Mark Bower’s Lions are on a run of three consecutive league wins and will be hoping to make it four when they travel to Ashton United on Tuesday evening, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

The Lions have only won one of the last five meetings between the sides. That victory came in August with a 3-0 victory in an Emirates FA Cup qualifier.

Last season the Robins won 1-0 at Nethermoor before a 1-1 draw in Greater Manchester the following February.

Last Time Out

Guiseley 2-0 Hebburn Town

Forward Will Longbottom has made scoring from set pieces look easy all season, and he did so again as he scored two penalties in the second half to help the Lions to victory against play-off rivals Hebburn Town at Nethermoor.

The first penalty Longbottom put to goalkeeper Kieran Hunter’s left, and the second, which came 13 minutes from time, he put the same way with Hunter diving in the opposite direction.

Longbottom made it into double figures for league goals, whilst making it his 15th & 16th goals in all competitions.

Post-Match With The Gaffer

“They never lay a glove on us second half. We were very good defensively”. 

Boss Mark Bower admitted the side did not get a foothold in the game in the first half but improved in the second and were full value for the victory.  

“The lads just gone and punched it. It was obvious. We could see it from 40-50 yards away and I don’t think there were many complaints from them”. 

Bower had a great view of the first penalty incident and felt the penalty decision was fully justified.  

“You keep clean sheets, and you have every chance of winning games”. 

He also expressed his delight at the recent form. That is now three straight wins, and zero goals conceded since the FA Cup exit at Stevenage.

The Lions’ Team News

Mark Bower has confirmed that early December is a possibility for Lucas Odunston’s return from an ankle injury.  

Liam Ridehalgh has a fractured toe but the Ashton game will come too soon for him. Lewis Whitham and Jordan Thewlis are getting minutes, but both are unlikely to start this one.  

Gabriel Johnson could be fit, but Joe Ackroyd is on standby after starting in his place on Saturday.  

Another definite absentee is Ollie Brown. He will miss the game as he will serve a one-match ban for picking up five yellow cards.

Ashton United

Manager: Steve Cunnigham
Stadium: Hurst Cross
Nickname: The Robins
23/24 League Position: 7th

The Robins themselves joined the top seven with a 1-0 victory over Leek Town on Saturday. Darius Osei’s 53rd minute strike was enough for three points to take his side to within two points of the Lions. Osei’s 11th goal of the season put him level with Lions forward Longbottom, with only Jack Redshaw and Tom Cursons having scored more league goals this campaign.

Ashton’s home form has been a bit topsy-turvy. However, they have picked up 18 on the road. Only Worksop and Macclesfield have picked up more points away from home. Their recent home form has included a 3-2 defeat against Worksop and a 3-0 defeat to Prescot so on recent form the Lions will fancy themselves on Tuesday evening.

Defender Callum Rowe joined the club last week on dual registration terms from Radcliffe and made his debut on Saturday. Sean Hogan is also set to play after joining on loan from Bolton.

The squad also includes Benny Couto, a full-back on loan from Oldham. As well as striker Osei, the forward line includes James Hardy, Jason Gilchrist and former Lion Tom Denton who could easily cause his old side problems on Tuesday night.

Tickets and Matchday Information

Tickets can be purchased at the turnstiles on entry to Hurst Cross with payment by cash or card, you can also buy online in advance here.

Tickets are priced at:

• £12 Adults
• £8 Concessions (over 65), students (16-21) and U15s
• £1 Children U-12

If you like to pick up a matchday programme then Ashton’s is available at just £2 each, you can also order a copy online here.

Travel

Coach travel is available with Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club. Just call Paul on 07518 445861 to secure a seat.

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 5:30pm priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.