With games running out, the Lions’ task this weekend is to seal a play-off place. They can do just that with league champions Macclesfield visiting Nethermoor, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: Terrafirma | Match Ball sponsored by: Calum Fraser’s Stag Do

Past Meetings

The Silkmen haven’t lost in any of their five visits to Nethermoor. In fact, they have won every encounter, with their first being a 3-0 victory during the 15/16 season in the National League.

The last of which was a 2-1 win back in January 2024, with Luke Mariette scoring for the Lions. Guiseley have only won one league clash against this opposition, a 2-1 result at the now Leasing.com Stadium. Some of this of course was under their former guise of Macclesfield Town.

They have met three times as Macclesfield FC, with the Silkmen winning every game and holding a 10-3 aggregate score.

Last Time Out

Warrington Rylands 1-1 Guiseley

Guiseley were made to settle for a point at Warrington Rylands after taking a hotly disputed early lead.

Adriano Moke’s ninth minute close-range strike was initially ruled out for offside but his goal via Will Longbottom’s pinpoint cross was given following consultation between the officials. It was Moke’s first goal for the club after making 43 appearances this season.

But Rylands found an equaliser in the box via Matthew Regan having won a free kick midway through the second half.

Both sides fought hard to win the game later on but neither could find a match clinching goal.

Words from David Bridson.

Post-Match With The Gaffer

“I can’t say we deserved to win it. We got in front and didn’t really capitalise on that enough. We maybe played it a little bit safe”

Mark Bower felt the side didn’t take enough of his sides chances when they came their way and felt a draw was the fair result.

“Fair play to the referee. He went over and sorted it out and came to the correct decision”.

Bower was bemused that Adriano Moke’s goal was disallowed at first but was pleased that the referee came to the correct decision and awarded Moke his first goal of the season.

“We are not worrying about anyone else. Really, we want to finish in those top three positions”.

With his side close to clinching a play-off place, Bower wants to clinch a position in the top three. He praised Stockton Town, who have had a great first season in the NPL and sit just two points behind the Lions heading into this weekend.

The Lions’ Team News

Jack Emmett returned to the bench at the weekend and despite not coming in, should be fit this weekend after recovering from an achilles problem. Jake Lawlor also returned at Warrington after sitting out the Matlock game and is okay to play once again.

Sam Bentley, Jamie Spencer and Joe Ackroyd will be pushing for starts after all coming off the bench last weekend.

With Lucas Odunston likely out for the season, he remains on the treatment table with Jordan Thewlis and Jake Wright.

Macclesfield

Manager: Robbie Savage
Stadium: Leasing.com Stadium
Nickname: The Silkmen
23/24 League Position: 2nd

What isn’t in doubt is that Macclesfield will be a National League North side next season.

Last season they were outdone by the exploits of Radcliffe and had to settle for a place in the play-offs, eventually losing to Marine. That was the first time they hadn’t secured promotion in their short existence, having secure promotions in 21/22 and the 22/23 seasons. Failure to secure promotion last season saw manager Michael Clegg ousted by the club and replaced by Robbie Savage, board member and future director of football of the club.

He has overseen an incredible season, with the club collecting 97 points thus far and have only lost on three occasions, with the club likely to hit 100 points and 100 goals by the end of the season. The club also have the chance to better the 104-point record set by Darlington in the 15/16 season – this was also when the season was 46 games compared to the current 42, making the achievement all the more incredible.

The club have also recently tied down 10 of the promotion winning squad to new deals for the 25/26 season, with the likes of goalkeeper Max Dearnley, defender Rollin Menayese, midfielders John Rooney and Paul Dawson and forward Luke Duffy all retained by the club.

They beat Workington 3-2 last weekend, coming from two goals down to do so. They are looking to make it nine wins in succession on Saturday, and will be looking to hit that 100 point tally in the process.

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.

Segregation will be in place for this fixture with Macclesfield fans allocated the Railway End of the ground including the second seated stand, entering via turnstiles 5-8.