It is August Bank Holiday which means the Lions are back in action again – this time travelling to Lancashire to face Bamber Bridge off the back of a well-earned victory, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

Guiseley did the double over these opponents last season, with a 2-0 victory in Lancashire in September of last year thanks to Kallan Murphy and Tom Pratt’s goals.

The Lions then won by the same scoreline at Nethermoor the following January thanks to goals in either half from Reece Kendall and Aiden Walker.

The sides also met in the 22/23 season with the Brig doing the double that season with 1-0 and 2-1 victories.

Last Time Out

Guiseley 3-2 FC United of Manchester

It was the Leo Farrell show on Saturday!

The Barnsley loanee grabbed a brace on his full debut as well as the man of the match award. He started the scoring as he powered an effort past FC United’s Ollie Byrne.

Jay Fitzmartin immediately hit back for the visitors as his effort squeezed just inside Joe Cracknell’s right hand post. A minute before half time and the Lions then won two corners in quick succession, the latter of which was headed home by Gabriel Johnson for his first goal of the season.

12 minutes into the second half and the Reds won a penalty following a foul on Jordan Buckley. Adam Le Fondre converted the penalty with little fuss, and it was 2-2.

Farrell though had the last word for the Lions as he fired an effort into the top right corner, leaving sub goalkeeper Flynn Proctor with little chance.

That is how if finished and the result means that the Lions remain unbeaten in their first three matches on home turf.

Post Match Reaction From The Gaffer

“We should have won by more and been far more comfortable. We should have put the game to bed in the first five minutes of the second half”.

Mark Bower, although pleased with the victory, felt the manner of the victory could have been better by suggesting the Lions should have won by far more.

“Goals change games. That goal just before half time. That goal had the effect on us that Macclesfield had last week, getting their goal just before half time”

Bower gave credit to Gabriel Johnson for the headed finish and although he stated it did not really change his half time team talk; it certainly had a huge impact on the outcome of the game and referred to the bounce it must’ve given Macclesfield, scoring against the Lions just before half time last weekend.

“They got a soft penalty. But it was great character from the lads after being pegged back twice”.

FC United would not take defeat lying down and made it 1-1 and 2-2 in the game and Bower praised his sides character to keep adding goals and eventually getting the winner.

The Lions’ Team News

Leo Farrell is in line for another start following his MOTM performance on Saturday.

Jake Lawlor made a late appearance off the bench on Saturday, and he looks raring to go for the visit to Lancashire. Reece Kendall missed the game through illness, and it remains to be seen whether he will be available.

Jake Wright and Lewis Whitham remain out.

Bamber Bridge

Manager: Jamie Milligan
Stadium: SFC Stadium
Nickname: The Brig
23/24 League Position: 16th

The Brig have collected five points from their opening five matches in the league this season and sit two points and directly below the Lions in the table.

They only have one victory so far and that was on the opening day at Whitby Town. They have followed that up with a defeat at Hyde and goalless draws against Worksop and Ashton United.

On Saturday they went to Derbyshire to visit Ilkeston Town. Max Cane opened the scoring for the Brig on 18 minutes but goals in either half from the reliable Tom Cursons meant they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.

On the club’s books include Alex Kenyon, recently signed after a spell at Curzon Ashton and made over 200 appearances for Morecambe in the EFL. You will also find former Blackpool defender Will Squires and former Altrincham defender Liam Brockbank at the heart of the Brig’s back line.

Tickets and Travel For Bamber Bridge

Tickets can be purchased on the day at the turnstiles with cash or card payment.

Tickets are priced at:

• £12 Adults
• £8 Concessions (65+, U18, league club season ticket holders and students)
• £5 Concession league club season ticket holders
• £2 U15s – must be accompanied by an adult
• U11s FREE – must be accompanied by an adult

You can pick up a matchday programme priced at £2.50 each.

The Lions will wear their all yellow and black away kit for this fixture.

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

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 11am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.