After only picking up a point last time out, the Lions travel to promotion chasers Hyde United this Saturday hoping to secure a win, writes Scott Kelly.
Past Meetings
Guiseley’s 4-0 victory over Hyde in September was their first victory against them in five previous encounters.
Guiseley have not won on this ground in the last four visits, and that was 1-0 victory in March 2012, when both sides faced off in what is now National League North.
Last Time Out
Guiseley 1-1 Leek Town
Gabriel Johnson rescued a point for the Lions against struggling Leek Town on Tuesday evening at Nethermoor.
The Lions, who were massive favourites for the clash, fell behind after Alex Hurst’s tap in halfway through the second half.
Before Will Longbottom forced Dino Visser into a good save from a free kick, Johnson struck only his second goal of the season as his turn and shot from the edge of the area found the back of Visser’s net.
It was a rare off day for the Lions, who grabbed a late point to take a 10-game unbeaten run to Hyde on Saturday.
Post-Match With The Gaffer
“It is as bad as we have played all season in terms of our quality on the football.”
Boss Mark Bower was disappointed with the overall performance and praised the impact of their struggling visitors.
“We hadn’t created much, and Gabs has come up with the one bit of quality to get us a point”.
Bower praised the impact of Gabriel Johnson, who stepped in a fairly drab overall performance to get the Lions a point.
“It brings you back down to earth a little bit. We have been on an unbelievable run. We are unbeaten in a ridiculous number of games”.
It is 10 league matches, Mark!
The Lions are heading to Hyde 10 unbeaten in the league, with Bower insisting he will be very surprised if the squad as a collective play as poorly this season.
“Hyde are one of the teams that are right up there. But it is just another game. We will assess everybody and go again”.
Bower was full of praise for this weekend’s opponents and is under no illusions that the quality in front of goal must improve.
The Lions’ Team News
Mark Bower may want to rotate his side after a pretty lacklustre performance on Tuesday. Jordan Thewlis, Liam Ridehalgh and Lewis Whitham are all available for selection after appearing from the bench in midweek.
Lucas Odunston was on commentary duty on Tuesday but may also be available.
Hyde United
Manager: Nick Spooner
Stadium: Ewen Fields
Nickname: The Tigers
23/24 League Position: 6th
Hyde find themselves 5th before Saturday’s clash and are well amongst the pack chasing the Lions and Macclesfield in the league table. A victory for them here would see them close the gap on the Lions to four points, with three winnable games coming for the Tigers before a visit from the high flying Silkmen on New Years Day.
Nicky Spooner has been in charge of the club since 2022 and has overseen a steady rise in the club’s fortunes. The 23/24 season saw a 6th place finish, which they are clearly aiming to better this time around.
Jack Redshaw is the clubs leading scorer with 13 league goals this season and the 34-year-old only has Tom Cursons and the Lions own Will Longbottom ahead of him in the scoring standings. Players such as Ben Kershaw, Matthew Fearnley and Andrew Baker also contribute with goals.
Just like the Lions, Hyde’s last result was a 1-1 draw with Leek after Ayo Quadri grabbed an equaliser just after being introduced from the bench. They have also lost just one of the last nine league games and are unbeaten in the last six of those.
Tickets and Matchday Information
Tickets will be available to purchase at the turnstiles on the day by cash payment only. Students must produce ID at the turnstiles for entry.
Tickets are priced at:
- Adults £14 standing | £15 seated
- Concessions (65+) £9 standing | £10 seated
- U17s & Students £5 standing | £6 seated
- U7s FREE if accompanied by a full paying adult
You can pick up a matchday programme priced at £2 each.
Segregation will not be in place for this fixture with Lions fans able to choose their viewing spot as we line up in our white and blue home kit.
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 11am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.
