It’s a top of the table clash at Nethermoor this weekend as Guiseley welcome high-flying Hebburn Town after victory in midweek, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: Lighthouse Risk Services LLP

Past Meetings

The two teams met on 14th September 2002 in the FA Cup first qualifying round at Nethermoor. Mark Stuart, Ben Thackwray and Clayton Flower were on the scoresheet in a 3-0 win.

The Lions’ FA Cup run that season ended with a trip to Luton Town in the first round knocking out Maine Road, Guisborough Town, Altrincham and Tamworth.

Last Time Out

Guiseley 2-0 Prescot Cables

Goals in either half from forward Will Longbottom ensured Guiseley ended 52-days away from action at Nethermoor with victory over mid-table Prescot Cables.

Will Longbottom will take the plaudits for the opener, but the industrious Lufudu set up his team mate brilliantly, taking on a few opponents before getting a low cross in from the right. It missed everybody and Longbottom tapped home for goal number eight of the season.

On 66th minute, Longbottom added goal nine of the campaign. Jordan Thewlis played in Jack Emmett down the right. He played a great ball across the box, again which missed everybody and allowed an unmarked Longbottom to tap into an empty net at the back post. From then on, the Lions were comfortable and managed the game very well, limiting the Cables to only half chances.

The Lions go into Saturday’s clash unbeaten in five league matches.

Post Match Reaction From The Gaffer

“They are a good side with some good players. Only a few weeks ago they went and won at Worksop on a Tuesday night. They are not top half of the table for no reason. They have some decent players” 

Boss Mark Bower was full of praise for Tuesday’s opposition but was aware they would often leave themselves open at the back, which the Lions eventually exploited.

“Prince was by far and away our best player tonight. I thought we were a bit off it first half, but Prince covered every blade of grass. What a player to have in your team” 

Bower felt hard-working Prince Ekpolo was the best player on the pitch, although the Man of the Match award went to brace scoring Will Longbottom.

“Tonight was an ugly one. They had moments where they think they could have got in front or equalised. Tonight was a bit more end to end (compared to Saturday). You have to fight, and you have to win ugly at times” 

The gaffer conceded that the victory was ‘an ugly one’ and pointed out league leaders Macclesfield have also won ugly a few times this season, which included a 1-0 win for the Silkmen over Prescot.

“We have to start the game better. Do the basics well. We know we have the quality to create chances and score goals” 

Previewing this Saturday, Bower highlighted that the team need to start better, with Hebburn flying high and clearly full of confidence. He expects the team to be punished if they have a similar first half performance they had on Tuesday night.

The Lions’ Team News

Adriano Moke was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge in midweek, but boss Mark Bower confirmed post-match that he should be fine for the visit of Hebburn.

Bower is sweating over the fitness of Gabriel Johnson, however. The forward limped off against Prescot 10 minutes into the second half and is touch and go for Saturday’s clash. His replacement Jordan Thewlis will be ready to potentially deputise for Johnson.

Lewis Whitham got more minutes in the tank in midweek and will be pushing for a start.

The game is likely to come too soon though for Liam Ridehalgh and Lucas Odunston, with the pair remaining out with minor injuries.

A look at Hebburn Town

Manager: Daniel Moore
Stadium: Hebburn Sports Ground
Nickname: The Hornets
23/24 League Position: NPL Division One East Champions

The 24/25 season is a historic one for the Hornets as they compete in the Northern Premier League for the very first time. They are making pretty easy work

of it too, as before Saturday’s game they sit in third and are three points better off than the Lions and are only separated from 2nd Placed Worksop Town on goal difference.

The Hornets are unbeaten in four league matches, which included an impressive 4-2 victory at Worksop.

Amar Purewal is the club’s top goalscorer, adding his 9th goal of the campaign last Saturday in the 2-0 victory over Prescot Cables. They eventually overcame their opponents from Merseyside after the Cables went down to nine men in the first 20 minutes.

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, 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 selling pies, chips, sausage rolls snacks and hot and cold drinks.