Guiseley do not have a good past record against Lancaster City. They will be looking to put that right when they visit Nethermoor this weekend, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: Wetherby Whaler

“I think if we have our strongest squad available, we win. In the penalty boxes they were the better team. Their goal at the start of the second half changed the momentum”

With many missing, Ian Richards felt the defeat to Bamber Bridge could have been a different one had certain players been available.

“There was nothing really between the teams, except for the fact that they were more clinical in front of goal”

He admitted the Brig were more clinical and the physical centre-forwards gave them an advantage. Richards did hint that he hopes ‘2 or 3’ players will return for this weekend’s game.

“We will go and be positive. If we play with that same intensity and have a bit more quality around the penalty box, then we can win on Saturday”

Richards did not criticise the players but was unhappy with the defeat. He felt upbeat that with a bit more quality in the final third, then the Lions can pick up the win.

Team News

Ian Richards confirmed post-match on Tuesday night that Jake Lawlor pulled out late on due to sickness and could return for Lancaster’s visit. Harrison Hopper has a knee problem but could also return.

Richards says Amir Berchil and Elliot Owen will not be rushed back but confirmed they will train before Saturday’s game so could be involved. George Goodman is also back training.

He also confirmed that Will Longbottom is a ‘longer-term’ absentee and will miss out.

The Opposition

The Dolly Blues enjoyed a fruitful start to the 25/26 campaign and were sitting pretty towards the top of the table before a huge slump since the end of October has seen them pick up just three wins from their last 14 matches.

Their victory over Ashton United last Saturday was their first since 29th November. This was followed up by a 1-1 home draw against struggling Hyde United on Tuesday evening.

Despite the dip in form, they sit in 8th with the play offs still a realistic possibility, with just four points separating them from the side in the final play off spot, Stockton.

Nic Evangelinos is enjoying his 25/26 campaign, and he is the Dolly Blues’ top goalscorer with eight. Steven Yawson and Dom Lawson have also chipped in with goals, bagging seven and six respectively. Defender Simon Grand joined the club back in November after a spell with Bamber Bridge.

Brothers Charlie and Sam Bailey represent the club, with the latter being club captain. Bobby Bjork plays in midfield following a spell with Ashton United and Brad Kelly is between the sticks after signing last summer from Rochdale.

Manager Jimmy Marshall arrived at the club last April after being in charge of Kendal Town and has overseen a huge improvement in a team that finished 18th in the league last season.

Previous Meetings

The Lions have never beaten Lancaster in the nine meetings between the sides, with the first meeting taking place back in 2018.

The Dolly Blues have collected the three points on their last two visits to Nethermoor, a 2-1 success last February and a 3-2 victory back in March 2024.

Alternatively, the Lions last three visits to the North West have been drawn, including a goalless draw in this fixture earlier in the campaign.

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.