AFTER escaping with a draw from a game that they probably should have won, Guiseley manager Mark Bower reckons that Vanarama Conference North is a thriving division.

Following the 0-0 draw at bottom club Hyde, the 35-year-old, who signed for the Lions after leaving FC Halifax Town in May, 2011, said: “The league is as strong as it has ever been in the time I have been involved with it.

“Many clubs have big budgets, and that is attracting players who might otherwise be figuring in the Conference Premier Division.

“Also North Ferriby United (13th in Vanarama North) have reached the FA Trophy final, and their semi-final was Conference North v Conference South.”

Having said that, however, and after his prediction that stylish Hyde would be difficult to beat despite looking likely to suffer a second straight relegation, the former Bantams centre half reckons that his team should still have won their sixth-tier clash.

“It was frustrating,” said Bower of his afternoon at Ewen Fields against the Tiger Cubs. “We were well on top in the first half and forced a lot of corners but it was a bobbly pitch and windy and it was difficult for us to get any momentum.

“Jake Lawlor had a good chance from a corner, Adam Boyes had a couple of chances, and Liam Dickinson as well, but Hyde got stronger and stronger and we came away probably glad to get a point after a scramble in the last minute, with Steve Drench also having to make some good saves.”

Guiseley had the return fixture last night, and on Saturday they entertain Brackley, who were 16th after last weekend.

They finished seventh last season but were third in 2012-13, losing 1-0 to FC Halifax Town in the play-off final.

Bower said: “They have a more limited budget now and have lost one or two players.

“We would like a repeat of the performance when we won 3-0 at Brackley in September but it also nice that we don’t have a midweek match next week as it gives our injured players a chance to rest and recover.”