The Lions have one last chance to get a home win before the big day with Tuesday night’s fixture against Kidderminster Harriers being the last at Nethermoor before Christmas, kick-off is at 7:45pm.
The re-scheduled fixture, initially postponed due to international call-ups for a number of the Harriers squad gives Lions fans an opportunity to tick off the three points as an early Christmas present from their lists.
Harriers bring with them a new boss in Jimmy Shan who last worked at West Bromwich Albion at the back-end of last season as Interim Manager after the controversial sacking of Darren Moore.
Shan secured a fourth place finish for The Baggies but they were knocked out of the play-offs by Aston Villa who then went on to win promotion back to the Premier League, it is his first away game in charge of his new side after taking charge of their 3-1 home defeat to Boston United on Saturday.
John Pemberton departed Kiddy at the back end of November shortly before former Lion Cliff Moyo was offered an extended contract at Aggborough.
They are without a win since October with five defeats out of their last seven games in all competitions.
The Lions meanwhile got their last three points at the beginning of November but are searching for a first home win since September, a run which Marcus Bignot and Russ O’Neil’s men will be looking to put to an end on Tuesday night.
Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Brackley also saw top scorer Aaron Martin limp off injured at half-time but Scott Garner will be available for Tuesday night’s game with his suspension set to commence from the trip to Hereford on 21st December.
Following Saturday’s defeat Russ O’Neill said “I think that is the word, frustration. We played a big part in the game but they keep their clean sheets and that is the difference. I thought we played really well, our shape worked but they get a corner and score then we are pushing to get back in the game.”
“Then we get a man sent off but I don’t think it was a straight red, it was mistimed and probably a yellow. They’re a really experienced team Brackley and you can tell they have been together for years and years.”
When asked about Martin’s injury Russ was cautious about how serious it was “Aaron was competing right in the last minute of the first half, he’s gone for an header and landed then felt his calf, we’ll see over the next 24 hours how serious it is but hopefully it is not too bad. Our bench looked quite strong today, it is up to those lads on there to take their chance when it comes.”
Speaking about Harriers’ trip to Nethermoor on Tuesday night O’Neill added “It is a big test, another full time team coming, if we can improve on today and get our goals when we get our chances we will be a threat. We need to learn how to manage games and make good decisions, how to hang in there when the game is going against you and if we can learn to do that and keep improving then we will be looking forward to the season going forward.”
The Club Shop will be open on Tuesday night with a wide range of Lions memorabilia available to purchase as you get ready for Christmas. You can also shop online for Replica Kit and Leisure Wear here and Gifts and Souvenirs here.
Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club’s Christmas Cash Draw tickets will be available to purchase for just £1 each with three big cash prizes up for grabs, head to the clubhouse to get yours and find more information here.
