The Lions are back in league action this weekend after away day success in the FA Cup. They travel to Leek Town hoping to make it consecutive victories on the road, writes Scott Kelly.
“They have barely laid a glove on us in the second half. It was a good, disciplined performance. There were some really good performances all round”.
Boss Mark Bower was delighted as the Lions advanced to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup to face South Shields, who themselves have started brilliantly in National League North.
Boss Mark Bower reacts following last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels.
Team News
Boss Mark Bower confirmed post-match on Saturday that an illness has been running through the squad, but all are likely to be available.
Will Longbottom, who could’ve had a hat trick on Saturday after only coming on after an hour, had to settle for a brace but will be available to start.
The only absentees through injury are Liam Ridehalgh and Lucas Odunston, with both seemingly close to full fitness.
Joao Silva will also miss the game through international duty, the midfielder came on in Sao Tome and Principe’s World Cup qualifier against Equatorial Guinea on Thursday and is in line to face Namibia on Tuesday.
The Opposition
Last season was Leek’s first time at this level in 17 years and earned themselves a respectable 15th placed finish in their first season back.
They are level on games and points with the Lions heading into Saturday’s encounter and come into the game off the back of a 3-0 FA Cup replay defeat at home to Harborough Town. Their last two home games in the league however have produced the six-point maximum, with a 3-1 victory against Warrington Town, and a 1-0 victory against Morpeth Town.
A player to watch could be winger Alex Hurst, who scored last season against the Lions. He has three goals so far this campaign.
Ollie Shenton is a midfielder and a former Stoke City trainee with experience further up the pyramid for Chorley and made one senior appearance for the Potters. Billy Reeves is a midfielder and often skippers the side. Tyreese Onyeka joined the club last summer and the forward is a Crewe Alexandra trainee.
Their manager Josh Brehaut is just 33 years old and took over from manager Neil Baker in August last year following a spell as his assistant. He has had key coaching spells at fellow Staffordshire clubs Stoke City and Port Vale.
Previous Meetings
These sides met last season for the first time since the 2007/08 season. Both games were drawn, with a 1-1 draw at Nethermoor and a 2-2 draw at the F.Ball Community Stadium back in February, with Gabriel Johnson’s late goal saving the Lions from the ignominy of a 2-1 defeat.
Guiseley haven’t won on this ground since August 2005 so over 20 years ago. The Lions won 2-0 that day.
Listen Live
If you cannot make it to the game, live audio commentary can be found via the Mixlr app or on guiseleyradio.mixlr.com at approximately 2:50pm on Saturday afternoon.
Tickets & Travel
Tickets are available to purchase on the on the day from the turnstiles by cash or card or online in advance priced at:
- Adults: £13
- Concessions: £9 (65+, students in full time education with valid ID & U21s)
- U18s: £5 (Must be accompanied by a full paying adult or concession)
- U8s: FREE
Matchday programmes will be available to purchase on the day or online priced at £3. If you purchase a match ticket online in advance of the fixture you will receive a free digital copy of the programme.
Coach travel is available with Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club, just call Paul on 07518445861 to secure a seat.
The coach leaves Nethermoor at 10am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.
For those travelling by coach to Leek if possible please use the back car park to avoid your car being potentially hit by flying cricket balls with a match taking place on Saturday afternoon.
