Pre-season friendly: Curzon Ashton 2 Guiseley 2

A MICHAEL Rankine free-kick gave Guiseley a draw at Curzon Ashton on what was the last Saturday of friendly fixtures for most of the area’s semi-pro clubs.

Lions boss Mark Bower will oversee his squad battling for points at Eastleigh in the Vanarama National League next Saturday.

For their final preparation, the manager chose a tough game at Vanarama National League North outfit Curzon.

Guiseley have a free week now to hone their fitness and brush up on systems and tactics, and they will welcome the chance after nine warm-up games.

Bower’s men had to come from two goals down to rescue a draw at Curzon Ashton.

The Nash broke the deadlock when Connor Hampson beat Lions keeper Dan Atkinson to a through ball, and they doubled their lead through Iain Howard, who found himself with an open goal.

But the comeback began before the interval when a cross from close-season signing Nicky Clee was fumbled by Nash keeper Cameron Mason, and Jordan Preston pounced to score from close range.

Second-half substitute Rankin’s set-piece had too much power for the home keeper as the visitors claimed a share of the spoils.

Brighouse Town had a home friendly with non-league newcomers Campion, and it was a routine win for Paul Quinn’s men, although they only led by a single goal at half-time.

A 12th-minute strike from Jake Buchanan broke the deadlock as he lashed the ball into the top corner after good work and an inviting square pass from Luke Parkin.

Tom Robinson was on target twice for Town after the interval, firing in a 25-yard drive that took a deflection to leave the visitors’ keeper stranded and lifting the ball over him after an excellent through ball left him one on one.

Town were due to be in action again tonight at home to Albion Sports but that has been cancelled, so they will play Yorkshire Amateur tomorrow at the Dual Seal Stadium instead (7.45).

Liversedge were also at home at the weekend but they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Evo-Stik Division One North Clitheroe.

Sedge pulled a goal back through Cody Cromack midway through the first half to go into the break just a goal down at 2-1.

However, the visitors hit seven unanswered goals in the second half, with Kurt Willoughby and Modou Cham both bagging hat-tricks.

Thackley played out a goalless draw at Knaresborough Town but James Gill’s Silsden were beaten 5-0 at Hemsworth MW.

Wayne Benn, who began his playing career at Valley Parade before going on to be Bradford Park Avenue’s skipper, manages Hemsworth and, after leading them to promotion to the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division last term, confidence is high at the club.

Former Thackley and Farsley Celtic midfielder Brice Tiani put Hemsworth in front with a 12th-minute penalty, Del Pollack and Billy Law adding to that before the interval, and Law netted his second before Sam Jones made it a nap hand.