The Isuzu FA Trophy comes to the forefront this weekend as the Lions face Bamber Bridge for the second time this season, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

The sides met just last month on the August Bank Holiday. The Lions won 3-2 after coming back from 2-0 down. Will Longbottom’s late free kick secured a dramatic comeback victory.

The Lions have also won the previous two meetings between the clubs.

Isuzu FA Trophy Facts

This is the first time these sides have been drawn together in the FA Trophy.

The Lions have made it to the first-round proper in each of the last four seasons.

The Brig have made it past the third Qualifying round in two of the last four seasons.

Last Time Out

Basford United 0-2 Guiseley

The Lions secured three points in Nottingham thanks to a brace from Will Longbottom for his fifth and sixth league goals of the season.

Guiseley broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when a ball from John Lufudu was knocked past goalkeeper Saul Deeney by Longbottom and into the net.

The Lions dealt the decisive blow on the stroke of half time. Longbottom slotted the ball past Deeney expertly after being played through well by Gabriel Johnson.

The game also saw a first appearance for Barnsley loanee Feyi Afuape, who came off the bench late on along with academy graduate George Sebine.

The result means the Lions have lost only one of their last 11 matches in all competitions. FA Trophy and Emirates FA Cup commitments means the Lions likely won’t next see league action until they face Lancaster on October 15th.

Post Match Reaction From The Gaffer

“It took a little bit of time to get used to the conditions. The pitch was quick the way the ball moved, and it was even until we got the goal.” 

With the Nottinghamshire weather not being kind on Tuesday and the use of a 3G pitch, boss Mark Bower conceded it took some time to get used to things before his side got the crucial goals.

“In the final third we looked more of a threat. To go in two-nil at half time was really good for us.” 

High praise from Bower too for Gabriel Johnson, who played the excellent pass through for Longbottom’s second goal.

“Second half we looked more likely to score. It’s hard to be critical when we are depleted as we are. We weren’t really able to make the changes from the bench to affect different areas of the pitch.” 

After a scoreless second half, Bower refused to be critical of the team, noting that injuries to key players meant the side were less clinical in the second half.

“It’s looking more likely into November now. It’s important he is confident in his fitness. We want him back. He can do 90% of the things that he needs to do.” 

Bower provided an update on Lewis Whitham, confirming he is getting closer to full fitness after a long time on the sidelines.

The Lions’ Team News

The Lions could be without full back Lucas Odunston after he limped off against Basford after an hour. Odunston has been an ever-present for the club this season.

Lebrun Mbeka will miss the game as he faces a one-game ban following his red card against Scunthorpe.

Leo Farrell and Jack Emmett are likely to be out for a couple of weeks according to boss Mark Bower.

Jameel Ible is edging ever closer to a return, but the game could come too soon for him. Lewis Whitham and Jake Wright also remain out.

A look at Bamber Bridge

Manager: Jamie Milligan
Stadium: SFC Stadium
Nickname: The Brig
23/24 League Position: 16th

The Brig were spared a home defeat to Mickleover last Saturday as two late goals from Lucas Weaver salvaged a point and a 2-2 draw for a side who had won their previous three matches and only lost once since their August defeat to the Lions.

Two of those three victories were on the road, with 2-1 victories at Workington and Warrington Rylands. Forward Weaver has three goals in his last three matches and is the club’s top goalscorer with four goals.

Included on the club’s books is Alex Kenyon, recently signed after a spell at Curzon Ashton and made over 200 appearances for Morecambe in the EFL.

Goalkeeper James Pradic has also returned to the club on loan from Preston North End and has played in their last two matches.

Defender Macaulay Wilson has also rejoined the club recently after a spell with Bury.

Former Lions Michael Potts, Lewis Hey and Alex-Ray Harvey could all line up in yellow for the visitors on Saturday.

Save Bamber Bridge

Saturday’s opponents are looking for urgent fundraising in order to save their club, with a target of £30,000 in order to keep the club afloat.

With a fantastic effort and over £10,000 already raised, feel free to donate what you can by clicking here.

Tickets for this Weekend’s Game

Tickets will be available to purchase from our turnstiles on Saturday priced at:

• Adults: £11
• Concessions (Over 66s/Students/Registered Disabled): £7
• 11-18 Year-Olds: £5
• Accompanied Under-11s: £1

Payment can be made via cash or card.

‘The Lions’ matchday programme will be on sale for £3 from sellers near each turnstile and our Club Shop, take a look at what is inside here.

It is cash payments only inside the ground for programmes and 50/50 cash draw tickets. Food and drink from The Lions’ Diner can be paid for by cash or card and the clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card.