After 2025 began with victory at home for the Lions, they will be hoping to make it two victories from two when they visit Workington, writes Scott Kelly.

Past Meetings

The Lions lost on their last foray up to Cumbria, losing 2-1 on the final day of the 23/24 season and was their first defeat against Workington since 2004. That means Workington have won just one of the last 12 encounters between the sides.

We opened this campaign against Workington too – with goals coming in each half from Will Longbottom and John Lufudu to secure a 2-0 success on 10th August.

Last Time Out

Guiseley 3-1 Bamber Bridge

Goals from Leo Farrell, Will Longbottom and Gabriel Johnson ensured the Lions started 2025 with victory over Bamber Bridge at Nethermoor.

The Brig, who were the last side to beat Guiseley way back on 5th October, did not have a prayer early on as Farrell fired home on 24 minutes after early chances for Longbottom hit the side netting and Jameel Ible’s header ricocheted back off the crossbar.

Bamber Bridge responded immediately as Alex Kenyon blasted home from a yard out but that was as good as it got for them.

After the break, Prince Ekpolo fed Longbottom who beat the keeper from close range for goal 18 of a brilliant season for him. The scoring was rounded off and victory was secured when two substitutes combined. Lewis Whitham crossed the ball in from the left and Gabriel Johnson slid in to collect his 3rd league goal of the season.

Victory ensured the Lions remain 14 games unbeaten in the league going into Saturday’s clash.

Post-Match With The Gaffer

“Brilliant for the ground staff to get the game after the amount of rain we have had. But it was always going to cut up and be difficult to play on.”

Boss Mark Bower was full of praise to those who ensured the game went ahead after heavy rainfall in the hours leading to kick off. Despite the conditions, he felt the side played well and thought the Lions could have won by more.

“They are a good side. They took points off Hyde the other week and beat Hebburn. They are confident and throw bodies forward but it was a really, really good win for us”.

He was full of praise too for the opposition who made life difficult for the Lions in small instances, but Bower appeared chuffed to grab the win heading into Workington.

“We like to have a settled squad. Build good relationships in the dressing room. It stands you in good stead but you always need to be looking to strengthen. But it won’t be wholesale changes”.

With Bower not adding to the squad for some time and with January now with us, he admitted that he will look in the transfer market to add to the squad but reiterated that he is very proud of the current squad. “We need to keep players on their toes” he added.

“We’ve done better than we thought. We had a period of picking up sneaky late wins. It has picked up confidence and has built a good understanding between the players”.

With the season at just over its halfway point, Bower was asked if he was happy with the points total. It was a resounding yes, with the Lions 2nd with 47 points from 24 matches.

The Lions’ Team News

Leo Farrell scored in the victory on New Years Day but was withdrawn late in the first half through injury so will miss Saturday’s clash.

Jordan Thewlis could be back in contention for Saturday’s visit to Cumbria. Jack Emmett will also be hoping to keep his place in the side after being awarded man of the match on Wednesday.

Full back Lucas Odunston and Jake Wright remain on the sidelines.

Workington

Manager: Mark Fell
Stadium: Borough Park
Nickname: The Reds
23/24 League Position: 17th

Workington opened 2025 with a 3-1 away defeat at Hebburn Town and extended the Reds winless run to five matches.

They are managed by Mark Fell and have been since the summer after Danny Grainger left the club to join Derek Adams’ coaching staff at Morecambe.

They currently sit 13th in the NPL with 27 points but they are however much better on home soil. They have collected 19 of those 27 points at home, with only six of the current top seven sides boasting a better home record. Only Blyth Spartans have a worse record away from home than the Cumbrians.

One notable player on the books is Efe Ambrose. The Nigerian defender is now 36 and has played Champions League football for Celtic, famously featuring in their 2-1 victory over Barcelona in 2012. He spent five years in Glasgow and further spells in Scotland followed before joining the Reds in August after a spell with Bury.

Stephen Rigg is the clubs top goalscorer with 13 goals and is the Reds biggest attacking threat. David Symington is also a key attacking threat but only has four goals this campaign after bagging 24 for the club last campaign.

Tickets and Travel

Tickets can be purchased on the day at the turnstiles with cash or card payment or online now.

Tickets are priced at:

• £13 Adults
• £9 Concessions
• £5 16-17s
• £2 U16s

You can pick up a matchday programme priced at £3 each.

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

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 9:45am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.