Guiseley return to action this weekend and will be looking to improve home form when Morpeth Town visit Nethermoor, writes Scott Kelly.

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

These two sides drew 1-1 in Northumberland back in September, with Reece Kendall grabbing the goal, but the Lions were pegged back late on. This was only the third ever meeting between the sides, with the Lions winning both previous meetings in the 22/23 season, winning 3-1 at Morpeth and 1-0 at Nethermoor

The Lions’ Form Book

The Lions trip to Whitby Town on Tuesday night was postponed for a third time, but they drew 1-1 at Ashton United last time out, with Prince Ekpolo’s early goal cancelled out by an Alex Byrne penalty. Reece Kendall also had an earlier penalty saved in what was two points dropped for the Lions.

With Guiseley looking to hit a half century of goals for the league season, the home form is of concern. The Lions have only won one of the last five on home soil, which is by no means promotion form. Previously to this blip in form, five games at Nethermoor on the bounce included scoring 17 goals. Fans will be hoping the side recapture this type of form sooner rather than later.

Our Opponents – Morpeth Town

Founded: 1894
Manager: Craig Lynch
Stadium: Craik Park
Capacity: 5,300 (2,095 seated)
Nickname: The Highwaymen
Current League Position: 12th

The Lions come up against an opponent who in comparison have lost the last three on the bounce, conceding 12 goals in those three which included a 5-1 hiding away to promotion chasing Hyde United.

The Highwaymen are well placed in midtable and don’t look likely to threaten at the top end of the table, nor do they look likely at this point to be sucked into a relegation battle.

Last time out they lost 3-1 at home to Bamber Bridge but their away form is not too bad. Before a recent defeat at Atherton Collieries, they went to Gainsborough and Marske and claimed three points, they also drew the two previous to that against Matlock and Workington.

Veteran striker Andrew Johnson is the club’s top goalscorer who has 12 and they have a couple of players who may seem familiar to football fans alike. Ryan Donaldson began at Newcastle United, but more notably played at Hartlepool United, making over 100 league appearances and has been with Morpeth since 2021. Liam Noble also plays for the club, with the 32-year-old making over 300 league appearances at the likes of Carlisle United, Notts County and Hartlepool United. He began as a trainee at Sunderland.

They have been added to what is already a vastly experienced squad at Craik Park.

The Lions’ Team News

The Lions were boosted by the news that Jameel Ible’s red card was rescinded on appeal making the defender available for selection in upcoming matches.

Jordi Nsaka missed the trip to Hurst Cross though but there were more welcome minutes for Gabriel Johnson on his return to full fitness following injury.

Adam Dawson also made his Lions debut at Ashton after arriving from Atherton Collieries earlier this month.

Andy Welsh could opt for an unchanged side from the 1-1 draw at Ashton United on Saturday.

What Are They Saying?

Andy Welsh’s assistant Andy Thomas took media duties after the Ashton United draw, in what were tricky conditions in Manchester.

‘Ashton are fighting tooth and nail to make the play offs too. It’s tough in and around that area. But we are disappointed we did not win (the game)’

‘It (the pitch) was really heavy, and it did have a massive impact on the game. The referee said it was touch and go. It wasn’t dangerous but the mud went harder the more we shifted it around a little bit’

‘Prince’s goalscoring has been fantastic. He is getting in good areas and the goals are coming’

Thomas admitted that the conditions were not ideal, but appeared disappointed the Lions didn’t go back to Yorkshire with three points. He was also full of praise for Prince Ekpolo, who grabbed his fifth goal of the season.

Tickets For Morpeth Town

Come and support the lads as they hope to push into the play-off places with victory this Saturday.

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