After yet another Lions victory, they make their second longest league trip of the season this weekend with a trip to Morpeth Town, writes Scott Kelly.
Past Meetings
Guiseley have never lost to this opposition – but they have only met five times, with the first meeting back in 2022.
The Nethermoor faithful took in a 3-3 draw back in August, with a late Jordan Thewlis goal sparing the Lions’ blushes.
The Lions drew 1-1 on their last visit to Morpeth in August 2023, with Sam Hodgson scoring late on for the hosts after Reece Kendall had given Guiseley the lead.
We have however won all three of the other meetings.
Last Time Out
Workington 0-2 Guiseley
On what was the club’s longest league journey of the season, goals in either half from Ollie Brown – only his second ever career goal – and Will Longbottom secured the Lions victory on the road at Workington last Saturday.
An excellent team move saw Guiseley take the lead on 13 minutes as Liam Ridehalgh’s cross was met with a stooping header from Brown.
Ridehalgh secured a second assist with three minutes to play as the ball appeared to take an age to reach top goalscorer Longbottom – who grabbed his 19th league goal of the season – as he tapped home from close range, despite Workington protests that Steven Swinglehurst was hauled down in the build-up.
The goal was allowed to stand, and Guiseley remain 15 games unbeaten heading into the trip to Morpeth on Saturday.
Post-Match Reaction With The Gaffer
“In the first half, some of the football we played was outstanding. We tore them to shreds”
Boss Mark Bower was delighted, particularly with the first half performance. He was a little critical though and thought his side should have been further in front at the break.
“That first that we scored, you won’t see better goals in the Premier League”.
An 18-pass move was finished off by Ollie Brown to put Guiseley in front, with the boss saying the choice of formation made the move and eventual finish possible.
“The first one is a dream cross. He showed what he is about. His professionalism and how fit he is”.
Bower says that Liam Ridehalgh was a massive part of ‘a really good team performance’ on Saturday – as the full back assisted both goals and was a big presence in the team.
“It wasn’t one of Will’s best, but it was still a hard-working display, and hard work gets you that goal at the end”.
Although not his best performance, Bower was still full of praise for Will Longbottom, who is one strike away from 20 league goals.
The Lions’ Team News
Don’t be surprised to see the boss pick an unchanged XI this weekend.
However, Gabriel Johnson will be available again after missing last Saturday’s game.
The game is to come too soon though for Leo Farrell, who has returned to Barnsley for injury treatment. Jordan Thewlis is nursing a groin injury with Mark Bower expecting him to miss three weeks of action
Lucas Odunston and Jake Wright will definitely miss out, with the former cheering the side on from the sidelines at Workington.
Morpeth Town
Manager: Craig Lynch
Stadium: Craik Park
Nickname: The Highwaymen
23/24 League Position: 13th
Boss Craig Lynch has overseen a gradual improvement at Morpeth since he became manager in September 2021. The 21/22 season saw the Highwaymen’s best ever performance in the FA Trophy, reaching the fifth round.
They are currently 11th and on track to beat last season’s 13th place finish, and are eight points from the play off positions. Their recent form has not been great though and appear to be facing Guiseley at the worst possible time. A 1-0 victory over Gainsborough Trinity on 21st December is their only maximum in eight league outings.
They lost last time out at FC United of Manchester, falling to a 4-1 defeat at Broadhurst Park.
The bad run began with a 2-0 defeat at Macclesfield in November and before that, the Highwaymen had won four on the bounce.
They have also picked up more points away than they have at home, with 17 points picked up on the road of their 31-point total so far.
Nic Bollado is the club’s top goalscorer this season with seven goals. Forward Jack Foalle has six, including a brace in that 3-3 at Nethermoor earlier this season. Players include former Blyth trio Nathan Buddle, Rhys Evans and Jordan Hickey and former Newcastle goalkeeper Dan Langley.
Aptly named for this time of year, Nathan Snowball is a defender and joined the club on loan recently from Morecambe.
Tickets and Travel
Tickets are available to purchase on the day from Morpeth’s turnstiles by cash or card payment priced at:
- Adults (17-64): £10
- Concessions (65+): £6
- U16’s: £4
- U5’s: FREE
You can also pickup a matchday programme for £2 at the turnstiles.
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.
