The Lions return to Nethermoor on Saturday focusing on the Isuzu FA Trophy with Whitby Town the visitors for a third round qualifying tie in a 3pm kick-off.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance here, tickets will also be on sale on the day at the turnstiles with payment by cash only, it is also cash payments only inside the ground for programmes and 50/50 cash draw tickets. Food and drink from The Lions’ Diner and clubhouse food servery can be paid for by cash or card and the clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card.

Tickets are priced at £10 adults, £6 concessions/students/registered disabled, U18’s £4 and accompanied U11’s £1.

The Lions are looking to make it two home victories on the spin after a hard earned point was secured in Lincolnshire on Tuesday night thanks to Mohammad Quasim’s opening strike at Gainsborough.

Previous Meetings

We have already faced Whitby at Nethermoor this season with strikes from Spencer Harris and Jake Cassidy earning a 2-1 win under the lights.

We have previously clashed in the FA Trophy nearly a decade ago when The Lions came out on top in a 7-0 win in November 2012 when James Walshaw, Kevin Holsgrove, Andy Holdsworth, Josh Wilson and Nicky Boshell were all on the scoresheet on a wet Nethermoor afternoon.

The Lions’ Form Book

Danny Ellis’ side have had a patchy September with squad changes, injuries and fixture disruption contributing to the last few results.

Consecutive 1-1 draws with Gainsborough Trinity and Warrington Rylands followed a run of four defeats in five games in all competitions.

Lebrun Mbeka netted the equaliser on Saturday on his second home debut with the on loan utility player starting the last two matches.

A Look At Whitby Town

Whitby have made a change in management with Lee Bullock taking a step back and Nathan Haslam now in sole control of The Seasiders.

Since the change Haslam has overseen a narrow 1-0 defeat to Marske in the Emirates FA Cup, an away win at Nantwich and a draw at Radcliffe on Saturday in the league.

They travelled to Ashton United on Tuesday night and earned a 1-0 victory to climb up to 20th place.

Nicky Walker has since switched sides to join Ellis’ men but former Lion Jake Day moved from Matlock to Whitby last month and could face his old side.

A Look At The Lions

Danny Ellis started Kyle Trenerry on Saturday with the goalkeeper making a string of impressive saves to earn the Man of the Match award.

Joe Ackroyd made his first Nethermoor appearance with Lebrun Mbeka and Kwame Boateng both making their second home debuts.

Luke Dean, Andy Kellett, Danny Ellis, George Smith, Nicky Walker and Spencer Harris all missed out though but some could be in line for a return to action.

Danny Ellis and Danny Forrest will go into the fixture with a full week to prepare for the first time since the commencement of the league campaign.

Adam Haw has made back to back starts in the last two games with the academy graduate playing a crucial role in the side.

What Are They Saying?

Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Warrington Rylands Danny Ellis said “I am never happy with a point at home, I thought the game in general was very open and we left ourselves open at times and we saw that with the penalty, I think we should be better in those areas. On the flip side of it we played some good football and put some great balls into good areas but we were wasteful as well. Frustrating is the word I would use today against a team who were very lively going forward that’s for sure.”

“We had Nicky Walker missing who had an accident at home and was unavailable today, that doesn’t help and it makes it six now who are missing but the lads put in a decent performance.”

“We have done a lot on various areas when it comes to set pieces and Lebrun has got his head on the good ball in, it was a decent header. I cannot ask much more of the players, the effort and endeavor is there but it is the decisions which are letting us down at times.”

“It is kind of a flip to what it was like a few years ago when I was playing in the league, it was more direct football which won you games but you can see now in the way teams set up they have good patterns of play, a good set up and are playing out from the back and having a decent pitch helps with that. It is different and teams are obviously a lot stronger by doing it.”

“Luke Dean and George Smith are struggling with their hamstrings, Spencer Harris has slipped a disc in his back so he could be long term which is disappointing, Andy Kellett is back jogging now so he will be a few weeks but hopefully I will be back. It is frustrating because I know what we have got and what we are capable of but it is just not clicking at the minute.”

Tickets for the game with Whitby Town can be purchased at the turnstiles on the day with cash payment only or online in advance here. Don’t forget to pick up a matchday programme for just £3, it is packed full with exclusive content with what you will find inside here.