Thursday’s match is sponsored by Hollings Pet Treats

Following an initial inspection on Thursday morning, the pitch is playable and the game will go ahead as planned.

By Tom Swallow

Guiseley get the new year up and running on Thursday with the visit of local rivals Harrogate Town to Nethermoor in the Vanarama Conference North.

The Boxing Day clash with Harrogate ended in a 0-0 draw, with both sides seemingly showing the effects of a busy Christmas schedule, although the Lions were afforded an extra period of rest after the clash with Fylde was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

While Mark Bower’s men were out of action, Harrogate took a point off title-chasing Barrow at Holker Street – former Lion Louie Swain on target in Cumbria.

Simon Weaver’s side are on something of an upturn in form recently but Bower was pleased with how his side defended in the reverse fixture at the CNG Stadium a week ago.

“The lads are playing with confidence and are on a decent run in the league and we want to keep that going,” he said.

“I thought we could have been better [against Harrogate] but you can’t play well every week and when you don’t play well it’s important you keep the back door shut. I thought we did that really well.”

While Harrogate have won just one of their last five league outings, Bower’s defence will need no reminder of the threat James Walshaw can pose – the former Guiseley man is currently Harrogate’s leading goalscorer with ten league goals so far.

The Lions meanwhile will be without their leading marksman, with Adam Boyes starting his three-game suspension following a red card against Chorley in the FA Trophy.