It is time for a trip from West to East Yorkshire, as the Lions travel to Bridlington Town for their first Isuzu FA Trophy tie of the season, writes Scott Kelly.

“For large spells of the game we were the better side. We had the better chances by a million miles and not been able to force it home. When you come away from home against a side that’s won five on the bounce, I guess you have to be pleased with a clean sheet and a point”

Mark Bower felt his side performed admirably against a strong side and appeared to feel the Lions deserved all three points on the balance of play.

Team News

Lebrun Mbeka came off late on during the draw at Lancaster. But Bower didn’t appear to be too concerned, and he should be fit for this weekend.

Liam Ridehalgh is edging closer to a return, but Saturday will likely come too soon for the full-back. Bower also confirmed that Jake Wright had a minor injury setback as he looks to make a return to first team action. He has been training with the squad for the last few weeks but has recently picked up a groin strain.

A bit of good news though, and Harrison Hopper is expected to return and play some part in Saturday’s game after a couple of weeks out.

The Opposition

Following a recent change of ownership, Brid appear to be on the up and come into this game just one division below the Lions. Following the COVID-hit 2020/21, the club accepted promotion to the NPL East Division following a new league structure. Since survival on the final day of 21/22, the club have looked to kick on since then.

Last year it was announced that Hull based firm HDM Worldwide Ltd had taken over the club from long-term owner Pete Smurthwaite.

They currently sit eighth in the Northern Premier Division East with 13 points from their first 8 matches. The Seasiders had enjoyed an unbeaten first seven league games until Matlock Town visited Queensgate on Tuesday night and beat them 2-1.

Current members of the playing squad include goalkeeper Jonathan Dash, who joined from Beverley Town. Midfielder Tom Allan was retained for 25/26 after joining in 2024 from Farsley Celtic and captain Matty Dixon joined in the summer from North Ferriby.

Now 37, striker Michael Coulson joined Brid in 2024 following spells at nearby Scarborough Athletic and Farsley Celtic. Jake Day is a name Lions fans may know, with the forward having had a spell with the club in 2021. The 33-year-old joined his hometown club in the summer from Alfreton Town. Also from Alfreton Town is forward Ahmed Salam. Defender Kasper Williams is a Doncaster Rovers loanee, with the 18-year-old having signed his first professional contract with the League One club in the summer.

The club are managed by Mike Thompson. He took permanent charge in January after he spent time in temporary charge during the 2022/23 season and notched over 200 appearances playing for the club.

Previous Meetings

This is the first meeting between the sides in over 20 years. During the 2004-05 season, the sides met, and the home sides were victorious on both occasions, with Brid winning 4-1 in East Yorkshire, and the Lions winning 3-1 at Nethermoor.

The two team also met in the FA Vase semi-finals in 1990 with Bridlington coming out on top in both legs.

Listen Live

If you cannot make it to Bridlington, live audio commentary can be found via the Mixlr app or via guiseleyradio.mixlr.com from 2:50pm on Sarturday evening.

Tickets and Travel

Tickets can be purchased on entry to Queensgate priced at:

• £9 Adults
• £6 Concessions (65+, disabled, PL/EFL season ticket holder)
• FREE U16s

If you’d like to pick up a matchday programme these will be available at just £3 each from sellers near 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.