We’re in Buildbase FA Trophy action on Wednesday for the first time this season and Joe Priestley previews the trip to Ashton United in the second round.
It’s a change of scenery and a change of competition for The Lions as they journey to Ashton to take on Ashton United in the Buildbase FA Trophy. It’s not a competition that has brought The Lions much success in recent years however the current management team did break the losing streak in last year’s campaign. The Road to Wembley begins once again and it’ll be a chance for The Lions to test themselves, if they can get past an Ashton side that are likely to be more than up for it.
The Lions
The last trip across the Pennines proved fruitful for Guiseley, a 1-0 win in midweek saw The Lions filled with confidence once again after a difficult couple of weeks. Lewis Hey put in an excellent performance and was rewarded with a goal but also picked up a knock. The trophy perhaps offers chances for some of The Young Lions to step up, Josh Stones has been in and around the action lately as has fellow academy product Ollie Brown. Hamza Bencherif also returned to the side on Tuesday night after an injury picked up at Wimbledon. The last trip to Ashton-Under-Lyne The Lions took ended in a 1-1 draw at The Robins’ local rivals Curzon Ashton, they’ll be hoping to do one better on this occasion.
Ashton United
You may be familiar with Ashton United from the 2018/19 campaign where both teams were involved in the Vanarama National League North relegation battle, The Lions came off the better of the two, but in the head to heads that season Ashton won the first game before a draw at Nethermoor later in the season. Ashton tasted cup victory in midweek as well, they beat Mossley in the Manchester Premier Cup thanks to an Osebi Abadaki goal late on. They’ll be looking to replicate that on Wednesday night. Michael Clegg is a strong manager and Ashton will not go down easily.
In Comparison
Guiseley League Position: 19th (NLN)
Ashton League Position: 16th (NPL)
Guiseley Last Result: 0-1 (W) vs Chester
Ashton Last Result: 0-1 (W) vs Mossley
Guiseley Record: 3W 3D 7L
Ashton Record: 5W 6D 7L
Come on you Lions!
