The Lions will look to continue their positive performances at home, as Nantwich Town come to Nethermoor Park in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, writes Harry Ware.
Match sponsored by: Jeff Hollings
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 £12 adults, £8 concessions/students/registered disabled, U18’s £5 and accompanied U11’s £1.
Previous Meetings
A 90th minute winner from Lewis Hey gave the Lions all three points in the reverse fixture when they travelled to Cheshire in August.
That was the first time the two sides met in 12 years, when they both played in the Northern Premier Division.
The Lions are unbeaten against The Dabbers, having won their last four games against Saturday’s visitors.
The last time the two sides met at Nethermoor, the Lions came out with a 1-0 win, and Paul Phillips’ side will be looking for a repeat on the weekend.
The Lions’ Form Book
Lewis Whitham’s third goal in Guiseley AFC colours was not enough to take any points away at Bamber Bridge.
The hosts took the lead through Sheldon Green, with Bamber having the lead at half time.
Whitham responded to bring the Lions on level terms, however Bamber Bridge would go onto claim all three points after Paul Dawson found a winner for the hosts.
The Lions have been impressive at home in recent games however. Two wins in the league combined with a spirited display against National League side FC Halifax Town has given the Lions a good steppingstone at home.
A Look At Nantwich Town
The Dabbers currently sit in the relegation zone in the Northern Premier, with just 24 points in 23 games.
However, the table standings are misleading when it comes to form, as Nantwich have picked up several positive results of late.
An unbeaten November saw Ritchie Sutton’s side pick-up ten points from a possible twelve, with their boxing day defeat at Stafford Rangers being their first loss since October.
Last time out, Nantwich were denied all three points after Mwiya Malumo gave the Dabbers an early lead against Warrington Town.
It was the forward’s second goal of the season, and with Nantwich being another side who have goals spread across the squad, they will no doubt pose a challenge for the Lions on Saturday afternoon.
A Look At The Lions
Paul Phillips heads into the first home game of 2023 with no new injury concerns.
Jake Cassidy and Spencer Harris are edging closer to a return to fitness but there will be a wait for another Lion to make his debut.
Zak Dearnley is a doubt for the game but Mohammad Qasim returned to the bench at Bamber Bridge and provides another option to Phillips’ attacking line.
What Are They Saying?
Paul Phillips spoke to us after the game, and was disappointed that the Lions did not manage to take anything from the game in Lancashire:
“I thought we started similar to last week, the fact we started poorly. I thought we deserved something out of the game, we missed chances at crucial times. When we came out second half, we looked the better team.”
“I can’t remember them cutting us open. They scored a worldie. The second goal has come from a set piece which is unacceptable.”
Phillips also mentioned the difficulties of managing a schedule during the festive period:
“I think the game was a bit still. We’ve not played for seven days. It’s been hard to get everyone out training with the schedule. But I’m not blaming that.”
“We wanted to get on the front foot, we wanted to take the three points. We tried everything.”
“A moment of lapse at the back and we get punished.”
“We’ve come here to a play-off chasing opposition, and we’ve come up a little short, which to me isn’t good enough.”
Phillips also spoke about the fitness of Zak Dearnley after the game:
“He’s probably three weeks away. He’s doing a bit of a rehab.”
Tickets for the game with Nantwich 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.
