The Lions secured another draw last weekend. They need to start picking up victories again as Ashton United visit Nethermoor this weekend in a crucial encounte, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

Ashton have won two of their last three visits to Nethermoor – with the most recent visit being a 3-0 Guiseley victory in an FA Cup qualifier back in August.

The Lions won 4-2 at Hurst Cross back in November, with a Will Longbottom brace alongside strikes from Sam Bentley and Jordan Thewlis securing the victory.

Guiseley have not beaten Ashton at home in the league since 2010.

Last Time Out

Leek Town 2-2 Guiseley

Gabriel Johnson’s late equaliser gave Guiseley a share of the spoils at struggling Leek Town.

The home side struck early through Hayden Campbell’s slick edge of the box strike.

The Lions levelled via Jack Emmett’s close-range 26th minute finish from Lewis Whitham’s clever assist.

Leek’s 51st minute lead came courtesy of Campbell’s pinpoint cross finding the grateful Onyeka who placed his header well.

The second half additions of Johnson, Lucas Odunston (his first minutes since October) and Adriano Moke added to Guiseley’s attacking impetus, but they couldn’t breach a resolute home defence prior to Johnson’s leveller.

Guiseley could have clinched victory deep into stoppage time, but Visser made a stunning leap to palm Odunston’s header away.

Words from David Bridson.

Post-Match With The Gaffer

“Teams aren’t having to do much to get in front against us. Their first goal we can stop the ball going into the goal”

Boss Mark Bower was disappointed with the concession of their first goal in particular and bemoaned their second goal too.

“The stats prove it. You go in front in this league and teams very, very rarely lose. We haven’t won a game in a month now”.

Bower feels it is very important not to concede the first goal, alluding to the fact that teams that score first usually go on to win games. The Lions haven’t won since the 4-1 victory at Worksop on January 25th.

“It’s a big game. We have had two big wins against them. They will be well set up. We need a spark and winning a game like that could really trigger us for the games coming up”.

Bower is under no illusions that the side need to start picking up three points again, and feels victory is vital for picking the confidence back up again.

The Lions’ Team News

The problems continue to pile up for boss Mark Bower in the forward areas. Jordan Thewlis will likely miss the rest of the season. Harry Ibbotson has also been recalled by Bradford City, so his loan comes to an end early. The one crumb of comfort for Bower is that he remains positive that goalscorer Will Longbottom could be involved on Saturday after over a month out with a groin injury.

Lucas Odunston made his first appearance since October last weekend, coming on for a 15-minute cameo. He remains available this weekend.

Gabriel Johnson rescued a point for his side from the bench and will be pushing for a start. Jack Emmett also grabbed a goal and will be hoping to retain his place.

Ashton United

Manager: Steve Cunningham
Stadium: Hurst Cross
Nickname: The Robins
23/24 League Position: 7th

The Robins fell to 8th in the table, with Guiseley having a firm grip on second after the 4-2 victory in Manchester in November. A poor February for the Lions with two defeats and two draws has left them a point and a place behind Saturday’s opponents.

Between mid-October and New Years Day, Ashton played nine matches with their only defeat coming against Guiseley. They then continued their excellent form into 2025 with four straight victories. Up to now, they have only lost two of 11 matches played in this new year.

Like the Lions, they have drawn successive matches, with former Lion Tom Denton clinching a late equaliser in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Hyde. This followed a 2-2 draw away to Matlock. Only Macclesfield and the Lions have conceded fewer goals in the league so far this season that Ashton.

Darius Osei is the clubs leading scorer with 17 in the league. Fellow forward Jason Gilchrist has 13.

Other members of the playing squad include goalkeeper Jordan Eastham, full back and captain Luke Burke, midfielder Louis White along with forwards James Hardy and former Lion Dan Cowan.

Tickets and Matchday Information

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

• Adults: £13
• Concessions (Over 66s/Students/Registered Disabled): £9
• 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.

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.