The Lions are hoping to follow up a victory in midweek with a positive result against Ilkeston Town on Non League Day, writes Scott Kelly.
Match sponsored by: Wetherby Whaler
To celebrate Non League Day we are offering all EFL/PL season ticket holders entry into the game for just £5!
If you are a local organisation involved in education or junior sport you can claim vouchers for one adult and one U11 entry for just £5 by emailing admin@guiseleyafc.co.uk
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.
Previous Meetings
The Lions were ruthless when the sides met in Derbyshire back in November. Guiseley won the rearranged fixture 4-1 on November 28th. Aiden Walker, Liam Tongue, Tom Denton and Tom Pratt got on the scoresheet. This is the only previous meeting between the sides since Ilkeston reformed.
Last Time Out
Whitby Town managed to get their game on against the Lions at the fourth time of asking on Tuesday night. Guiseley left with the three points, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Johnson and Liam Tongue. Prior to that, the Lions left Merseyside empty handed when they lost 1-0 at Marine.
The Robins earned a respectable at home to Hyde United last time out. Top goalscorer Jamie Walker grabbed his 20th league goal of the season in the 1-1 draw last Saturday.
The Lions’ Form Book
Guiseley’s form has been sporadic. The home win against Radcliffe on 9th March made it back-to-back home victories for the first time since November and victory here could see the Lions win three on the bounce. They were getting more fruitful results on the road but even that form has stalled of late. That 2-1 win at Whitby on Tuesday evening was only their second win in five league games away from home after having previous won all of the four preceding that run.
Gabriel Johnson hadn’t scored since November until a goal at Atherton. Johnson is looking for more goals here after recently scoring in that victory, as well as at home to Radcliffe and the victory on Tuesday night.
Guiseley typically claim victory when Johnson scores. They have only not done so on one occasion. That was way back on August 28th when the Lions drew 2-2 with Bradford Park Avenue.
Our Opponents – Ilkeston Town
Manager: Ian Deakin
Stadium: New Manor Ground
Nickname: The Robins
Current League Position: 13th
With Jamie Walker in their side, The Robins they will always have a chance.
Signed from Alfreton Town after a spell with Long Eaton United, Walker will be hoping to go one better than the 24 goals he bagged for the Robins back in 2018/19, when Ilkeston won the Midland Football League title. He has 20 goals this season currently and will be looking to add to that here.
Expect other threats to come from the likes of Tom Cursons, Tom Marshall and Brandy L’Varn in the attacking positions.
The Robins have won two of their last three matches away from home, winning at Stafford as well as at play-off chasers Worksop Town. Ilkeston Town have just two points from their last five matches in the league though. Only Atherton Collieries have a worse recent record coming into this weekend’s round of matches.
The Lions’ Team News
Andy Welsh will have Leigh Whelan back available for selection after he sat out the last two matches through suspension.
Ollie Brown will be available for this game but will sit out the following two league matches after his late red card on Tuesday night.
Welsh could name the same team that beat Whitby, but Reece Kendall may also have recovered from his injury to give the manager a selection headache.
The game comes too soon for long term injury absentees Lewis Whitham and Laurence Sorhaindo.
What Are They Saying?
“It was a good performance on Saturday. It can be those small little details that can be the difference. It was a piece of individual brilliance from Bobby Grant”.
Speaking after the loss to Marine, boss Andy Welsh appreciates it was always going to be a tight game but praised Bobby Grant for the winning goal. “Don’t get beat two on the bounce, that is kind of our mantra” Welsh continued.
“We all felt it (the loss on Saturday). It was important that we all reacted together as a group”.
Welsh felt the side reacted positively on Tuesday night and felt it was important to bounce back with victory on what was a very tricky surface. He was also full of praise for goalkeeper Ollie Battersby as his last ditch save at the very end has ensured the three points. “It was absolutely outstanding” Welsh said of the Battersby save.
“We are trying to get every ounce out of the squad. Everybody is being used and Dents (Tom Denton) is no different to that. He led the line well with Gabs (Gabriel Johnson)”.
Welsh spoke after being asked of Tom Denton’s versatility after he appeared to go to centre-half towards the end of the game.
Tickets For Ilkeston Town
Premier League & EFL Season Ticket Holders just £5 admission per person on production of a valid season ticket as part of non-League Day.
Tickets for this game can only be purchased at the turnstiles on the day of the game. Cash and Card payments are accepted, and normal prices are as follows:
- Adults: £12
- Concessions (Over 66s/Students/Registered Disabled): £8
- 11-18 Year-Olds: £5
- Accompanied Under-11s: £1