After a spectacular victory in the Emirates FA Cup, Mark Bower’s Lions are off to Lancaster City in a rearranged league fixture on Tuesday evening, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

The Lions do not have a great record against this opposition.

Lancaster won at Nethermoor back in March in a 3-2 victory. The defeat spelt the end of Andy Welsh’s time at the club. They drew 2-2 at the Giant Axe the previous August.

Guiseley haven’t won any of the previous six meetings between these sides.

Last Time Out

Kidderminster Harriers 0-1 Guiseley

126 travelling Guiseley supporters secured what was undoubtedly a major Emirates FA Cup upset by beating Kidderminster Harriers on their own patch.

Kiddy, who occupy the league above and sit 10th in Vanarama National League North, saw an Ashley Hemmings penalty saved in the first half after a handball. Joe Cracknell saved brilliantly as he stayed in the middle to deny the Kidderminster veteran.

The host’s saw the majority of possession and chances but the longer the game went on the more the Lions came into it and with seven minutes left they seized their opportunity.

John Lufudu made a lung-busting run down the left and crossed low to find Will Longbottom and he dispatched into the roof of the net from close range to send the travelling fans into delirium.

The result means the Lions are in the hat for Monday evening’s FA Cup 1st Round draw with League One opposition a possibility.

The Lions’ Team News

Lebrun Mbeka returned to captain the side on Saturday and will likely retain his place on Tuesday evening.

There are no new injury concerns for Mark Bower’s men. Jack Emmett played a little over 20 minutes at Kidderminster so he will be pushing for a start.

Sam Bentley was also introduced from the bench and will be hoping to play some part.

The game however will likely come too soon for Jameel Ible, Leo Farrell, Jordan Thewlis and Lewis Whitham with the contingent remaining on the sidelines for now.

Post Match Reaction From The Gaffer

“The lads dug in; gave everything they’ve got. The lads were just immense”

Boss Mark Bower was delighted with the overall performance. He pinpointed the injuries within the squad and the inability to change things when needed but he was delighted with the players at his disposal.  

“First half we rode our luck. They had chances where on another day they probably take a couple of them.” 

 Bower admitted his side were fortunate to go in goalless at half time, especially with the penalty outcome going the Lions way.

“I can’t recall them having anything in front of our goal second half”.

He admitted chances came a lot easier in the second half, and that improved performance came to fruition when Will Longbottom bagged the late goal. There was also praise for Ollie Brown from Bower, who felt he dealt with Maz Kouyhar second half fantastically.

Lancaster City

Manager: Chris Willcock
Stadium: Giant Axe
Nickname: The Dolly Blues
23/24 League Position: 9th

With the NPL table looking tighter than ever, the Dolly Blues sit 10th and will overtake the Lions, who sit 5th, with victory as they sit just two points behind their opponents.

With no Emirates FA Cup tie, they were in league action at the weekend and recovered from a 2-1 deficit to secure a superb 3-2 comeback victory at FC United of Manchester. Dom Lawson, Lewis Mansell and Lewis Coulton secured victory for them.

Lancaster have only lost on the one occasion at home this season. That came in their last home game on 1st October as they fell 1-0 to Leek Town.

Current players for the Dolly Blues include club captain Sam Bailey who plays as a full-back. Midfielder Aaron Bennett joined the club from FCUM over the summer. In the forward positions, they are packed with quality. Top scorer Lawson, Lewis Mansell and Charlie Bailey represent the club along with Nic Evangelinos, who was a thorn in the Lions side when they last met over the Easter period.

Tickets and Matchday Information

Tickets can be purchased on entry to The Giant Axe and online priced at:

• Adults £12
• Concessions (65+, disabled) £9
• Students £5
• U17s £3
• U12’s FREE with an accompanied paying adult

If you’d like to pick up a matchday programme these will be available at just £3 each.

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 4:30pm priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.