The ‘Road to Wembley’ begins on Saturday as Guiseley make a short trip down to Colne, Joe Priestley previews the Emirates FA Cup tie.
The Lions are looking to improve on recent years in which disappointing defeats to FC United of Manchester and Peterborough Sports have ended cup runs in the qualifying stages. However The Lions are boosted by two key returns that could make all the difference.
The Lions
Jamie Spencer is expected to be back in contention and could make his first appearance of the season. Kaine Felix returned to full fitness on Saturday and Jake Day is also likely to be in the squad. The Lions have been boosted by the influx of academy players that have adjusted well to first team football. Adam Haw and Oli Metcalfe have both got a fair amount of minutes on the clock already this season. Luke Jackson could start having returned to The Lions on loan from Sheffield Wednesday after an impressive trial period in pre-season between the sticks. The Lions have faltered in the most recent years in the Emirates FA Cup but most of you won’t need reminding about the last major cup run The Lions put together and Russ and Marcus will be hoping for another positive run together.
Colne FC
Northern Premier League West side Colne have enjoyed cup success recently. They recorded their best Emirates FA Cup run in the 2019-20 campaign getting to the fourth qualifying round where they lost to our league rivals Gateshead. Colne overcame Stalybridge to book their place in this round of the cup. The man in form at the moment at Colne is Reece Webb-Foster, a former Guiseley loanee who showed his skills in their recent 4-0 victory over City of Liverpool FC. Colne are an up and coming club, Manager Nathan Rooney has assembled a quality squad and there is talk of a new stadium being built as well. They will certainly be up for a profile raising cup run.
In Comparison
Guiseley League Position: 15th (NLN)
Colne League Position: 12th (NPL D1W)
Guiseley Last Result: 2-0 (L) vs Kettering Town
Colne Last Result: 4-0 (W) vs City of Liverpool
Guiseley Record: 1W 2D 3L (All comps)
Colne Record: 3W 3D 2L (All comps)
Come on you Lions!