The Lions return to Nethermoor on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways after a draw on the road, it’s a 3pm kick-off this weekend with tickets on sale at the turnstiles.

Match sponsors:  Murgatroyds | Match Ball Sponsors: Pro-Fit Northern

Past Meetings

There has only been three previous meetings between the two sides. Back in May 2010 we met at Nethermoor in the Peter Swales Challenge Shield, Simon Johnson equalised to send the tie to penalties just days after our Unibond Premier Division title crown. Jez Fitzgerald, Stuart Rudd, Simon Johnson, Steve Burton and Simon Ainge all slotted from the spot to seal a winning end to the campaign.

The second meeting was a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, Kaine Felix struck our only goal at the Don Amott Arena.

It was another tight game earlier this season when Jordan Thewlis sealed the win with an injury time finish at Mickleover.

Last Time Out

Matlock Town 0-0 Guiseley

Despite having plenty of chances the Lions couldn’t seal all three points at Matlock on Saturday.

Lebrun Mbeka, Gabriel Johnson, Jameel Ible, Ollie Brown, Jack Emmett, Lewis Whitham and Liam Ridehalgh all had opportunities to score but couldn’t find a way past home stopper Jason Alexander.

Matlock came into the game in the second half with substitute Josh Ayres proving a handful up front, it was Joe Cracknell’s heroics that preserved the point denying Ayres and Montel Gibson with a string of stunning saves for his 15th clean sheet of the campaign.

The sides meet again at Nethermoor on Saturday 29th March.

The Lions’ Team News

The Lions were boosted last time out by the return of Jack Emmett after he missed the win over Ashton, the midfielder could put pressure on Mark Bower for a starting place after an impressive cameo from the bench.

Will Longbottom also got his first minutes since mid-January on his comeback from injury, our top scorer will once again be available for selection.

Lucas Odunston made successive starts and Ollie Brown returned to the first 11 with the duo fit for selection against Mickleover.

Jake Wright and Jordan Thewlis remain out.

Mickleover

Manager: Gareth Holmes
Stadium: Don Amott Arena
Nickname: Sports
23/24 League Position: 5th in Southern League Premier Central

The Sports have endured a tough season since their switch to the Pitching In Northern Premieer League Premier Division. They currently occupy 21st place in the table, nine points from safety with eight games to go.

There has been some highs along the way this campaign though, they were the first team to defeat Macclesfield this season back in late November, since then they have picked up eight points from a possible 45.

They are without a goal in their last three matches and were thumped 6-0 by an in-form Worksop Town last time out, this after a 0-0 draw in their previous away outing at Gainsborough having shipped six on their travels at Macclesfield a fortnight before in a 6-1 loss.

Their side is packed with EFL experience with Will Atkinson, Curtis Weston, Stuart Beavon and Chris O’Grady amongst their squad.

Leading scorer Dylan Edwards has 11 for the season with midfielder Andy Dales on eight.

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 Raise The Roof’s Yorkshire Burgers and Beers stall and The Lions’ Diner can be paid for by cash or card and the clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card.