Following a goalless draw last weekend, the Lions return to action for a mid-table clash in Derbyshire to take on Ilkeston Town, hoping to secure back-to-back away wins for the first time this season, writes Scott Kelly.

“The first half was even. We made changes tactically second half and thought we were excellent. We had the better chances up to the end and goalkeeper has been their man of the match”

Ian Richards was speaking after last weekend’s 0-0 draw at home to Lancaster City.

“He was fantastic. The pitch was heavy. He was excellent in and out of possession. He is a pleasure to work with. An excellent person and a great footballer”

Richards was full of praise for Jack Emmett, who picked up the man of the match award. Also, a special mention for the ground staff, who Richards thought did fantastic to get the game on.

“That two clean sheets in three games. It is unfortunate we didn’t get the win. It’s testing at the moment without a settled squad”

‘It’s part of football. We have got to deal with it’ added Richards when asked about the injury issues surrounding the squad.

Team News

The squad is ravaged by injury issues, with Jordan Thewlis and Kyle White missing last weekend through shoulder and groin injuries respectively. Richards seemed more optimistic about White being available for the Ilkeston game. Top goalscorer Thewlis though will likely miss out.

Both Lebrun Mbeka and Harrison Hopper limped out of the Lancaster game, with Richards much more optimistic on this pair being fit. Mbeka had a groin issue and Richards hoping Hopper’s heel problem is just a bruise.

Will Longbottom and George Goodman are likely to be missing once again.

The Opposition

Two points separate these two sides coming into kick off with chances of a top five berth for both slowly ebbing away. It is also worth pointing that for the Robins it is a bit more serious, with them sitting just six points above Morpeth in the final relegation spot.

Neither side have been able to put together a consistent run of positive results for much of the campaign, with neither able to win more than two games successively.

It won’t get easier for the Robins after this either, with their next three opponents, Warrington Rylands, Hebburn Town and Stockton seen as serious promotion contenders. A positive result here could be crucial.

They have lost their last two in the league, which included a 1-0 defeat at Workington last weekend, which was the bottom side’s first win in 12.

Charlie Carter made his first appearance for the club last weekend at Workington. 21-year-old midfielder Carter has joined for a month from Mansfield Town.

At the heart of their midfield is club captain Matt Thornhill. He joined last year from Basford United and at the age of 37 is in the twilight of his career. He also played nearly 50 times for Nottingham Forest after making his debut 2006 before leaving in 2011.

Harvey Kirby-Moore is the club’s top goalscorer from midfielder with eight goals, with defender Sam Parker next in the scoring charts with seven. Midfielder Jamie Walker has played for Alfreton Town, Jordan Stevens for Leeds United and Barrow and forwards Dylan Youmbi and Robbie Fox both turning out for Farsley Celtic until their demise after coming through the ranks with our academy.

The Robins are managed by Ian Deakin and have been since September 2023.

Previous Meetings

The Lions were on the wrong end of a thumping when the sides last met. The Robins won 4-1 at Nethermoor back in October.

The two meetings prior to that were 1-1 draws.

The sides first ever meeting was in 2023, when the Lions were on the right side of a 4-1 result back then, with goals from Aiden Walker, Liam Tongue, Tom Denton and Tom Pratt after the Robins took an early lead.

The Lions are unbeaten on this ground, with the Robins being unbeaten at Nethermoor.

Listen Live

If you cannot make it to Ilkeston, live audio commentary can be found via the Mixlr app or via guiseleyradio.mixlr.com from 2:50pm on Saturday.

Tickets & Travel

Tickets will be available to purchase at the turnstiles on the day by cash or card payment.

Tickets are priced at:

• £13 Adults
• £9 Concessions & students
• £2 U16s
• FREE U11s

Ilkeston offer a digital only matchday programme, this will be available shortly before the game, car parking is available at £3 per car.

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

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 10:30am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.