23/24 Match Preview: Gainsborough Trinity

Guiseley will play their first home game of 2024 this weekend when they welcome Gainsborough Trinity to Nethermoor Park, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: Luke Haigh

Tickets will be on sale on the day 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.

Our Opponents – Gainsborough Trinity

Founded: 1873
Manager: Russ Wilcox
23/24 Top goalscorer: Declan Howe (10)
Club Captain: Dylan Cogill
Nickname: Holy Blues/Trinity
Home Stadium: Kal Group Stadium
Capacity: 4,340

Well respected manager Russ Wilcox took over from Neal Bishop in September. Trinity fans’ have only seen their side win once away from home in the league all season, that came in October at Workington. They are still a side not to be underestimated though as they enjoyed a victory to start 2024. They beat promotion chasing Worksop Town 2-0 on New Year’s Day in what was their first maximum in seven league matches.

Former Lion Danny Devine represents the Holy Blues and will be pushing for a start against his old club. Key players also include Declan Howe, who is the clubs top league scorer with 10 goals. Lewis Butroid has played in the EFL for Scunthorpe United. Former Iron duo Nathaniel Wallace and Jack Moore-Billam also represent the club, as does Rotherham loanee Hamish Douglas.

Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Ben Bottomley has returned to the South Yorkshire club following a short loan spell so expect Dylan Wharton to return between the sticks for Trinity.

The Lincolnshire side sit 17th in the NPL and are seven points clear of the bottom three.


Previous Meetings

The Lions beat Gainsborough 3-1 in an FA Trophy qualifier back in October. In the league earlier this season though, The Lions were trounced 4-0 in August at the Kal Group Stadium.

Guiseley have only won one of the last five league meetings, with a 2-1 victory in November 2014 coming courtesy of goals from Adam Boyes and Oli Johnson, when both clubs were members of the National League North.


The Lions’ Form Book

The Lions kicked off 2024 with victory at local rivals Bradford (Park Avenue). Reece Kendall’s goal midway through the first half gave Andy Welsh’s men the three points and the club’s third league victory on the bounce away from Nethermoor.

They have however only picked up a point from a possible six at home and the visit of Gainsborough will allow the Lions the chance to win at home for the first time since beating Matlock Town 4-0 back in November.


The Lions’ Team News

Andy Welsh’s squad has been boosted by the arrivals of Kofi Moore and Abimbola Obasoto and the duo could make their first home starts on Saturday.

There were no fresh injury concerns from the win at Horsfall Stadium, but Tom Pratt will sit this one out through suspension.

Josh Ashman could make back-to-back starts after earning a clean sheet to start 2024 on a winning note but with Jameel Ible back available for selection Welsh has a tough decision to make.

Laurence Sorhaindo and Lewis Whitham remain long term injury absentees.


What Are They Saying?

‘I was probably their worst critics last week, but today I am going to be shouting from the rooftops after a very, very good away performance’.

Boss Andy Welsh was delighted with his sides performance and is pleased to have seen a reaction from the side after the defeat against Marske United.

‘These things happen. It’s all about trying to remain consistent’.

Welsh’s reaction after learning Saturday’s opponents had beaten promotion contenders Worksop Town.

‘Since Reece has come in, he has been outstanding for us, but he needs managing. He had a 10-minute spell where he thought he could take the world on. It was an excellent goal and one worthy of winning the game’.

Welsh was full of praise for goalscorer Reece Kendall, but admitted he needs to keep his feet on the ground after scoring in consecutive league matches.

‘The loan was all about keeping fit, getting minutes in, and getting back in the side. The gaffer has trusted in me today. Got the full 90. A clean sheet and the three points. I couldn’t have asked for much more really’.

Josh Ashman was pleased to get game time on loan at Belper Town, but he was pleased to come straight back into the side and help the Lions towards three points.


Tickets For Gainsborough Trinity

We are back at home this weekend with Gainsborough Trinity the visitors.

Tickets for this game can only be purchased at the turnstiles on the day of the game. Cash and Card payments are accepted, and prices are as follows:

  • Adults: £12
  • Concessions (Over 66s/Students/Registered Disabled): £8
  • 11-18 Year-Olds: £5
  • Accompanied Under-11s: £1

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Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Guiseley vs Ilkeston Town