Guiseley are looking to carry the confidence gained from their midweek victory over Matlock Town into their clash with Macclesfield this weekend, writes Scott Kelly.

Previous Meetings

Saturday’s hosts have the bragging rights in the five most recent meetings between the sides, winning three of those. The Lions have won the other two including the most recent meeting between the teams, which finished 2-0 at the Leasing.com Stadium thanks to goals from Joe Ackroyd and Jake Cassidy in an Isuzu FA Trophy tie back in October 2022. They both last met in the league way back in February 2018, with the Silkmen winning 2-1. They did the double over Guiseley in 17/18, also winning 2-1 at Nethermoor Park in October 2017

The Lions’ Form Book

Guiseley ended up 4-0 victors on Tuesday evening at home to Matlock Town. The Guiseley goal led a charmed life for much of the first half, with the Derbyshire side piling on pressure before The Lions took a surprising lead on the half hour through Tom Pratt.

Gabriel Johnson added a second which appeared to knock the stuffing out of Matlock before two late goals. Guiseley’s away game at FC United of Manchester last Saturday is their only league defeat in eight matches, with six of those being victories.

Guiseley are only one point and one place behind this weekend’s opponents in the league table, with the Lions 5th and Macclesfield in 4th.

A Look At Macclesfield

The Lions head to Cheshire knowing that they are coming up against a side in red hot form. Three defeats in four matches prompted a change in manager, with Mark Duffy being replaced in the dugout by Alex Bruce, son of Steve Bruce.

Since his appointment, the Silkmen have won five of their last six matches, including FA Trophy success away at Alfreton Town. Their squad also includes much quality, with the likes of Jon Nolan, former Lion John Rooney and Luke Murphy, once of Leeds United, all with bags of EFL experience.

The club have also added Oumar Niasse to their ranks this week, who possesses EFL and Premier League experience, having once cost Everton £13.5million. This marquee signing is yet to have his move approved by the league, which means the visit of Guiseley may come too soon for him.

That is also the case for Luke Mariette, with the midfielder joining on loan from Blackpool also subject to league approval.

A Look At The Lions

Andy Welsh has an almost fully fit squad for the first time since he joined the club.

Lewis Whitham is the only absentee. He is still working through rehabilitation following his ACL and MCL injuries picked up at the back end of last season.

Josh Ashman will be pushing for a return to the squad and Tom Denton featured for the first time in over a month on Tuesday night.

New loan signings Kofi Moore and Jake Forshaw are yet to start since their arrivals from Oldham. Moore was introduced late on against Matlock but wasn’t given enough time to make an impact.

What Are They Saying?

Boss Andy Welsh spoke after the Matlock Town victory and praised his sides ‘bravery’.

‘I was pleased with the second half performance but there was also a lot of bravery in the first half.

‘We need to keep being brave. The way we want to play is important. All in all (it was) pleasing to beat Matlock who are on a fantastic run in the league’.

He was also critical of his sides first half performance, as the Lions goal was peppered, with Matlock winning 13 corners in the first half.

‘Good teams can have an absolute stinker but show resilience. You don’t have to play good football to show resilience.

There was also a mention for the Lions man of the match.

‘Having Jameel (Ible) back, he made a huge difference tonight. He leads by example from a defensive point of view’

The hosts recommended purchasing your tickets online in advance of the game with only a limited number available to purchase on the day. If you are purchasing on the day please head to Macclesfield’s reception to get your tickets before heading to turnstiles 2 and 3 which will be open from 1:30pm.

Tickets are priced at:

• £17 Adults
• £13 Concessions (65+)
• £10 Students (with valid ID)
• £7 U18s
• £3 U12s
• £10 Disabled (Carer Free)