It is the final game of the campaign for the Lions, as they end their 25/26 season with a trip to Manchester to take on Ashton United, writes Scott Kelly.

Ian Richards was speaking after the Lions 5-2 defeat at home to promotion chasing FC United of Manchester:

On the performance:

“Defensively, we weren’t at it. They were ruthless in and around the penalty area”

On Ollie Brown picking up Supporters Player of the season:

“He gives 8/10 every week. He is someone you need in the changing room. He is 22 and he is only going to get better”

On the final day visit to Ashton United:

“We have play with professionalism and pride and we have to make sure that we finish on a high”

Team News

Skipper Lebrun Mbeka played the full 90 minutes after limping out of the defeat to Gainsborough the previous week.

Kyle White and Mo Fadera will be hoping for a final day starts after impressive appearances off the bench last weekend.

Ian Richards has a near fully fit squad to choose from, with Will Longbottom and Jamie Spencer the only absentees.

The Opposition

Both the Robins and the Lions were involved in the post-season play-offs last season, but that isn’t the case this time around. The Robins recent form has seen them likely finish in the top 10. Very sporadic form especially since February saw them quickly fall away from play-off contention. They have improved slightly of late though, winning two of their last three.

Looking for non-league step 2 football next season for the first time since 2005, the Robins will be hoping not to repeat what has been a below-par season by their own standards. Saturday’s game will feature two sides hoping to, as they did in 24/25, challenge at the top end of the Northern Premier League table.

Forward Enock Lusiama and Luca Navarro are the club’s top goalscorers with six. Jason Gilchrist has five. Their first team squad includes goalkeeper Jordan Eastham, full back Josh Doherty, midfielder Alex Byrne and forwards Darius Osei and former Lion Tom Denton.

They are managed by Steve Cunningham and have been since January 2023. There is however some uncertainty around Cunningham’s future, with his contract due to expire at the end of the current campaign.

Previous Meetings

Guiseley have won each of the last four meetings between the sides, including the 4-2 success at Nethermoor in the reverse fixture back in November.

Ashton last won the fixture back in September 2023, 1-0 success at Nethermoor. They have only won twice in this fixture since 2018, last winning it on home soil back in April of 2023.

Listen Live

If you cannot make it to Ashton-under-Lyne, live audio commentary can be found via the Mixlr app or via guiseleyradio.mixlr.com from 2:50pm.

Tickets & Travel

Tickets can be purchased at the turnstiles on entry to Hurst Cross with payment by cash or card, you can also buy online in advance here.

Tickets are priced at:

• £14 Adults
• £10 Concessions (over 65) and students (16-21)
• £8 U15s
• £1 Children U12 with a full paying adult

If you like to pick up a matchday programme then Ashton’s is available at just £2.50 each.

Coach travel is available with Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club, just call Paul on 07518 445861 to secure a seat.

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 11:15am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.