After a postponement last weekend, Guiseley host Warrington Rylands this weekend hoping to make it five victories on the bounce, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: ‘The Mighty Whites’

Past Meetings

Rylands won 2-0 at Nethermoor last season, with the Lions only victory being a

1-0 win at Gorsey Lane last November.

The sides have met four times previously, with current Lion Lebrun Mbeka scoring in the sides’ very first meeting, a 1-1 draw at Nethermoor in October 2022.

Last Time Out

Ashton United 2-4 Guiseley

It feels like a while ago now, but the Lions were victorious in Greater Manchester on 19th November.

Will Longbottom grabbed himself another brace as the Lions coasted to another victory.

Guiseley fell behind early after Benny Couto’s goal but equalised with their first major attack on goal when Longbottom volleyed home Joe Ackroyd’s flick on after 17 minutes.

The game was all but won 10 minutes into the second half when Longbottom tapped home inside the six-yard box and Sam Bentley powered home the rebound from Longbottom’s shot which had struck the crossbar.

Substitute Jordan Thewlis added gloss to the scoreline as he beat the offside trap and slid the ball under Jordan Eastham with the game heading into injury time.

Ashton captain Luke Burke made the scoreline a bit more respectable for the hosts when his powerful drive went in off the post in stoppage time.

Post-Match With The Gaffer

“We were patient. We said at half time just be patient, keep moving the ball and we worked it into good areas”.

With the game level at half time, Boss Mark Bower told the players not to panic at half time and he felt Ashton’s gameplan was negative and that helped the Lions to get the victory.

“He was brilliant tonight. He grew into the game and the goal is a massive bonus for him and tops off a good night”.

Bower spoke very highly of Sam Bentley and felt he did really well in what is an unnatural position for him.

The Lions’ Team News

With the side having a free week following Saturday’s postponement, a cluster of Lions players should be fully fit for action.

Lucas Odunston, Liam Ridehalgh, Jordan Thewlis and Lewis Whitham should all be back available this weekend with Joe Ackroyd hoping to keep his place after a solid display at Ashton.

Sam Bentley will be hoping he keeps his place after a goal and a decent defensive performance against Ashton with regular Ollie Brown back from suspension.

Leo Farrell is believed to still be with Barnsley but is edging closer to a return. Jake Wright is the club’s only major absentee.

Warrington Rylands

Manager: Neil Reynolds
Stadium: Gorsey Lane
Nickname: The Blues
23/24 League Position: 4th

Warrington found themselves in the play off’s last season after just two seasons at this level. They have found things a bit harder this time around though and find themselves in the bottom four after a poor start.

Neil Reynolds was appointed manager of the club at the end of September after this poor start, with results rapidly improving of late. Reynolds, who left FC United of Manchester after six years at their helm, had overseen four consecutive victories before falling 1-0 against Ilkeston on Saturday.

That winning run included something Guiseley have done this season and that is beat Scunthorpe United in domestic competition. A 2-1 victory at Glanford Park put the Blues in the hat for next week’s FA Trophy third round, when they will travel to Chorley.

Goalscorer that day was George Waring. The forward is one to watch on Saturday after his move to the club two weeks ago from Curzon Ashton. Leslie Adekoya and Blackpool loanee Jake Daniels also provide an attacking threat.

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.

Young Lions fans Freddie Middleton and Noel Kirwin will be selling GAFC themed wooden Christmas Decorations before the game and Raise The Roof’s Quiz Night gets underway from 6pm in the clubhouse.