There isn’t much time for rest for the Lions as Saturday’s draw with Hyde is followed by an Easter Monday trip to play-off chasing Gainsborough with Guiseley looking to pick up a win in Lincolnshire for the third successive season, writes Scott Kelly.

“I think it’s the first goal since we have come in that we have conceded from a corner. It is a disappointing goal to concede”.

Boss Ian Richards was unhappy with the concession of Hyde United’s equaliser. Richards also felt his side deserved a penalty which he felt would have likely changed the outcome of the game.

“Joao played with real personality and character. He scored a great goal. When we get Lebby driving from midfield he is a force to be reckoned with”.

Praise after Saturday’s game for Joao Silva and the returning Lebrun Mbeka, who both combined to put the Lions in front.

“It’s great to play teams that are fighting for something. We have to make it hard for those teams. One of best performances was against Gainsborough so it would be great to pick up back-to-back wins against them”.

Previewing Monday’s game, Richards is expecting a backlash following Gainsborough’s defeat to Stockton on Friday and knows his side will have to be at the top of their game to get a result.

Team News

Ian Richards confirmed that some changes may be made due to the quick turnaround, just 48 hours between the Hyde United and Gainsborough Trinity clashes.

Lebrun Mbeka made a return after sitting out last week’s win at Rushall. However, goalscorer Mo Fadera found himself on the bench despite scoring in that game, so he will pushing to start after a decent cameo against Hyde.

Jake Lawlor and George Goodman will also be hoping to start. Will Longbottom and Jamie Spencer remain on the sidelines.

The Opposition

It is perhaps an unknown fact that Trinity have never won promotion to a higher league. They last played in National League North in the 2017/18 season, when they were relegated to the Northern Premier League for the only time in their 153-year history.

Despite repeated attempts, a promotion remains elusive, but they will be hoping the 2025/26 season will be their year. They visited fellow play-off hopefuls Stockton on Good Friday but were beaten 1-0. A positive result for Warrington Rylands the following day meant they lost further ground on the sides above them and sit two points outside the top five with just four games to play. Lions boss Ian Richards is perhaps right for expecting a backlash from the Lincolnshire club as they look to grab their first win in four games.

Should the play-off chase go down to goal difference, the Holy Blues could miss out. A goal difference of +10 leaves them a lot worse off than their fellow challengers, with a measly goal return of 46 the worst of the league’s top nine clubs. What they can be proud of is their defence, with only Hednesford and FC United having conceded fewer goals than Trinity’s 36.

Jonny Margetts is the clubs top goalscorer with 11 league goals. Margetts has much experience higher up the pyramid, playing for the likes of Scunthorpe United and Kings Lynn. It was considered a coup when Doncaster-born Margetts joined Trinity last May.

Frank Mulhern has eight goals in this league campaign. Mulhern played for Guiseley during the 17/18 season after being in Leeds’ academy.

Their squad also includes goalkeeper David Robson, defenders Ash Jackson and Jack Leckie. Midfielders George Hornshaw and Harrison Beeden also make up part of what is a strong Gainsborough side.

Sisa Tuntulwana and Lewis Butroid have also contributed with six and five league goals respectively. Club captain Bobby Johnson returned to the side on Friday for the first time since picking up an injury against the Lions on Boxing Day.

They have recently added to their squad with the signing of full-back Harvey Sutcliffe from Spennymoor Town. Midfielder Henry Brown has also returned to Grimsby Town after a two-month loan spell.

Hoping to mastermind Gainsborough’s promotion is the very experienced Russ Wilcox, who took over in 2023 and back in February signed a new deal to remain as manager until the end of next season.

Previous Meetings

The Lions got the better of Trinity in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day. Despite being pegged back late on, Jake Lawlor scored a late goal to secure a 3-2 home success.

Prior to that, Gainsborough had won on their previous four visits to Nethermoor. In Lincolnshire though, Guiseley have a good recent record and have won on their last two visits and in six of their last nine visits dating back to 2010.

Listen Live

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

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 (60+)
• £4 U16s with a responsible adult

You can pick up a matchday programme priced at £2.50 each from the turnstiles on the day.

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

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 10:45am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.