Guiseley will be looking to buck the trend of successive defeats for the first time since August when they make the visit to Merseyside to take on Prescot Cables,, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

It is the first time since 2008 that the Lions are making the trip to Prescot. The Lions ran out 6-3 winners that day.

They have played only twice since, with a 4-0 victory in 2009 and a 2-0 more recently, back in November. Top scorer Will Longbottom scored goals in either half that day.

Last Time Out

Guiseley 1-2 Lancaster City

The Lions suffered yet another defeat against Lancaster City – making it all eight previous meetings with the Dolly Blues that Guiseley have failed to pick up a maximum.

They were looking to recover from defeat to Morpeth last time out and they fell behind just after the half hour, when a good delivery from the left allowed Lewis Mansell to eventually bundle home after an initial good save from Joe Cracknell.

Eight minutes into the second half, Guiseley had the perfect chance to draw level as efforts from Ollie Brown and Jameel Ible hit the post and cross bar respectively from point blank range.

You got the sense it was not the Lions’ day. And things got worse 23 minutes from time, as a scrappy corner was not cleared and Lewis Mansell again bundled home from close range.

Just eight minutes later, the Lions got a lifeline. Jack Emmett worked the ball in well from the right and a great bit of close ball control meant he was able to smash the ball home from six yards out.

Gabriel Johnson had a chance to equalise late on, but his effort was saved terrifically, and Lebrun Mbeka was booked late on for simulation trying to win the Lions a penalty.

But Lancaster went home with the points, meaning the Lions have now lost consecutive league matches and fail to pull away from the chasing pack and fail to close the gap to Macclesfield at the top.

Post-Match Reaction With The Gaffer

“They don’t lose a lot of games. I knew it would be tight. But they were good at what they did. They were physically strong and played the conditions well”

Alluding to the Dolly Blues losing only seven games all season, Mark Bower felt ‘it never quite fell for us’ as the Lions fall to another defeat.

“We lacked quality. This time of year, you need to use the ball well. There was a lot of little things we did not do right”.

Bower felt that Lancaster capitalised and took their two goals well in what he called an ‘‘even game’’.

“They may not hit the ground running; it will take a while for them to get up to speed. I asked Lewis 15-20 mins to go how his legs felt. It was really positive that he has got through 90 minutes”.

Lewis Whitham played 90 minutes in a Guiseley shirt for the first time in over two years. Jordan Thewlis too played over 30 minutes in what was a decent run out on his road to recovery.

“We only have (Adriano) Moke who can play in that holding midfield role. Prince (Ekpolo), Jack (Emmett), Ackers (Joe Ackroyd), Will (Longbottom) all want to press and get up the pitch. Spen (Jamie Spencer) is someone who has good experience and can play in that role”.

Bower admits he was looking for someone to compete with Adriano Moke in the CDM role, and feels Jamie Spencer is that man. Spencer has worked with Bower previously at Bradford Park Avenue.

The Lions’ Team News

Guiseley are still sweating over the fitness of top goalscorer Will Longbottom, who has a groin injury.

Jake Lawlor is raring to go after just a few minutes off the bench against Lancaster. Joe Ackroyd and Lebrun Mbeka have also made a full recovery from the illness which ravaged the squad.

Jamie Spencer is also pushing for his second full league debut for the club following a brief cameo from the bench last Saturday.

Prescot Cables

Manager: Steven Daley
Stadium: Valerie Park
Nickname: Cables
23/24 League Position: 3rd in NPL Division 1 West (Promoted via play offs)

The Cables managed to haul themselves away from relegation trouble in recent weeks, rising to 16th following victories over Gainsborough and Ashton United. However, recent defeats over Leek and most recently on Tuesday night against Warrington Rylands have dragged them closer to the mire, as they sit just two points above the drop zone, having played a game more than some of those around them.

They have started 2025 with two wins, three defeats and one draw after ending 2024 without a win in eight matches. Crucial home matches against relegation rivals Bamber Bridge and Whitby are just a couple of the five matches they have left to play in February.

The spine of their team includes goalkeeper Calvin Hare, defender Matthew Devine, midfielder and captain James Foley and forward Michael Carberry.

The Merseyside have added to their ranks in the last few days. Midfielder Charley Doyle has signed permanently following a loan spell from Marine. Everton defender Bradley Moonan has joined the club until the end of the season. Moonan has a pro contract with the Toffees and has U21’s and EFL Trophy experience with them.

Both Doyle and Moonan played some part in the 2-0 to Rylands on Tuesday night and are expected to play some part again this weekend.

Tickets and Travel

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

• Adults: £12
• Concessions: £8
• Juniors: £5

Matchday programmes will be available to download for free from Prescot’s website before the game.

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

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 10:45am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.