Following victories to end 2025 and to begin 2026, Guiseley welcome Bamber Bridge in what is their first home game of the new year this weekend, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: Luke Bernard-Haigh and Steve Dockar

“I thought the players worked incredibly hard for each other. That third goal, we left it late, but I thought the scoreline reflected the performance”

Facing his former side, boss Ian Richards was delighted with the team’s overall performance at Stocksbridge Park Steels, winning 3-1. There was praise in particular too for Harrison Hopper and Ollie Brown.

“We should always look up, but also never be too complacent. No team in this league at the moment is averaging two points per game. It is a tough league”

Richards is confident his side can now start to look up the table rather than down after consecutive victories.

“They will try and play through midfield. We are in for a good contest. When we get injured players back in, we are a match for anyone”

Previewing Bamber Bridge this weekend, Richards feels having some key players back should stand the team in good stead heading into the game.

Team News

With nine days in between matches, it remains to be seen the type of side Ian Richards has at his disposal.

Will Longbottom, Amir Berchil, Jack Emmett and Lebrun Mbeka were missing from the match day squad at Stocksbridge and could be fit.

Their absences gave the likes of Bobby Moore and new loanee Archie Christie-Crainie opportunities from the bench, with the latter sealing the New Year’s Day victory.

Liam Ridehalgh remains a doubt.

The Opposition

The Brig go into Saturday’s game level on points with the Lions and they have the advantage of having played three games less.

Their game with Gainsborough Trinity scheduled for 6th January fell foul of the weather which means this weekend’s clash will be their first game of the New Year. They will want to go into 2026 the same way they ended 2025, having won four of their last five matches, including recent victories over high flyers Warrington Rylands, and their most recent match, a 3-1 victory at Lancaster way back on Boxing Day. It was a run of form which secured manager Jamie Milligan the Northern Premier League Manager of the Month for December.

Ewan Bange is the clubs top goalscorer in the league with 10. Bange is no stranger to the Lions, having scored in his sides 2-0 victory on the opening day of the season. Also, a goalscorer that day Chris Churchman, is also still part of their squad.

Now 38 years of age, Nathaniel Knight-Percival operates at centre-back following a stellar career largely spent in the EFL for the likes of Shrewsbury Town and Bradford City. Former Lions loanee Kofi Moore operates on the wing, with the likes of Olly Molloy and former FC Halifax Town striker Jamie Allen providing the options in the forward end of the pitch along with Bange.

Previous Meetings

The sides met on the opening day of the season, with Brig winning 2-0 in Lancashire. Guiseley won on their oppositions last visit to Nethermoor, winning 3-1 on New Years Day 2025, but did lose the previous meeting on this ground 1-0 in an FA Trophy qualifier.

Stretching back to 2004, the sides have met 12 times in total, with the Lions winning seven and the Brig winning five, there has not been a draw on record between the sides.

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 & 6. ‘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.