A draw on the last day means a 4th place finish for Guiseley. They are therefore forced to travel to Teesside for a one-legged play off with Stockton Town on Tuesday evening, writes Scott Kelly.
Break Down of the NPL Premier Division Play-Offs
Guiseley travel to Stockton knowing the victor will play either Worksop or Ashton United for a place in National League North for the 25/26 season.
Both games take place on Tuesday evening with a 7:45pm kick-off. there will be extra time, and if needed, penalties if the game finishes a draw after 90 minutes.
The team who finished higher in the table will host the final, so a victory for Worksop over Ashton will mean they will be hosts. A victory for Ashton will mean the winner of the clash on Teesside will host the final.
The NPL Premier Division play-off final is due to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5.
Past Meetings
Stockton defender Tom Coulthard cancelled out Jameel Ible’s early opener when the sides last met back in December, which finished 1-1 at Nethermoor.
The Lions were on the wrong end of a 3-1 result when the sides met in August on Teesside, with Jack Emmett scoring a late consolation.
These are the only two league games the sides have faced off – with the only other meeting being a 1-0 victory for the Lions in an FA Cup qualifier back in September 2019.
Last Time Out
FC United of Manchester 1-1 Guiseley
The Lions disappointingly lost play off home advantage after FC United produced a second half fightback to level a tie that flipped following an injury to Lebrun Mbeka.
From the off, the Lions started brightly, putting a couple of dangerous balls into the box though without really testing the FC United defence. On 22 minutes, John Lufudu was put through behind the FC United backline and dinked the ball over goalkeeper Ollie Bellizia and into the net to give the Lions the lead.
FC United’s former Premier League striker Adam Le Fondre produced the home side’s best opportunity just before the break, when his low free kick was fired towards goal and parried wide by Joe Cracknell.
Michael Donohue levelled the tie on the 66th minute. A swift exchange of passes bisected the Guiseley defence and left Donohue with the opportunity to slide the ball past Cracknell from close range.
At the full time whistle the home fans roared their appreciation at the draw. The result continues Guiseley’s dismal record at FC United and leaves the Lions still searching for their first win at Broadhurst Park.
Thoughts now turn to the all-important play off semi-final at Stockton Town on Tuesday night.
Words by Colin Robertson.
Post-Match With The Gaffer
“We scored a really good goal. Had numerous other chances. First half we were dominant. The criticism was that we didn’t put the game to bed”.
Manager Mark Bower felt the game changed on an injury to Lebrun Mbeka, with the boss admitting he felt the side should have had the game sewn up long before Michael Donohue’s equaliser.
“To play so soon after the end of the season is ridiculous. But it is what it is. We will look after some tired bodies and look to go again”.
Bower is not a fan of the play-off schedule, with the semi-final coming so soon after the regular season ending.
“We are good enough. If Lebrun doesn’t make it, we have good enough players to and get a result up there and that is all we will focus on doing”.
Although Lebrun Mbeka is unlikely to make Tuesday’s game, Bower appeared confident his side can make the final.
“These lads have gone again and again and again for us. It’s been a fantastic effort from the boys”.
Alluding to the absence of Jake Wright at the start of the season, and Jordan Thewlis not being available, Bower praised the rest of the squad and is proud that the squad have got to this point, with promotion still a big possibility.
The Lions’ Team News
Saturday’s result appeared to turn following an injury to the influential Lebrun Mbeka. Mark Bower has confirmed he is not likely to be fit for Tuesday’s crucial game.
The Lions are boosted by the potential return of Adriano Moke, having been rested on Saturday. He made a sub appearance on Easter Monday against Gainsborough following a calf problem.
Liam Ridehalgh returned on Saturday after missing the last three matches and is available.
The likes of Jack Emmett, Lucas Odunston and Lewis Whitham are all fit and hoping to make some form of impact on Tuesday night.
Stockton Town
Manager: Michael Dunwell
Stadium: MAP Group UK Stadium
Nickname: The Anchors
23/24 League Position: 2nd in NPL Division One East (promoted via play-offs)
The Anchors have enjoyed a phenomenal first season at this level, having only just won promotion last season for their first ever crack at NPL Premier Division level.
It is incredibly the fourth season in succession that Michael Dunwell’s men will be involved in a play-off campaign. It was a case of third time lucky last season after penalty shoot-out success against Dunston UTS, following an incredible 4-4 draw. They were unsuccessful in the final on the previous two occasions, losing to Marske United in 21/22 and then Long Eaton United in 22/23.
A 1-0 victory over Hyde United, courtesy of Kevin Hayes late goal and combined with the Lions draw at FC United, meant that Stockton finished third and therefore get home advantage for Tuesday’s clash.
They are going into the play offs in fine form too. They have lost only once in their last 11 matches, that being a 2-0 defeat at Hebburn Town on Easter Monday. Their form is only bettered by the two sides who finished above them, Macclesfield and Worksop Town. The Silkmen and Prescot Cables are the only sides to concede fewer home goals than Stockton too, with the Anchors only conceding just 20 from their 21 regular season home games.
One to watch on Tuesday will be Michael Sweet, with the 30-year-old striker bagging 13 league goals this season. They have been sharing goals around however, with veteran strike partner Steven Thompson scoring 11. Joshua Scott has nine goals to his name and Michael Fowler has five.
Fowler is a former player at Guiseley after a spell on loan at Nethermoor during the 2018/19 season from his then-parent club Fleetwood Town.
Tickets and Travel Information
This is an all-ticket match and tickets are available to purchase online now – get yours here.
Tickets are priced at:
- £11 Adults
- £9 Concessions
- £5 U18s
- £3 U11s
You can pick up ‘The Anchor’ matchday programme priced at £2.50 each.
The Lions will wear their white home shirts and black away shorts and socks 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 4:30pm priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.
