Guiseley travel to Hebburn Town for the very first time this weekend hoping to extend their unbeaten run to six matches, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

These sides only met for the first time back in November, with Will Longbottom scoring two second half penalties to secure a 2-0 success.

Last Time Out

Guiseley 3-0 Mickleover

The Lions made it five unbeaten with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Mickleover last Saturday at Nethermoor.

The scoring started on 19 minutes as Prince Ekpolo played a wonderful through ball to Jack Emmett, and he calmly rolled the ball past Yusuf Mersin with the outside of his foot for his fourth goal of the season.

This victory was mostly about Lebrun Mbeka. The defender grabbed a brace, with his first coming just after the hour. A perfect corner allowed Mbeka to power home from inside the six-yard box despite being surrounded by bodies.

He found himself part of a Lions counterattack just five minutes later as Lewis Whitham played Mbeka through on goal, but he lost his nerve and ended up trying to go round Mersin and eventually his effort went over.

He would grab his second just a couple of minutes later though as the Lions won a penalty. Ollie Brown was tripped by Cieron Keane for a rather dubious penalty. Mbeka was the man to step up though and he nonchalantly fired past Mersin.

The win was secured and after three successive defeats, the Lions are now unbeaten in five heading into the Hebburn game this weekend.

Post-Match With The Gaffer

“We are short of that real target man player at this time of year. Lebrun won every header. Won flick ons. I think other players fed off that well. He added a different dimension for us”.

In the latter stages of the season, boss Mark Bower alluded to needing a target man to feed off due to the condition of pitches at this time of year. He was full of praise for Lebrun Mbeka’s performance, and he added the clean sheets in the last three games are largely down to Mbeka’s versatility

“Hebburn have had a great season. It’s a difficult place to go. Not many of the top sides have gone there and won”.

Previewing Hebburn, Bower feels they will offer something a bit different and that they will be ‘a bit more on the front foot’ than Mickleover and he knows it will be a tough game.

The Lions’ Team News

Lebrun Mbeka of all people appears to be keeping Will Longbottom out of the side, with the forward looking fit and raring to go after a 20-minute cameo against Mickleover.

John Lufudu, Jamie Spencer and the returning Sam Bentley all joined the action from the bench last Saturday and will be pushing for starts.

Lucas Odunston will likely miss the game, with Jake Wright and Jordan Thewlis definitely out.

Hebburn Town

Manager: Daniel Moore
Stadium: Hebburn Sports Ground
Nickname: The Hornets
23/24 League Position: Champions of NPL Division One East

Hebburn were punching above their weight for the majority of the season after promotion in 23/24. They were well amongst the chasing play off pack, but their form has gone into a tailspin since then. Only the mother of all slip ups would mean they will not be in this league again next season, but their recent form is something they will want to improve, starting this Saturday.

Based on form from the last 10 matches, dating back to mid-January, only three of the current bottom four (Blyth, Mickleover and Matlock) have had a worse time of it than the Hornets. They have collected just eight points, with only one victory in that time. A 3-1 win against Workington on New Years Day and a 2-1 maximum at FC United of Manchester on 22nd February are their only victories in this calendar year.

After a recent and respectable draw against Ashton United, last Saturday they fell to a 1-0 to Prescot Cables last time out after missing a late penalty and with player-manager Daniel Moore sent off late on.

The squad includes goalkeeper Dan Cameron, who was brought in on loan from Sunderland recently. Youth product Jack Donaghy won player of the match for the club last time out. Midfielder Liam Murray is also an academy graduate. Callum West is a midfielder on loan from Barnsley and Joao Gomes is a forward recently signed from South Shields. Amar Purewal is their top goalscorer with 16 goals, although he did not play in their last fixture.

Tickets and Matchday Information

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

To celebrate Non-League Day, Hebburn Town have reduced their ticket prices for the game!

Tickets are priced at:

• £5 Adults
• £2 U18s
• U16s FREE

You can pick up a matchday programme priced at £3 each.

The Lions will wear their all blue third kit for this fixture.

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 10:30am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.