GUISELEY had to dig deep after a poor first-half performance but battled back to earn a 1-1 draw from the visit of York City.

The point gained sees the Lions pull six points clear of the drop zone with a game in hand after the two clubs immediately below them both lost.

The Minstermen climbed one place to 13th, leapfrogging Curzon Ashton after their 4-1 defeat at Boston United, so they will also feel that a point from Nethermoor was a worthwhile one.

The visitors broke the deadlock early on as Paddy McLaughlin netted his first goal since returning to the club. McLaughlin headed a good cross from Scott Burgess past Lions’ keeper Marcus Dewhurst.

Kingsley James hit a half volley that flew just wide and Andy Halls met a late first-half corner with a diving header but that was also wide of the target.

The visitors created a host of chances with Macaulay Langstaff, Sean Newton and skipper Jordan Burrow all going close.

The second half was more even as Guiseley stepped up their game. James had the ball in the net in the 49th minute, heading over York keeper Adam Bartlett, but there were no celebrations as an offside flag was raised.

It was James who went on to get the all-important equaliser as Guiseley backed up Tuesday’s narrow home win over Curzon with a home draw. James fired high into the net in the 77th minute following a good break down the right flank and testing ball in from George Cantrill.

The Lions almost won the game when a late shot from Alex Purver thumped against the post with Bartlett beaten. Halls’ effort from the rebound was deflected wide and the resulting corner came to nothing.

Guiseley joint manager Russ O’Neill said: “It’s a real good point at home and I though York were outstanding in that first 20-25 minutes – they’re a full time outfit and it showed.

“We were glad to be only one goal down at half-time but we got back into it and I thought we showed resilience.

"Other results on the day went our way so we’re six points clear (of the relegation places) now with a game in hand so coming in at only 1-0 was massive.

“We played well in the second half and we encourage them to get the reins off when we’re in the opposition half which led to the goal. It was a really good and fully deserved goal, and I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t go on to get the winner.

“York are as good as anything we’ve seen so far this season but we were resilient.”