Guiseley’s unbeaten run of 11 league games remains intact but will be hoping to end a run of consecutive draws with three points this weekend as Stockton Town visit Nethermoor, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: Jeff Hollins

Past Meetings

The Lions lost when they met Stockton back in August. It was the first ever league meeting between the sides with Jack Emmett getting a late consolation in a 3-1 defeat.

The only previous meeting between the sides was an FA Cup Qualifier in September 2019, which the Lions won 1-0.

Last Time Out

Hyde United 1-1 Guiseley

The Lions picked up successive 1-1 draws after they pegged back an impressive Hyde United to take home a point.

Ewan Bange put the Tigers into a commanding position and a 24th minute lead when he slotted home well.

15 minutes from time, Jordan Thewlis won a penalty and Will Longbottom finished well from 12 yards for his 17th league goal of the season.

Neither side could find the winner late on, but the Lions extend their unbeaten league run to 11 matches.

Post-Match With The Gaffer

“If I am in their dressing room, I am disappointed not to have taken all three (points)”.

Mark Bower, honest in his post-match assessment, felt the hosts were the better side and that his side ‘never really got going’.

“We are going through a bit of a sticky patch. Every single team does over the course of a season”.

It’s a positive that two 1-1 draws in succession can be considered a ‘sticky patch’, But Bower feels ‘the last five games or so’ the lads have not been at the levels they can hit.

But it is important that the side does not go on a losing run and continue picking up victories again.

“I don’t think we are functioning right in this moment in time”.

Bower feels the side are not performing to the levels they are capable of of late but says they will work this week to put it right.

“We all remember the trip up there earlier in the season and we want to put that right”.

Bower’s Lions first defeat of the season came at the hands of Stockton, and he remains defiant that they will get their own back with victory on Saturday.

The Lions’ Team News

Leo Farrell was welcomed back into the Guiseley fold last weekend and could make his first appearance back at Nethermoor since September.

Jake Lawlor was withdrawn through injury at Hyde, but the extent of his injury is currently unknown, with Jameel Ible looking likely to step back in at centre back if needed.

Lucas Odunston is likely to again miss out alongside Jake Wright.

Stockton Town

Manager: Michael Dunwell
Stadium: MAP Group UK Stadium
Nickname: The Achors
23/24 League Position: NPL Division 1 East Play off Winners (2nd place finish)

The Anchors are having an enjoyable first ever NPL Premier Division season. They lost out to Long Eaton United on penalties in the play-off final in 2022/23. But last season they were on the right end of a shoot-out when they gained promotion to this level, beating Dunston UTS.

They started this season with three successive victories, with included that 3-1 win over the Lions and early on they found themselves in the higher reaches of the table. They find themselves in a more modest 7th place coming into the weekend, and just four points off the play-off places.

It has not been an enjoyable time on the road for the Anchors lately though, with three successive away defeats. They returned from trips to Worksop and Macclesfield empty handed but sandwiched between those was an impressive FA Trophy result against Oldham. That 2-0 home victory has set up a tie against the Latics closest rivals Rochdale on the 4th of January in the fourth round.

Despite their poor recent away form, the Lions will have to be wary of Michael Sweet. Sweet is the clubs top goalscorer in the league and will be hoping to hit double figures this weekend. Veteran midfielder Stephen Thompson has eight goals this campaign and Josh Scott has five.

A former Lion on the books of Stockton is forward Michael Fowler, but it is unclear if he will feature against his former club.

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.