Guiseley ended a run of three consecutive defeats last weekend and will be hoping to get back to winning ways as they visit struggling Leek Town, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

It will be the Lions first visit to Leek since April 2008, with the Staffordshire claiming the upper hand in a 1-0 victory. Guiseley have won four, lost three and drawn three of the 10 previous encounters, including the 1-1 draw back in December, which saw Gabriel Johnson equalise late on after Alex Hurst’s opener for the Blues midway through the second half.

Last Time Out

Guiseley 1-1 Ilkeston Town

A Jordan Thewlis penalty before the half time break cancelled out an earlier Colin Daniel goal as the Lions ended a run of three consecutive defeats with a point at Nethermoor.

Daniel’s low strike from a well worked corner routine came after 34 minutes. Just three minutes later, Thewlis won and later converted the penalty after his initial effort struck the arm of defender Tom Marshall. The 32-year-old sent Robins keeper Matt Yates the wrong way for his seventh league goal of the season.

Chances were few and far between in the second half on what was in places a difficult surface to play on, with driving wind and rain throughout. With 15 minutes to go, Lewis Whitham forced a good save from Yates as his low drive was parried out for a corner. Five minutes later, The Lions won another corner, with Lebrun Mbeka meeting it, but his header went agonisingly wide.

It finished 1-1 and with the Lions now winless in four league matches, they will start the weekend in 3rd following Ashton United’s 2-1 victory over Lancaster. They played their game in hand on Tuesday night too, with Matlock Town doing the Lions a favour and securing a point and a 2-2 draw, meaning Ashton are just a point ahead heading into the weekend’s fixtures.

Post-Match Reaction With The Gaffer

“On the balance of play you would probably say it’s a fair result. But in terms of chances created then we should have probably won the game”

Boss Mark Bower felt that based on the efforts created, the Lions should have scored a winner, but they will head to Leek off the back of a well contested draw.

“That quality from back to front needs to be better. It turned into a bit of an arm wrestle at times”.

Alluding to last week’s defeat to Prescot, Bower felt against Ilkeston the team struggled more to get the ball forward more quickly. “They press really well” Bower added.

“The lad has raised his arms to block a shot that is going in the goal. I thought that was a red card offence but apparently not these days”.

“The rules keep changing” says Bower as he expressed his frustration that Tom Marshall was not sent off for what looked like a deliberate hand ball which led to the Lions penalty.

The Lions’ Team News

Bower confirmed that Leo Farrell will likely not be seen in a Lions shirt again this season, as he returned to Barnsley for treatment on an injury.

Lucas Odunston returned to the bench over the weekend and will be pushing for a start. Will Longbottom however is still likely to miss the game with a groin problem.

Leek Town

Manager: Josh Brehaut
Stadium: F.Ball Community Stadium
Nickname: The Blues
23/24 League Position: Champions of NPL Division One West

The Blues have struggled for a consistent run of good form throughout this campaign, which is why they sit just two points above the bottom four. Defeat at Warrington Rylands on Tuesday meant they have won of their last five league matches.

Only one of their nine victories this season have been won by more than the odd goal. Their meagre goal tally of 31 is worsened by only that of rock-bottom Blyth.

They do not concede a lot either, with 43 goals conceded. Of all sides in the bottom half, that tally is only bettered by Gainsborough Trinity.

Forward Hayden Campbell is the clubs top goalscorer with seven. Winger Alex Hurst, who scored against the Lions in December, has five. Leek signed Louis Potts from Clitheroe in December and has impressed. He has four league goals so far.

Other key players include goalkeeper Dino Visser and midfielder Ollie Shenton, who both have football league experience.

Tickets and Travel

Tickets are available to purchase on the on the day from the turnstiles by cash or card or online in advance priced at:

• Adults: £12
• Concessions: £8 (65+ and students in full time education with valid ID)
• U18s: £4 (Must be accompanied by a full paying adult or concession)
• U8s: FREE

Matchday programmes will be available to purchase on the day or online priced at £3. If you purchase a match ticket online in advance of the fixture you will receive a free digital copy of the programme.

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

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 10:15am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.