23/24 Match Preview: Atherton Collieries

The Lions will look return to winning ways in the league tomorrow night, when they host Atherton Collieries at Nethermoor in a 7:45pm kick-off,writes Harry Ware.

Tickets will be on sale on the night at the turnstiles with payment by cash or card.

It is 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

In the last meeting between the two sides, it was Atherton who came out on top in a 2-1 win at Skuna Stadium.

Adam Rooney opened the scoring for the hosts before Jay Fitzmartin added a second early in the second half, to put the Colls in full control.

A 90th minute effort from Scott Bakkor for the Lions would only be a consolation, as Atherton ensured they claimed all three points.

However, the last meeting at Nethermoor Park was a comfortable game for Guiseley, who ran away 3-0 winners on Boxing Day last season.

George Smith opened the scoring for the Lions, before Callum Chippendale bagged a brace to make sure of the points.


The Lions’ Form Book

A 3-1 win over Gainsborough Trinity in the Isuzu FA Trophy saw the Lions progress into the First Round Proper of the competition at the weekend.

Jameel Ible gave the Lions the lead, before Kallan Murphy doubled Guiseley’s advantage.

A penalty effort from Tom Denton made it three for the Lions, and despite a consolation goal for Gainsborough, it would be the Lions who progressed in the competition.

They will be looking to take that form into the league when they face Atherton tomorrow, having let slip a one goal lead to Morpeth Town last time out.

Reece Kendall thought he had won it for the Lions until a last-minute equaliser from Sam Hodgson meant the game finished all square.


A Look At Atherton Collieries

It has been a difficult start to the season for Atherton Collieries, who find themselves in the relegation zone after their opening ten games of the season.

Just one win in those games means they have gained just five points and will be hoping to turn their form around.

They let go of a 1-0 lead last time out against Hyde United. Joe Adams gave tomorrow’s opponents the lead, before a brace from Jack Redshaw gave Hyde all three points.

However, having beat Guiseley back in April, the Colls will be full of confidence that they can claim a result at Nethermoor on Tuesday night.


A Look At The Lions

Liam Tongue could be available for the visit of Atherton with the Interim Manager naming himself on the bench in Saturday’s FA Trophy win at Gainsborough.

Tongue was also boosted by back-to-back starts by Gabriel Johnson last week and the return of Courtney Meppen-Walters.

Laurence Sorhaindo and Lewis Whitham will miss out through injury but otherwise Tongue has a fully fit squad to pick from.


What Are They Saying?

Interim boss Liam Tongue spoke to us after the 3-1 win over Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Trophy.

“You can see the positiveness.

“When you’re winning games of football, people are more positive, the outlook is better, so hopefully we’ve set our standard.

“We know what we need to do Tuesday and hopefully we go and get three points.

“I’m really enjoying it. The lads have brought into it. It’s probably something that I’ll look to do when I’m a bit older. I’m only 26 so it’s a lot to take on at my age.

“You can see there is a willingness now to keep pushing forward. It can be a difficult transition.

“Hopefully now there is a bit more consistency and we can see that in our performances.”

Tickets for the game with Atherton Collieries can only be purchased at the turnstiles on the day. Don’t forget to pick up a programme tomorrow night, find out what’s inside here.

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