A first win for Ian Richards and first league win for the Lions since September last time out, they will be hoping to build on that victory when Ashton United visit Nethermoor this Saturday, writes Scott Kelly.

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“The performance got the result it deserved. It was a difficult surface against a team that are in form. The togetherness and bond on the pitch was exceptional. The victory should give the side huge confidence”

Ian Richards has no doubts that the result was what the side deserved, and was full of praise for the players, and for the supporters that travelled to Tuesday night’s hard fought 1-0 win at Workington.

“He has been out (on loan) at Tadcaster Albion. He has done exceptional for them. Scarborough have tied him down. With Jake Lawlor’s injury and not knowing the extent of it, we felt it was a good opportunity to get Calum in”

Richards explained the reasoning for the acquisition of Calum Hudson on loan from Scarborough Athletic. He was put on the bench for Tuesday night’s clash.

“When they are at their best, they are a very dangerous side. If we play like we have in the last three then I am confident we can get all three points”

Previewing this weekend’s opposition, Richards knows to prepare as best as the squad can, and although the opposition is dangerous, he feels his side can still win the game.

Team News

Richards has said he hopes to get a couple of players back in the squad for Saturday’s visit. That being said, Jake Lawlor is unlikely to be fit, with the boss citing Calum Hudson’s arrival being due to the injury to the 34-year-old.

A bonus at centre-back is the extension of George Goodman’s loan for a further month from Bradford City.

Jamie Spencer and loanees Sam Aston and Leo Farrell will be hoping to be involved again after missing Tuesday’s outing.

John Lufudu is available for selection after missing out on the last three games through suspension.

The Opposition

Ashton United were hoping to do one better than the 24/25 campaign, when they reached the play-offs, losing to eventual winners Worksop Town. They are nine points off top spot though but see themselves just a point off the play off places coming into Saturday’s clash.

Sporadic form throughout October and November has seen them pick up just four wins from their last ten, with four defeats. One being a lacklustre performance against Clitheroe in the FA Trophy. Last time out was a success though, coming from 1-0 and 2-1 up to eventually get the better of Morpeth Town, with two late goals meaning the Robins claimed the spoils 3-2. That victory was followed by a 2-1 victory over Chadderton in the Manchester Premier Cup in midweek.

The squad includes goalkeeper Jordan Eastham, captain Luke Burke, full backs Josh Doherty and Sean Newton. In the midfield Mikey O’Neill, Luca Navarro and long-serving Alex Byrne. The club’s top goalscorer is forward Enock Lusiama with five goals. Darius Osei and former Lion Tom Denton also represent the club.

Their manager is Steve Cunningham, who has been at the Robins helm since January 2023.

Previous Meetings

It was a 1-0 victory for the Lions when they last met the Robins back in March, thanks to Jake Lawlor’s solitary goal. This weekend’s game comes just over a year since the Lions won 4-2 in Ashton-under-Lyne, with Will Longbottom grabbing a brace.

Ashton have not won this fixture in the last five attempts, with a 1-0 victory back in September 2023 their last maximum. They also did the double over Guiseley during the 2022/23 season.

Listen Live

As always our commentary team will be at Nethermoor. Live audio commentary can be found via the Mixlr app or on guiseleyradio.mixlr.com at approximately 2:50pm on Saturday.

Tickets

Tickets will be available to purchase from our turnstiles on Saturday priced at:

• Adults: £13
• Concessions (Over 66s/Students/Registered Disabled): £9
• 11-18 Year-Olds: £5
• Accompanied Under-11s: £1

Payment can be made via cash at all our turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1, 2 & 5. ‘The Lions’ magazine will be on sale for £3 from sellers near each turnstile and our Club Shop.

It is cash payments only inside the ground for magazines and 50/50 cash draw tickets. Food and drink from The Lions’ Diner can be paid for by cash or card and the clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card.