The Lions travel to Staffordshire to take on Hednesford Town on Saturday, their first visit there since 2014, writes Scott Kelly.

“We were the better team first half. We were dominant. Second half was a bit more frenetic. I feel had we scored first we would have won comfortably”.

Better team first half and more even in the second was the assessment from manager Ian Richards after last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Workington.

“Since we beat them in mid-November, they have only lost three games. They’re giving it a real go and are back in the mix to stay up”.

Richards was full of praise for the opposition as the Cumbrians stretched their unbeaten run to six as they look to stay in the Northern Premier League.

“It’s one we have to relish. These players are more than capable of going there and getting three points. We trained well last week. We will go there to win”

Previewing Hednesford, Richards is obviously hoping to upset the odds and put a dent in the Pitmen’s play-off hopes on Saturday.

Team News

Jamie Spencer recently underwent a hernia operation so he will likely miss the remainder of the season, with Ian Richards giving him ‘6-8 weeks’ to be back fit.

Will Longbottom has also been on the operating table, with Richards more hopeful that Lions fans will see him again before the end of the campaign. George Goodman did not see time off the bench last Saturday but will be hoping to start this weekend after returning to fitness.

The Opposition

Hednesford are looking to secure back-to-back promotions after promotion from the NPL Division One West last season via the play offs.

Only two points keeps them from top spot, with current leaders Hebburn Town having played a game more. The club’s hierarchy decided to surprisingly part ways with manager Gavin Hurren last month after 15 months in charge, despite the side at the time being joint-top of the table. Hurren’s replacement was former Premier League goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, assisted by Danny Butterfield. Despite only overseeing three games so far, the Pitmen lost heavily at Hyde United but have since followed that up with successive victories over Lancaster and Bamber Bridge.

Saturday’s hosts boast excellent statistics on home soil which will be painful for Lions’ fans to hear. Hednesford have only lost once all season in the league at Keys Park and also boast the meanest defence, only conceding nine goals in 16 matches so far. Only current leaders Hebburn have a better home record than the Staffordshire club.

Akheem Rose is currently their top goalscorer with 12 goals this campaign. Niall Watson and Montel Gibson follow him in the scoring stakes with 7 and 6 respectively.

Chris Hussey, Liam Kinsella and Joss Labadie are in the twilight of their careers but are playing regular for the Pitmen after successful careers in the EFL.

Forwards Jake Jervis and Jermaine Hylton also had spells in the EFL, with the latter going on to play for the likes of Motherwell and Ross County. Hylton also had a brief loan spell with the Lions.

Also, a face familiar to Lions fans will be Aiden Walker. Walker joined Hednesford from Bury on a 28-day loan earlier this month, with the Pitmen confirming the move ‘gives us extra flexibility at the back during a busy period’.

Previous Meetings

This is Guiseley’s first trip to Keys Park since 2014, a 1-1 draw when both sides were competing in National League North.

The Lions were on the end of a 5-1 reverse when the sides met at Nethermoor back in November.

Guiseley have only won once in the last 10 meetings between the sides.

Listen Live

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

Tickets & Travel

Hednesford recommend purchasing tickets online in advance of the game, you can do so here. If you do not purchase tickets in advance they will need to be bought from Hednesford’s Ticket Office on the day by cash or card payment.

Tickets are priced at:

• £13 Adults
• £10 Concessions (60+, Students, 17s, Disabled Supporters)
• £5 U16s (with full paying adult only)
• FREE U10s & carers

Programmes will be available to purchase for £2.50 on the day.

If you would like to park at Keys Park there is a £5 charge – all proceeds are donated to charity.

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

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