Mark Bower’s Lions are back this weekend after around 10 days away from action and visit League One Stevenage in an Emirates FA Cup First Round, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

This will be the sides first meeting in the FA Cup.

They last met in the FA Trophy way back in 1997. The Lions lost the tie 1-0.

Rachel O’Connor caught up with Peter Atkinson who played in the last meeting in 1997 here.

Past Meetings

The omens do not bode well for the Lions.

Stevenage have gone beyond the First Round in each of the last four seasons. They made the third round last season, losing 1-0 to last season’s giantkiller’s Maidstone United. The Hertfordshire side famously beat Newcastle United 3-1 in the third round as a League Two club back in the 2010/11 season. They also famously took the side to a replay in the fourth round back in 1998 as a non-league side. They drew 1-1 before being defeated 2-1 at St James’ Park thanks to a double from Alan Shearer.

Stevenage also knocked out Premier League side Aston Villa at Villa Park in the 2022/23 campaign, both of their goals came in the final two minutes of the tie to complete an almighty shock.

A step further in the competition would equal Guiseley’s best ever run in the competition. The Lions fell 2-1 to Fleetwood in the second round back in the 18/19 season

Last Time Out

Armthorpe Welfare 2-1 Guiseley

It probably feels like an eternity ago, but the Lions were held by Ilkeston when they last took to the pitch in the league, but they exited the West Riding County Cup the following Tuesday.

Mark Bower played a string of youngsters for the tie, with Lucas Alexander scoring a stunning free kick just after the half hour mark, after Alfie Charlotte put the hosts into an early lead.

Player-Manager James Baxendale then slotted home with 10 minutes to play to secure the Doncaster sides passage to the next round

The Lions’ Team News

Speaking on ‘The West Yorkshire Football Show’ during the week, boss Mark Bower previewed this weekend’s game.

When asked about the two-week gap between the last league game and this weekend’s clash, Bower feels it is an advantage for his side and doesn’t fear any rustiness:

“We have been really thin on numbers these past few weeks, had only 12-13 senior players. We should get at least three, possibly four players back that weren’t available for Ilkeston.”

When asked about this weekend’s opposition:

“It is a great opportunity for the players to test themselves against good quality League One players in an environment where there is no pressure on them.”

Non-League teams beat League One/Two teams in the first round, and we have to try and be one of those teams”.

When asked for his opinion on the removal of FA Cup replays:

“If we can win on penalties, then I will be all for the removal of replays”

Stevenage

Manager: Alex Revell
Stadium: The Lamex Stadium
Nickname: Boro
23/24 League Position: 9th in EFL League One

Stevenage won’t be as fresh as the Lions coming into this weekend’s clash. They played on Tuesday evening, losing 4-1 at home to in-form Bolton Wanderers.

Alex Revell’s side sit 15th in League One with 17 points from 14 matches so far. They have lost their three matches on the bounce but have had some impressive home victories against the likes of Barnsley and Wrexham this season.

It is as yet unclear the sort of side Boro will field against their non-league visitors; however, their squad is full of quality.

Revell has regularly rotated his goalkeeper, with Taye Ashby-Hammond and QPR loanee Murphy Cooper playing between the sticks.

Carl Piergianni spent the early part of his career in non-league and is Boro’s club captain. Dan Butler and Kane Smith are also linchpins in their defence.

Louis Thompson, Harvey White and Nick Freeman operate in midfield, along with the likes of Dan Kemp and former Lion Jake Young who operate a little further up the pitch.

Elliot List is the club’s top league scorer this season with three. Tyreece Simpson and Jamie Reid also play for the club in attack.

Former Lion Lewis Freestone could also appear after featuring in Stevenages last six matches.

Tickets and Matchday Information

Tickets will be available to purchase on the day at the away ticket office at the Lamex Stadium.

Tickets are priced at:

• £20 Adults
• £18 concessions (60+, disabled, students, ex/current servicemen/women with a defence discount card, NHS/Emergency service workers
• £12 U18s (Anyone aged under 14 must be accompanied by a full paying adult)
• £8 U12s

Stevenage offer a digital matchday programme which is available to read here.

The Lions will be wearing the yellow and black away kit for this fixture.

Travel

Coach travel is available with Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club, extremely limited seats remain available, just call Paul on 07518 445861 to secure yours.

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 8:30am priced at £30 for members and £35 for non-members