The Lions return to league action after Emirates FA Cup heroics with a sixth successive away match, this time visiting Derby to take on Mickleover FC, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

In recent times, these sides have only met once before, with the sides drawing 1-1 in a pre-season friendly back in 2020, with Kaine Felix scoring for the Lions.

Last Time Out

Stevenage 1-1 Guiseley (AET) – Stevenage win 5-4 on penalties

The Lions were a penalty kick away from a place in the Emirates FA Cup 2nd Round for only the third time in their history.

The League One side took the lead against the defiant Lions when Jamie Reid slotted home Dan Kemp’s through ball eight minutes into the second half.

The Lions showed great determination, and their efforts were rewarded with seven minutes left when a mix up between Stevenage goalkeeper and defender allowed Gabriel Johnson a touch on the ball and Will Longbottom was on hand to finish into the empty net.

The game went all the way to penalties and Lebrun Mbeka had the chance to take the Lions into the next round, but his penalty was saved well by goalkeeper Murphy Cooper.

The returning Jameel Ible later stepped up and Cooper saved his penalty to send Boro through 5-4 on penalties.

The Hertfordshire club march on, despite a dogged and inspirational performance from Guiseley, and face League One high-flyers Mansfield Town in Round Two.

The Lions’ Team News

“I feel immense pride for everyone involved in that performance”. 

Boss Mark Bower said he was proud of his side’s performance overall but was miffed by certain decisions made by the referee. 

“(There were) monumental performances. I feel aggrieved about how we were treated in the game. We scored a perfectly good goal five minutes in”. 

Bower confirmed the referee informed him the early goal was disallowed for a ‘push’ – a decision which cost the Lions an early lead and an upper hand in the game.  

“We moved the ball well in the second half. Got a deserved goal but I feel we ran out of legs a little bit with them being a full time League One side”. 

Bower felt the equaliser was deserved but felt the side were looking tired heading into extra time.  

“He is feeling that hamstring again. He is going to have to go back to Barnsley who will look at sorting that out for him”. 

He also confirmed Leo Farrell will return to Barnsley for treatment on a hamstring problem. It remains unclear if he will return to Guiseley once he recovers from the injury.

Mickleover

Manager: Gareth Holmes
Stadium: Don Amott Arena
Nickname: The Sports
23/24 League Position: 5th in Southern Premier League Central

Playing in the Northern Premier League for the first time since the 2011/12 season, Mickleover find themselves 15th after 15 games.

They have however lost their last four on the spin which included a midweek 3-0 defeat at Morpeth Town and an Isuzu FA Trophy exit to AFC Telford last Saturday. They are currently bottom of the NPL form table after picking up just two points from a possible 15.

The club have been managed by Gareth Holmes since the summer, after John McGrath, after eight years at the club, left to take the reins at Buxton.

Current playing staff includes Stuart Beavon, who is player-coach at the club. Now 40, he spent much of his career playing at a higher level. Marcus Barnes began at Southampton before spells at Yeovil Town and Oldham Athletic. Charlie Hickingbottom and Danny Benson are both midfielders from Barnsley’s academy.

Club captain Curtis Weston holds the honour of the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final, playing for Millwall against Manchester United in 2004. He is now 37 and plys his trade for the Sports.

Mickleover completed a signing this week, with Jamie Soule joining on a month’s loan from Weston Super Mare. Forward Soule played just over half an hour in their midweek defeat and could start against the Lions.

Tickets and Matchday Information

Tickets will be available to purchase at the turnstiles on the day by cash or card payment.

Tickets are priced at:

• £13 Adults
• £9 concessions & students
• £2 U16s (Anyone aged under 14 must be accompanied by a full paying adult)
• FREE U12s with a full paying adult

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.

There’s covered seating on one side of the ground and covered terraced stands dotted around the Don Amott Arena.

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 10:15am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.