The 25/26 Northern Premier League season begins this weekend, with the Lions making the visit to Bamber Bridge, a team whom we have had relative success against in recent times, writes Scott Kelly.

The season begins with a clean slate with the Lions hoping to go one better after play off heartache against Worksop Town back in May.

96 days on, we are back!

Team News

The season begins with no fresh injury worries, with new signings Harrison Hopper, Joao Silva, Amir Berchil and Taylor Bowen all available to make their competitive debuts.

It will be a second debut for Hopper under boss Mark Bower, as he played under him at Bradford Park Avenue.

The Lions will hope to have Will Longbottom, John Lufudu, Jack Emmett and Liam Ridehalgh available for selection soon with the quartet missing parts of pre-season.

The Opposition

It is the Brig’s eighth consecutive season at this level. But they were agonisingly close to National League North back in 22/23, losing to Warrington Town in the play-off final.

Ewan Bange was a key contributor in the second half of last season. The forward bagged seven goals in 12 appearances on loan from Radcliffe. He is back at the club, this time permanently, after a move in the summer.

Altrincham defender Joel Bailey has signed on loan for the season as Jamie Milligan, taking charge for the sixth successive season, hopes to build on an impressive pre-season.

The Lancashire side lost only one of their five pre-season matches, winning four of them, including an impressive 2-1 victory against Preston North End.

Previous Meetings

Guiseley have been largely successful against Bamber Bridge in the past. It has been nearly 12 months since the Lions last visit to the SFC Stadium, winning 3-2 after being two goals behind.

They lost 1-0 at Nethermoor in the FA Trophy back in November, but that was their only defeat to this opposition in the last five matches.

Tickets & Travel

Ticket can be purchased on the day at the turnstiles with cash or card payment.

Tickets are priced at:

• £12 Adults
• £8 Concessions (65+, U18, league club season ticket holders and students)
• £5 Concession league club season ticket holders
• £2 U15s – must be accompanied by an adult
• U11s FREE – must be accompanied by an adult

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

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