The Lions end 2025 at Nethermoor with a Boxing Day clash against Gainsborough Trinity where Ian Richards is hoping to maintain his unbeaten run at home in a 3pm kick-off.

Match sponsored by: Steadfast Works

Post-Match from the Gaffer

“Between full-time last Saturday and full-time today we have lost six players, I have just said in there that you should be proud of yourselves and I am proud of them.”

Ian Richards bemoaned his side’s luck with players pulling out of the game through injury and illness with three more being injured on the day.

“We needed a bit more quality around the penalty area but they did defend deep”

Richards thought his side were the better of the two on Saturday but just needed a little bit extra to get something from the game.

“It’s taken a dubious decision not to give a penalty, an unbelievable save from their keeper and some last ditch defending to stop us scoring”

Richards praised Hebburn for keeping a clean sheet but was frustrated with the decision to not award his side a spot kick

Team News

Ian Richards will be hoping to see Calum Hudson and George Goodman return to the side after they both missed the trip to the North East through illness.

He could also be without Will Longbottom who was withdrawn because of a head injury, Jack Emmett with a tight hamstring and John Lufudu with a shin and ankle injury.

Lucas Odunston was named on the bench on Saturday but was also suffering with a tight hamstring and both Ollie Brown and Jordan Thewlis played through the game despite having knocks.

Richards was however boosted by the return of Jake Lawlor who has been out injured since mid-November with a hamstring injury.

Elliot Owen and Bobby Moore both made their debuts at Hebburn and will be hoping to feature again.

The Opposition

Gainsborough sit in seventh place with 30 points from 19 games, they have played the fewest matches in the division after their run to the Emirates FA Cup first round where Accrington Stanley edged them out after extra time.

They’ve won just one league game in the last seven but have also only lost one with five draws perhaps blighting their progress up the table.

They name former Lions Adam Crookes and Frank Mulhern in their squad alongside Fraser Preston the brother of Jordan Preston.

Russ Willcox has been in the managerial hotseat at the Northolme since September 2023 and will be hoping for a play off finish after missing out by five points last season.

Previous Meetings

Gainsborough are the only side we are yet to face in the league so far this season but the fixture is a repeat of last year’s Boxing Day clash.

The Lions came out on top 2-0 with Jake Lawlor and Jordan Thewlis on the scoresheet that day.

Trinity did win the second clash which came on 21st April, Declan Howe and Lewis Butroid finding the net in the first half.

In the last 10 meetings between the two the away side has come out as victors six times.

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 Boxing Day.

Tickets

Tickets will be available to purchase from our turnstiles on 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. Food and drink from The Lions’ Diner can be paid for by cash or card and the clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card.