smith.

Attendance: 157