Guiseley are back at Nethermoor this weekend following a fifth win on the bounce. They will be hoping to make it six as they host 1874 Northwich in the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup this weekend, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

This is the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Last Time Out

Whitby Town 1-2 Guiseley

Ollie Brown took the plaudits on Tuesday night as his first senior goal gave the Lions a very late three points at Whitby. Not only was it Guiseley’s fifth win on the bounce but it was also the Lions fifth consecutive victory at this stadium.  

Guiseley didn’t have it all their own way though as former Lion Jake Charles gave the Seasiders the lead just less than 15 minutes into the contest.  

The Lions fought their way back into the contest, and their perseverance finally paid off when Leo Farrell’s blocked shot fell kindly to Joe Ackroyd who equalised with 17 minutes to play around a minute after being introduced.  

A draw looked inevitable until Brown, as he poked home after a melee in the penalty area after a Reece Kendall throw-in caused havoc. 

The Lions hung on to snatch the three points to make it a fifth victory on the spin and the fourth in the league. This is the best winning run from any Guiseley side since 2014.

Post Match Reaction From The Gaffer

“They are a good side who play some good football. A bit of experience came back into their side and made it difficult, but we have legs and such a fit team.” 

Five wins on the bounce and boss Mark Bower was delighted. He was full of praise for the hosts but was he was pleased the Lions kept going to pick up the win.    

“We’ve been alright at home, but we have been poor in these midweek games. That was something we discussed before the game. We had to win a game a different way, and we did that tonight.” 

Bower alluded to the defeat at Stockton, which was a poor night all round for the Lions and he knew the game plan had to change before the visit to Whitby, particularly with the conditions always likely to be tricky.  

“He got a couple of teeth knocked back on Saturday. He has had them reset and got a brace on and been told he will need a few weeks.” 

Bower kept fans updated on Jameel Ible’s situation and confirmed that a ‘few weeks’ is needed before his return. He praised Jake Lawlor’s impact since coming in so don’t be surprised to see him stand in for Ible, although Bower did admit he was touch & go himself for Tuesday night’s game due to some fitness issues.  

“We have tried to get as much information as possible from them since the draw. It is a punishing schedule, but we will prepare as best as we can. We have to be bang on or else we run the risk of being knocked out.” 

He confirmed that attentions now turn straight to 1874 Northwich, and Bower more than anybody appeared up for the contest and said the team will do all they can to avoid what would be a huge upset, particularly with the run of form the Lions find themselves in.  

The Lions’ Team News

The influential Jameel Ible will be missing for Saturday’s clash. Sam Bentley is available to make his debut following his move on Tuesday.

Joe Ackroyd is also pushing for a start after coming off the bench and scoring the equaliser on Tuesday.

Lewis Whitham and Jake Wright are still out.  

A look at 1874 Northwich

Manager: Chris Herbert
Stadium: Townfield
Nickname: The Greens
23/24 League Position: 20th (relegated from NPL Div 1 West)

Chris Herbert is only the club’s 4th manager since their establishment in 2012 and the club play in the Midland Premier League following their recent relegation.

Herbert is assisted by Steve Burr, who he has worked with previously at Chester when Burr was manager and Herbert was his assistant. Burr also managed rivals Northwich Victoria between 2004-2007 and has spent his entire career in non-league.

The team currently have a 100% record, with six wins from six in the league this season and they sit 2nd, with Lichfield City having played two games more and sit on 21 points. Their faultless start has also included a stunning 4-1 away win at local rivals Northwich Victoria. They last played on Tuesday evening and won 4-2 away against Uttoxeter Town.

Players include Matty Fenton, who is a defender and came through Crewe Alexandra’s youth system. Mike Shorthouse is their number one goalkeeper at aged 17.

A familiar face to some may be that of Chris McCann. Now 37, McCann plays for the Greens and most notably played for Burnley and Wigan Athletic in England as well as spending sometime in the USA.

Former Guiseley Academy defender Ellis Farrar signed for 1874 in the week and could feature against his old club.

Matchday Information

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

• Adults: £12
• Concessions (Over 66s/Students/Registered Disabled): £8
• 11-18 Year-Olds: £5
• Accompanied Under-11s: £1

Payment can be made via cash at all our turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1 & 2.

‘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.

The Lions’ Diner will be open on Saturday selling pies, chips, sausage rolls snacks and hot and cold drinks. The hatch in the clubhouse will be closed until the end of September, for Saturday home games only, due to cricket matches taking place at the same time.