Dene Cropper's second goal of the campaign put them ahead on 55 minutes but Guiseley quickly responded as Steve Burton levelled just three minutes later.

And one point for Matlock could easily have been converted into three as deep into stoppage time home custodian Piotr Skiba managed the faintest of touches to turn Liam King's free-kick onto the bar.

Town also had to cope with the loss of top scorer Ross Hannah, absent with a shoulder injury, so captain Simon Barraclough partnered Cropper in attack in a 4-4-2 formation, making them look more solid against a side which had crashed in six goals at Prescot two days earlier.

King and Simon Harrison provided the athleticism in central midfield with Steve Warne and Jamie Jackson supplying width. The back line was identical to that which ended the win over Whitby as Ryan Davis earned a recall at right- back.

Home captain Ryan Crossley was booked for a clumsy challenge on Jackson who had two men on him for all of the opening half. He hurt himself carrying out his misdemeanour and limped off in the 16th minute.

Just before the interval Matlock might have easily won a penalty when Jackson was both held back and tugged by his shirt by Merris but the referee didn't want to know.

Jackson, carrying an ankle injury, was replaced by Gary Webster after the restart.

Matlock drew first blood with a beautifully constructed opening goal on 55 minutes. Webster and Warne linked superbly on the right and Cropper turned in Warne's low cross at the near post from six yards.

Andy Richmond then saved well from Adam Muller but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Burton's equaliser just three minutes later as he met a left-wing cross with a precision finish.

King was booked late on for his protests after the referee denied another penalty appeal.

Matlock: Richmond, Davis, Featherstone, Harrison (Thorpe 68), Laight, Foyle, Jackson (Webster 47), Warne, Cropper (Benger 68), Barraclough, King. Other subs: Federenko, Foster.

Referee: J Knowles (Huddersfield).

Attendance: 408