The Lions will be looking to return to winning ways when play off chasing Ilkeston Town visit Nethermoor on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off, writes Scott Kelly.
Past Meetings
Previous meetings between the sides are split evenly. They have only met three times since 2023 with a victory for Guiseley, a victory for the Robins, and most recently, a 1-1 draw back in October. John Lufudu got the goal in Derbyshire for the Lions.
Last Time Out
Prescot Cables 2-0 Guiseley
Guiseley slipped to their third straight league defeat at Prescot Cables.
James Foley neatly rounded visiting goalkeeper Joe Cracknell to open the home account five minutes into the second half.
James Devine’s deftly whipped free-kick enabled Bradley Moonan to double Cables’ advantage with a slick header in the 68th minute.
Guiseley’s 76th minute penalty came courtesy of Moonan’s foul on substitute Harry Ibbotson. Whitham’s sharp strike was well palmed away by home ‘keeper Calvin Hare.
Guiseley eventually succumbed to Prescot, who badly needed the points themselves as they battle to avoid relegation.
The Lions remain second in the league despite defeat.
Words from David Bridson.
Post-Match With The Gaffer
“We have only scored one goal in three games, and we have conceded some very poor goals. Very uncharacteristic”
Boss Mark Bower seemed encourage that the team’s luck will soon change. Bower also praised the performance of the opposition.
“It sums up the way things are going for us at the moment”.
A missed penalty summed up how it is going for the Lions in front of goal at the moment.
“We need to go back to complete 90-minute performances. For 75-80 we were really good today. That spell at the start of the second half has cost us”.
We need to come out with the same intensity second half “said Bower after James Foley opened the scoring for Prescot just four minutes after the break.
The Lions’ Team News
There has been a bit of transfer news come out of Nethermoor this week, with academy forward George Sebine and full back Sam Bentley leaving the club on loan temporarily so both will not feature.
The Lions are lacking in the goal department lately and are desperate for Will Longbottom to return from a groin injury, but this clash may again come too soon for the 26-year-old.
John Lufudu, Harry Ibbotson and Joe Ackroyd will be pushing for starts, with Lucas Odunston and Jake Wright definitely missing.
Ilkeston Town
Manager: Ian Deakin
Stadium: New Manor Ground
Nickname: The Robins
23/24 League Position: 11th
Ilkeston currently sit just a point outside of the play off places, having played a game less than some of those teams around them. Star forward Tom Cursons was given the opportunity of a lifetime last month. A move to Harrogate Town has coincided with just one win from their last three league games. A 3-1 defeat last weekend at Hyde means the Robins have only won one of their last eight league games on the road.
Manager Ian Deakin, in his post since September 2023, had last week been leant a hand from neighbours Mansfield Town. Defender Darien Wauchope and McKeal Abdullah have joined the club until the end of April, with Abdullah tasked with attempting to fill the boots of the departed Cursons. Both have made first team appearances in the EFL Trophy, with Abdullah gaining some loan experience at this level with Basford United earlier this season. Both made their first appearances for the club last weekend.
The spine of their squad includes goalkeeper Matt Yates, defender Declan Eratt-Thompson, winger Le’varn Brandy and forward Jamie Walker. Also on their books is Jordan Stevens. The former Leeds winger has plenty of EFL experience after being given his first team appearance for Leeds by Marcelo Bielsa.
Tickets and Matchday Information
After the great success of our Football For A Tenner and Bring A Friend For Free Initiatives at the Basford United game the offers return for our clash with Ilkeston Town later this month.
1055 people witnessed Gabriel Johnson’s winning strike over Basford in January and we hope to get even more people packed into Nethermoor on Saturday!
Ticket prices have been reduced to £10 for adults whilst adult/concession season ticket holders can bring a friend for free to the game once again, so why not introduce someone new to Nethermoor.
Adult tickets will be available to buy on the day by cash at all turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1 and 2.
