The Lions 17-game unbeaten league run was abruptly ended in midweek, so they will be hoping to put that right when they return to home comforts to take on Lancaster City this Saturday, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

Guiseley have never actually beaten Lancaster. They have played on seven occasions with three Lancaster victories and four draws.

The sides played out a 1-1 draw in Lancashire back in October, with the Lions grabbing a late equaliser courtesy of a fortuitous own goal.

The Dolly Blues also won on their last visit to Nethermoor, winning 3-2 on March 30th 2024. Jameel Ible and Gabriel Johnson grabbed the Lions goals that day.

Last Time Out

Morpeth Town 2-0 Guiseley

A goal in each half condemned the Lions to defeat away in the northeast at Morpeth Town’s Craik Park.

The game got off to the worst possible start for the Lions when a wicked deflection on Luke James’ strike deceived Joe Cracknell to give the hosts the lead after only three minutes.

Just seven minutes into the second half, Morpeth doubled their advantage through Nic Bollado from close range, as the home side took control of the game.

It brought to an end a Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division record equalling 17 match unbeaten run with Mark Bower’s men failing to score for the first time in a league game since August.

Words by Joe Priestley.

Post-Match With The Gaffer

“We had a couple of dropouts this morning with illness The bus 45 minutes late picking us up. We get here and they get that (early) goal. We think ‘is it going to be one of those nights?’ And it was”

The omens were not good for the Lions, with illness withdrawals and other factors coming into play. Morpeth’s early goal already left the Lions with a lot to do.

“Not much went right for us. We didn’t produce enough quality. It was a disappointing way for it (the unbeaten run) to end”.

Boss Mark Bower is not one for making excuses though. He felt the team that was put out was simply not good enough on the day

“Credit to them. They put bodies on the line and defended their box really well”.

Bower was full of praise for the opposition, with Morpeth defending tremendously throughout.

“The bench has been brilliant for us. But tonight, too many players had an off night”.

Bower was full of praise for the fringe players who come in and work hard under sometimes difficult circumstances. Bower felt not only were too many important players missing, but too many players didn’t perform to a high enough standard to get a positive result.

The Lions’ Team News

Lebrun Mbeka, Jake Lawlor and Joe Ackroyd all missed Tuesday’s defeat through illness, and it remains touch and go as they look to recover for Saturday.

Top goalscorer Will Longbottom has a groin problem which he picked up in the victory over Basford on 18th January. Mark Bower seemed unsure whether he will be fit for the weekend. ‘It is important that we look after him’ Bower said after Tuesday night’s game.

Lucas Odunston and Jake Wright remain out.

Lancaster City

Manager: Chris Willcock
Stadium: The Giant Axe
Nickname: The Dolly Blues
23/24 League Position: 9th

The Dolly Blues are currently 12th in the table with 34 points picked up from 27 games. They are in a bit of sticky form at the moment, with a 3-2 victory at Bamber Bridge on Boxing Day is their only maximum from their last nine league matches.

This also means the Lancashire club are looking for a maiden victory of 2025. Last time out, they played host to Hebburn Town and struck an 88th minute equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw against a side who have not yet given up on a play-off berth. They have a tricky February to come starting with the visit to Nethermoor. An away trip to Ashton United and a home game against Macclesfield are all coming up.

January marked one year in charge of the club for manager Chris Willcock. The former Stalybridge Celtic boss has overseen 44 games, with 15 victories, 15 draws and 14 defeats.

Brothers Sam and Charlie Bailey play regularly under Willcock. Sam is a full back and Captain as younger brother Charlie plays further up the pitch.

Aaron Bennett is the clubs top goalscorer with seven. Dom Lawson and Lewis Mansell have five to their name in the league. Nic Evangelinos, who scored a quite spectacular goal against the Lions last March, has four.

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.