Table toppers Radcliffe are first up for the Lions in what is a busy and important December schedule, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: ICM Debt Recovery

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.

There will be a minute’s applause just before kick-off as we pay tribute to Life Member Brian Dove who passed away last month.

Before the game Guiseley Community Foundation are holding their annual Food Bank Collection between 12pm and 3pm in the front car park.

Previous Meetings

The Boro won on their last visit to Nethermoor back in February, with a 3-1 success. Guiseley also lost 4-2 at the Neuven Stadium in the reverse fixture in November 2022. Guiseley haven’t had a success over the Boro since 2007, and that too was a Northern Premier League clash.

The Lions’ Form Book

The rearranged fixture away at Ilkeston Town on Tuesday was won 4-1 by the Lions and was as convincing as the result sounds. The Robins struck first thanks to a 24th minute own goal. But by the 40th minute, the Lions had sailed into a commanding 3-1 lead and from then on didn’t really look close to relinquishing it. Tom Pratt added a fourth late on and helped the Lions stop the rot having lost consecutive league away matches.

At Nethermoor though, The Lions are a different animal and have scored 12 goals in their last three home matches and are unbeaten at home since September.

A Look At Radcliffe

Like last Saturday’s opponents Macclesfield, Radcliffe too have a wealth of EFL and non-League experience. Nicky Adams is now 37 but has Leicester City, Northampton and Oldham Athletic amongst his previous clubs and he joined the club last season. Josh Hancock is the clubs top goalscorer and has played for Altrincham in the National League. Lois Maynard has played for a host of clubs in the National League. Goalkeeper Mateusz Hewelt has played in the EFL for Tranmere and was a trainee at Everton.

In terms of their form, Radcliffe are top of the table for a reason. They are nine points clear of 2nd place Warrington Rylands and their last away game they were 4-2 victors at Farsley Celtic, who are in the division above so Guiseley do really face a stern test here. They match the Lions in the form table with nine points from a possible 15.

A Look At The Lions

Kofi Moore could make his first home start after an explosive performance against Ilkeston but Tom Pratt will also be pushing for a return to the starting 11 after striking the fourth goal in Derbyshire.

Tom Denton also made his first start under Andy Welsh after recovering from injury and scored Guiseley’s third goal on Tuesday finished a fine team move involving up to 20 passes.

Liam Tongue also made his return from injury in the win at the New Manor Ground replacing Leigh Whelan after just 17 minutes, the captain could be pushing for a start in place of the Irishman.

Josh Ashman will not be involved after his one-month loan move to Belper Town.

It appears Welsh’s only injury problems are that of Lewis Whitham and Laurence Sorhaindo – who will definitely miss the game.

What Are They Saying?

Boss Andy Welsh admitted post-match that his side’s preparations were happened due to arriving at the ground late due to traffic.

‘You’re thinking don’t let it be one of those nights’ Welsh began.

‘But it’s a mindset thing. It’s coming to a place like this where the home team wants to be on the ball quite a lot. What we have done from the weekend is learn.

He was full of praise for a small handful of his starters too.

‘I was some of the players worst critics at the weekend. I’ll be honest and say rightly so. But tonight, the left-hand side again with Reece Kendall and Jordi (Nsaka) were really solid.

“And you have young Kofi Moore. His pace and deliveries were exceptional tonight, and I was really pleased for him.

The lads would love your support in what is a huge game as the Lions play host to the table toppers.

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