Following an investigation into Tuesday night’s fixture at Stockton Town and the ineligibility of an opposition player
Guiseley AFC have been reinstated to the NPL play-offs
away to Worksop Town at their Sandy Lane ground on Monday 5th May
Tickets for Lions fans are on sale now and can be purchased here.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets MUST be printed off to gain entry to the game
our office at Nethermoor will be open from 2:30pm – 4:30pm on Sunday 4th May to assist with printing pre-paid tickets
In order to have your tickets printed please email trudi.miller@guiseleyafc.co.uk with your tickets for printing
The fixture is segregated and all-ticket with no purchases at the turnstiles so please ensure you buy your tickets before travelling
Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club are running coach travel on Monday and you can book your places by calling Paul on 07518445861
The coaches depart Nethermoor at 10:30am and are priced at £25 for Travel Club Members and £30 for Non-Travel Club Members
Guiseley AFC: A family-friendly football club playing in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division
based in the Leeds/Bradford area of West Yorkshire
We’re heading to Worksop Town’s Windsor Foodservice Stadium on Monday for the Play-Off Final
our Away Fan Guide has all the matchday information
Tickets can only be purchased online in advance of the game
Worksop’s matchday programme will be available for £2.50
There is limited adjacent parking with nearby on street spaces
Parking in the nearby retail park is strictly limited to two hours
these car parks are run by a private operator and should you stay over the allotted time parking tickets will be issued
Segregation will be in place for this fixture as the Lions line up in our all blue third kit
A wide selection of hot and cold snacks and beverages will be available from Worksop on Monday
Coach travel is available with Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club
just call Paul on 07518 445861 to secure a seat
The coach leaves Nethermoor at 10:30am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members
A draw on the last day means a 4th place finish for Guiseley. They are therefore forced to travel to Teesside for a one-legged play off with Stockton Town on Tuesday evening, writes Scott Kelly
Guiseley travel to Stockton knowing the victor will play either Worksop or Ashton United for a place in National League North for the 25/26 season
Both games take place on Tuesday evening with a 7:45pm kick-off
penalties if the game finishes a draw after 90 minutes
The team who finished higher in the table will host the final
so a victory for Worksop over Ashton will mean they will be hosts
A victory for Ashton will mean the winner of the clash on Teesside will host the final
The NPL Premier Division play-off final is due to take place on Bank Holiday Monday
Stockton defender Tom Coulthard cancelled out Jameel Ible’s early opener when the sides last met back in December
The Lions were on the wrong end of a 3-1 result when the sides met in August on Teesside
with Jack Emmett scoring a late consolation
These are the only two league games the sides have faced off – with the only other meeting being a 1-0 victory for the Lions in an FA Cup qualifier back in September 2019
The Lions disappointingly lost play off home advantage after FC United produced a second half fightback to level a tie that flipped following an injury to Lebrun Mbeka
putting a couple of dangerous balls into the box though without really testing the FC United defence
John Lufudu was put through behind the FC United backline and dinked the ball over goalkeeper Ollie Bellizia and into the net to give the Lions the lead
FC United’s former Premier League striker Adam Le Fondre produced the home side’s best opportunity just before the break
when his low free kick was fired towards goal and parried wide by Joe Cracknell
Michael Donohue levelled the tie on the 66th minute
A swift exchange of passes bisected the Guiseley defence and left Donohue with the opportunity to slide the ball past Cracknell from close range
At the full time whistle the home fans roared their appreciation at the draw
The result continues Guiseley’s dismal record at FC United and leaves the Lions still searching for their first win at Broadhurst Park
Thoughts now turn to the all-important play off semi-final at Stockton Town on Tuesday night
The criticism was that we didn’t put the game to bed”
Manager Mark Bower felt the game changed on an injury to Lebrun Mbeka
with the boss admitting he felt the side should have had the game sewn up long before Michael Donohue’s equaliser
“To play so soon after the end of the season is ridiculous
We will look after some tired bodies and look to go again”
Bower is not a fan of the play-off schedule
with the semi-final coming so soon after the regular season ending
we have good enough players to and get a result up there and that is all we will focus on doing”
Although Lebrun Mbeka is unlikely to make Tuesday’s game
Bower appeared confident his side can make the final
“These lads have gone again and again and again for us
It’s been a fantastic effort from the boys”
Alluding to the absence of Jake Wright at the start of the season
Bower praised the rest of the squad and is proud that the squad have got to this point
Saturday’s result appeared to turn following an injury to the influential Lebrun Mbeka
Mark Bower has confirmed he is not likely to be fit for Tuesday’s crucial game
The Lions are boosted by the potential return of Adriano Moke
He made a sub appearance on Easter Monday against Gainsborough following a calf problem
Liam Ridehalgh returned on Saturday after missing the last three matches and is available
Lucas Odunston and Lewis Whitham are all fit and hoping to make some form of impact on Tuesday night
The Anchors have enjoyed a phenomenal first season at this level
having only just won promotion last season for their first ever crack at NPL Premier Division level
It is incredibly the fourth season in succession that Michael Dunwell’s men will be involved in a play-off campaign
It was a case of third time lucky last season after penalty shoot-out success against Dunston UTS
They were unsuccessful in the final on the previous two occasions
losing to Marske United in 21/22 and then Long Eaton United in 22/23
courtesy of Kevin Hayes late goal and combined with the Lions draw at FC United
meant that Stockton finished third and therefore get home advantage for Tuesday’s clash
They are going into the play offs in fine form too
They have lost only once in their last 11 matches
that being a 2-0 defeat at Hebburn Town on Easter Monday
Their form is only bettered by the two sides who finished above them
The Silkmen and Prescot Cables are the only sides to concede fewer home goals than Stockton too
with the Anchors only conceding just 20 from their 21 regular season home games
One to watch on Tuesday will be Michael Sweet
with the 30-year-old striker bagging 13 league goals this season
They have been sharing goals around however
with veteran strike partner Steven Thompson scoring 11
Joshua Scott has nine goals to his name and Michael Fowler has five
Fowler is a former player at Guiseley after a spell on loan at Nethermoor during the 2018/19 season from his then-parent club Fleetwood Town
This is an all-ticket match and tickets are available to purchase online now – get yours here
You can pick up ‘The Anchor’ matchday programme priced at £2.50 each
The Lions will wear their white home shirts and black away shorts and socks for this fixture
The coach leaves Nethermoor at 4:30pm priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members
Guiseley were edged out of the game after slipping to a 1-0 semi-final defeat at Stockton Town
Kevin Hayes’ spectacular edge of the box strike midway through the second half was the only goal of a tight affair
in front of a record attendance for the hosts of 2,125
The game began scrappily with both sides fighting fiercely in midfield
Town’s Cam Painter fired high over the bar in the sixth minute
Will Longbottom’s free kick was well palmed away by home goalkeeper Nathan Harker in the 18th minute
Gabriel Johnson’s header slipped past the post in the 24th minute as Guiseley sought a lead
Visiting goalkeeper Joe Cracknell was scrambling to save a Stephen Thompson header in the 38th minute
Lufudu was booked two minutes later for a foul on Thompson
A Lebrun Mbeka header was cleared off the line just prior to first half stoppage time
The Lions opened the second half with plenty of attacking impetus as Longbottom shot straight at Harker in the 52nd minute following Gabriel Johnson’s cross
Longbottom’s header was caught well by Harker in the 58th minute
Gabriel Johnson’s shot was well parried by the busy Stockton ‘keeper in the 62nd minute
Both Jamie Spencer and Longbottom had shots cleared off the line in the space of mere seconds just moments afterward
It was just three minutes later that the resolute home side took the lead
Despite getting his fingertips to Hayes’ powerful strike Cracknell could not prevent the ball finding the back of the net
Guiseley made changes in a bid to level the contest as Lewis Whitham and Jack Emmett replaced Johnson and Jameel Ible
Ollie Brown’s 73rd minute effort from the corner of the box was saved by Harker’s scrambling right foot
Lufudu tried his luck with an ambitious long range attempt ten minutes later that was caught by Harker
The same player’s second yellow card
in the 95th minute compounded a miserable night in the North East
Stockton Town 0-1 Guiseley AFC | Tuesday 29th April 2025 | MAP Group UK Stadium
Bob Jeffray – a lovely man who will be remembered and missed by so many at Nethermoor
The celebration of Bob Jeffray’s life will be held on Wednesday 30th April at Rawdon Crematorium
Bob’s cortege will pass Nethermoor at 1:30pm before making its way to the crematorium for the service which starts at 1:45pm
The reception will be held in the clubhouse at Nethermoor to share your memories of Bob
Sadly we heard the news our Life Member and former Wednesday Gang volunteer and Kit Manager had passed away aged 84 on Sunday 23rd March
a man who loved Guiseley AFC and dedicated so much of his time to the club he loved
Bob first started volunteering with the club all the way back in 1993 when he came along to help paint the fences blue
This volunteering went on to last 32 years from there when he completed a variety of jobs making sure Nethermoor is always looking top notch
and his proudest football moment was when his beloved Guiseley AFC secured promotion to the Vanarama National League in dramatic fashion at Chorley on 9th May 2015
He worked alongside Mark Bower and Danny Boshell in the role for a few years
Bob was crowned a Life Member alongside his wife Sandra in January 2020
a richly deserved award for all his efforts over the years
grandad and great grandad will be sorely missed by his family
Before the game on Saturday we will hold a minute’s applause to pay tribute to the lovely man
Here’s some tributes to Bob from people connected to Guiseley AFC:
have played such a huge part in the progress of our club
Always smiling Bob will be sadly missed by all of us at Guiseley
On behalf of all of us at the club thank you Bob for all your years of support and hard work
Sandra and Helen our thoughts are with you and all your family at this very sad time
We look forward to welcoming you back at Nethermoor in your own time.” Gary Douglas
“Bob was a fantastic volunteer and kit man for many years at the club
Bob was such a genuine and friendly man and was one of those people who would make you smile every time you saw him
He was a constant presence throughout my first spell at the club where he was universally popular and respected by everyone in our dressing room
He was great company on the long away days and you could tell how much Guiseley meant to him
He will be sorely missed.” Mark Bower
My thoughts are with all the family” Oli Johnson
Bob was always highly respected by the players and staff
Sending love to all the family” Ben Parker
Always a welcoming smile on a match day at Nethermoor
Send all our thoughts and prayers.” Steven Drench
“Aww so sorry to hear about Bob absolute gentleman many great memories shared at Guiseley
thoughts and prayers to you all rip top man.” Peter Atkinson
“We are so sorry to hear this sad news so many lovely memories with Bob at Guiseley the warmest of hearts and always the biggest smile
Much love to Sandra and Helen” Nicola Kittrick
Sending my love to all the family.” Nicky Boshell
Sending all my love to Bob’s family and friends.” Danny Lowe
used to enjoy having a coffee with him before every game
Sending my condolences and love to Sandra and Helen.” Martin Stringfellow
With games running out, the Lions’ task this weekend is to seal a play-off place. They can do just that with league champions Macclesfield visiting Nethermoor, writes Scott Kelly
Match sponsored by: Terrafirma | Match Ball sponsored by: Calum Fraser’s Stag Do
The Silkmen haven’t lost in any of their five visits to Nethermoor
with their first being a 3-0 victory during the 15/16 season in the National League
The last of which was a 2-1 win back in January 2024
Guiseley have only won one league clash against this opposition
a 2-1 result at the now Leasing.com Stadium
Some of this of course was under their former guise of Macclesfield Town
They have met three times as Macclesfield FC
with the Silkmen winning every game and holding a 10-3 aggregate score
Guiseley were made to settle for a point at Warrington Rylands after taking a hotly disputed early lead
Adriano Moke’s ninth minute close-range strike was initially ruled out for offside but his goal via Will Longbottom’s pinpoint cross was given following consultation between the officials
It was Moke’s first goal for the club after making 43 appearances this season
But Rylands found an equaliser in the box via Matthew Regan having won a free kick midway through the second half
Both sides fought hard to win the game later on but neither could find a match clinching goal
We got in front and didn’t really capitalise on that enough
Mark Bower felt the side didn’t take enough of his sides chances when they came their way and felt a draw was the fair result
He went over and sorted it out and came to the correct decision”
Bower was bemused that Adriano Moke’s goal was disallowed at first but was pleased that the referee came to the correct decision and awarded Moke his first goal of the season
we want to finish in those top three positions”
With his side close to clinching a play-off place
Bower wants to clinch a position in the top three
who have had a great first season in the NPL and sit just two points behind the Lions heading into this weekend
Jack Emmett returned to the bench at the weekend and despite not coming in
should be fit this weekend after recovering from an achilles problem
Jake Lawlor also returned at Warrington after sitting out the Matlock game and is okay to play once again
Jamie Spencer and Joe Ackroyd will be pushing for starts after all coming off the bench last weekend
With Lucas Odunston likely out for the season
he remains on the treatment table with Jordan Thewlis and Jake Wright
What isn’t in doubt is that Macclesfield will be a National League North side next season
Last season they were outdone by the exploits of Radcliffe and had to settle for a place in the play-offs
That was the first time they hadn’t secured promotion in their short existence
having secure promotions in 21/22 and the 22/23 seasons
Failure to secure promotion last season saw manager Michael Clegg ousted by the club and replaced by Robbie Savage
board member and future director of football of the club
with the club collecting 97 points thus far and have only lost on three occasions
with the club likely to hit 100 points and 100 goals by the end of the season
The club also have the chance to better the 104-point record set by Darlington in the 15/16 season – this was also when the season was 46 games compared to the current 42
making the achievement all the more incredible
The club have also recently tied down 10 of the promotion winning squad to new deals for the 25/26 season
midfielders John Rooney and Paul Dawson and forward Luke Duffy all retained by the club
They are looking to make it nine wins in succession on Saturday
and will be looking to hit that 100 point tally in the process
Tickets will be available to purchase from our turnstiles on Saturday priced at:
Payment can be made via cash at all our turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1 & 2. ‘The Lions’ matchday programme will be on sale for £3 from sellers near each turnstile and our Club Shop
It is cash payments only inside the ground for programmes and 50/50 cash draw tickets
Food and drink from The Lions’ Diner can be paid for by cash or card and the clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card
Segregation will be in place for this fixture with Macclesfield fans allocated the Railway End of the ground including the second seated stand
after three years of fundraising by the Raise The Roof committee
a contractor has been appointed and the deposit paid to build a new covered stand at the Railway End of Nethermoor with the plan for works to commence in June
The stand is 40 meters long and five meters in height
The height is the same as the main seated stand and cantilever in design to minimise viewing obstruction
It has been specially designed to allow the option of steps to be added at a later date to increase capacity and viewing options
The committee have been working hard to secure the stand and have been liaising with the council
football club and other parties to start the successful and smooth project once the season ends
After the huge success of Yorkshire Burgers and Beer in recent games the opportunity to secure a permanent food outlet in the same area of the ground are being explored
We’d like to thank you for supporting the fundraising efforts of Raise The Roof over the past three seasons
We are now looking for a sponsor for the new Railway End stand, anyone interested in sponsorship or for more information please email press@guiseleyafc.co.uk
Guiseley went into the break with a deserved first half lead after John Lufudu deftly chipped the ball home
the Lions should have added more to the tally as Will Longbottom and Gabriel Johnson spurned opportunities to double the lead
Yet early in the second period the game turned followed an injury to key defender Mbeka which looked serious enough to potentially prevent him from participating in the play offs
Ten minutes later Michael Donohue found himself unopposed as he stepped forward to slide the ball home in front of a large crowd
A late Stockton Town goal in their home game with Hyde secured them three vital points and a late leapfrog into third place with the reward of a home tie in the play offs
Manager Mark Bower was left in a reflective mood
those turning points can change things and I think the injury to Lebrun just fipped things,” he told Guiseley Radio after the game
got the goal and really should have put the game to bed before the break
The injury to Mbeka just seemed to knock the stuffing out of us a bit
It’s really frustrating as we have had to manage the players over recent weeks.”
The home side made their first foray forward after 15 minutes when Guy Hall got the better of two defenders and fizzed the ball into the box
Lufudu and Mbeka combined to deliver a dangerous cross to Longbottom six minutes later
On 37 minutes the Lions had a double opportunity to score
Prince Ekpolo’s cross found Ollie Brown whose shot was blocked
then Longbottom’s effort would not squeeze through the many defensive legs in his way
When the ball was played forward on 43 minutes
Bellizia dashed off his line to clear but was beaten to it by Johnson
The Guiseley frontman turned and shot only to find a defender on the line to head clear
The early stages of the second half looked as though the Lions would seamlessly pick up from where they left off in the first
Lufudu picked out Johnson but the ball came at him at an awkward angle and so could only be deflected just wide of the post
Mbeka’s injury on 54 minutes proved to be the turning point
The incident seemed to serve as a warning to the rest of an anxious squad eager to play their part in the playoffs
He was replaced by Lewis Whitham who almost made an immediate impact with a sharp turn infield on the left flank then producing a fierce drive that Bellizia palmed behind for a corner
Seven minutes later Le Fondre almost gave the home side the lead when he cut in from the edge of the penalty box to carve out a great opportunity
dashing off his line and making a crucial save
FC United pressed a nervy Lions and looked the more threatening of the two sides in the final quarter
With the Stockton result already confirmed
two late corners gave Guiseley a glimmer of hope
but FC United’s resolute defence would not be breached
“We are obviously disappointed not to win the match,” concluded Bower
“We really wanted the home tie at Nethermoor and to get a big crowd in
if you look at both Stockton’s and our record home and away
you will find that there is little to pick between us so I don’t think it will have any bearing on the match itself.”
FC United of Manchester 1-1 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 26th April 2025 | Broadhurst Park
With a play-off spot in the bag, Guiseley will be hoping to round off the regular season with victory at FC United of Manchester, and secure a 3rd place finish, writes Scott Kelly
The sides have met on five occasions at Gigg Lane and Broadhurst Park
Guiseley have only won one of those meetings
They did win 3-2 at Nethermoor back in August
with Leo Farrell bagging a brace and Gabriel Johnson getting on the scoresheet
They also won the previous Nethermoor meeting back in April last year
Their last meeting in Manchester was a 3-2 defeat back in October 2023
A late penalty compounded the Lions to defeat after Joe Stacey and Prince Ekpolo had scored
Two first half goals from Gainsborough Trinity were enough to condemn Guiseley to defeat on a wet Bank Holiday Monday at Nethermoor
Trinity’s Declan Howe converted a penalty after just seventeen minutes
having been brought down in the box by Sam Bentley
The misery was compounded just six minutes later when Lewis Butroid doubled the visitors’ advantage after another well worked move following a spell of Trinity pressure
Ultimately it wasn’t to be for Guiseley against a hardworking Gainsborough side
“We got minutes from players that certainly needed it
We were playing a good side who probably played the conditions better than us
It would have been nice to have gotten third place wrapped up”
Boss Mark Bower struggles to come up with positives from the game
with the likes of Lucas Odunston starting for the first time in a while and goalkeeper Jack Dallimore getting his first minutes for the club
There are other things that come into your mind at this stage of the season”
Fans must’ve been puzzled when a goalkeeper was subbed on with just under half an hour to play
but Bower stated that the appearance of Jack Dallimore was just to give him time on the pitch with the play offs also in mind
“Their set piece delivery summed up the performance really
We just have to patch everyone up and look to attack this last game the best way we possibly can”
FC United next up and the last game of the regular season for the squad
but Bower hopes they treat it like any other game and go into the play offs in the best possible shape
Lucas Odunston played his first full 90 minutes since early March on Monday
Bower said post-match that getting minutes in players is so important
so don’t be surprised to see the likes of Sam Bentley and Joe Ackroyd get starts again
Lebrun Mbeka and Prince Ekpolo will however be hoping to return after sub appearances against Gainsborough
FC United have failed to improve on their 14th placed finish last season
currently 16th going into the last round of matches
If results go their way however and victory on Saturday will put them as high as 12th
They were beaten 3-0 by Prescot on Easter Monday and haven’t managed maximum points in five matches
Their best run of the season came between mid-January-mid February
Manager Mark Beesley left Warrington Town back in September to take the reins at Broadhurst Park
dropping down from National League North to do so
Warrington are a club he will come up against next season following their relegation
Veteran Adam Le Fondre leads the line for the Reds and has 16 goals to his name this season
Jay Fitzmartin has six goals to his name and started his career at Bolton Wanderers
Gerard Sithole and defender Matt Grivosti are just two of several players to follow Beesley from Warrington Town to the club
Forward Sithole will be out after recently undergoing ankle surgery
Tickets can be purchased on entry at the turnstiles by cash or card. You can also purchase online in advance here and skip the queues at the turnstiles with two entries reserved for tickets purchased online
If you like to pick up a matchday programme there will be several sellers located around Broadhurst Park with the full colour edition priced at £3 a copy. You can also pre-order your matchday programme online here
The coach leaves Nethermoor at 11:15am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members
The game got off to the worst possible start for the Lions when Declan Howe converted a penalty after just seventeen minutes
Guiseley did start to make their own moves before the halftime whistle
Jack Emmett came the closest from a corner but he was unable to hit the target with his shot and Gainsborough ensured that their clean sheet stayed intact going into the break
Trinity were arguably the better team in a slow second half
Both teams had chances from corners but neither was able to find the net as Gainsborough managed the game well
There were shouts for a Guiseley penalty in the seventieth minute but they were waved away almost instantly by the referee as the half petered out to its conclusion
there is little time for the Lions to lick their wounds as a trip to Manchester is on the horizon in less than a week to close out the regular season
Guiseley AFC 0-2 Gainsborough Trinity | Monday 21st April 2025 | Nethermoor
Guiseley slipped to their third straight league defeat at Prescot Cables
The Lions were made to rue a host of missed chances
including Lewis Whitham’s saved penalty
as the Merseyside outfit secured all three points
James Foley neatly rounded visiting goalkeeper Joe Cracknell to open the home account five minutes into the second half
James Devine’s deftly whipped free-kick enabled Bradley Moonan to double Cables’ advantage with a slick header in the 68th minute
Guiseley’s 76th minute penalty came courtesy of Moonan’s foul on substitute Harry Ibbotson
Whitham’s sharp strike was well palmed away by home ‘keeper Calvin Hare
A scrappy first half saw Prescot quickly work out the Lions’ attack plans with Lebrun Mbeka’s passes toward Jack Emmett frequently cleared by a resolute home defence
Creative force Whitham had an early shot blocked before Gabriel Johnson nearly created an opportunity courtesy of a fierce scramble
Alex McNally’s header slipped wide following a Cables corner in the 22nd minute
Cracknell reacted superbly to keep hold of Kyle Sambor’s firm 39th minute strike with Cables players piling on pressure around him
The visitors best chance came via Whitham who was unlucky to see his 42nd minute attempt not only strike a post but trickle along the goalline before being cleared
Jameel Ible spurned an unchallenged header wide in first half stoppage time as Guiseley went in level at the interval
But Foley’s early second half goal left the Lions chasing the game following poor back-to-back defeats
Guiseley sought an equaliser but Whitham’s 62nd minute effort from the edge of the penalty box was too weak to trouble Hare
Just six minutes later Moonan doubled Prescot’s advantage
Several players were queuing to latch onto the end of Devine’s ball in
The penalty may have been scant consolation for Guiseley had it been converted as they had left themselves a mountain to climb at that point
who badly needed the points themselves as they battle to avoid relegation
The Lions remain second in the league despite defeat. Next up sixth place Ilkeston Town visit Nethermoor on Saturday 15th February with a 3pm kick-off. Tickets have been reduced to £10 for adults and all adult/concession season ticket holders can bring a friend for free
We can also confirm that George Sebine has joined Liversedge on a temporary basis to boost his experience of senior football
The academy striker came on as a 69th minute substitute for former Lion Spencer Harris in Sedge’s 2-1 defeat to Brighouse Town today
Prescot Cables 2-0 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 8th February 2025 | Valerie Park
Guiseley secured their Play Off place with a comfortable 2-0 win at relegated Blyth Spartans
Mark Bower was pleased with his side’s professional attitude against a battling home side
“They haven’t been blown away by any teams
I really wanted us to just manage the game and ensure we all come out unscathed.”
The Lions looked to exploit holes in the opponent’s back line from the second minute
An goalkeeping error gave Joe Ackroyd the chance to lob the goalkeeper
but his effort was scuffed and the ball was gathered by Lewis Baker
Lebrun Mbeka’s accurate cross narrowly evaded the heads of Will Longbottom and Jake Lawlor in the box
A dangerous John Lufudu ball across the face of goal picked out Ackroyd
The returning midfielder expertly chipped the ball up and smashed home with a volley
It was a fantastic finish to give the visitors a deserved lead
Blyth came out after the half time break determined to find a leveller
Cyril Giraud’s dangerous run allowed him to find Nicky Deverdics on the edge of the box
The experienced midfielder’s shot fired over the bar
Another chance to equalise passed the Spartans by
Giraud’s speeding run allowed him to find Charlie Aitken in the box
who couldn’t get enough power on the ball to slide it past Joe Cracknell
It was then Guiseley’s chance to turn the screw
The defender’s shot was turned away at point blank range by Baker
Prince Ekpolo’s darting run and subsequent shot shaved the crossbar
Lufudu tumbled down in the box forcing the referee to decisively fling his arm towards the penalty spot
Longbottom stepped up to take the kick and fired into the roof of the net to give the visitors a two-goal cushion
It was a routine victory for the Lions against a Blyth Spartans side sadly in the mire
Guiseley return to action on Easter Monday
against a strong Gainsborough Trinity side
needing three points to potentially confirm a third-placed finish
Bower was justifiably proud of a committed Lions side who had secured the club’s first play off place in ten years
who have given it their all time after time after time and dealt with the adversity of injury and ground out results to gain a fantastic result.”
Blyth Spartans 0-2 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 19th April 2025 | Croft Park
The Lions will be looking to return to winning ways when play off chasing Ilkeston Town visit Nethermoor on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off, writes Scott Kelly
Previous meetings between the sides are split evenly
They have only met three times since 2023 with a victory for Guiseley
John Lufudu got the goal in Derbyshire for the Lions
James Devine’s deftly whipped free-kick enabled Bradley Moonan to double Cables’ advantage with a slick header in the 68th minute
Guiseley’s 76th minute penalty came courtesy of Moonan’s foul on substitute Harry Ibbotson
Whitham’s sharp strike was well palmed away by home ‘keeper Calvin Hare
The Lions remain second in the league despite defeat
“We have only scored one goal in three games
Boss Mark Bower seemed encourage that the team’s luck will soon change
Bower also praised the performance of the opposition
“It sums up the way things are going for us at the moment”
A missed penalty summed up how it is going for the Lions in front of goal at the moment
“We need to go back to complete 90-minute performances
That spell at the start of the second half has cost us”
We need to come out with the same intensity second half “said Bower after James Foley opened the scoring for Prescot just four minutes after the break
There has been a bit of transfer news come out of Nethermoor this week
with academy forward George Sebine and full back Sam Bentley leaving the club on loan temporarily so both will not feature
The Lions are lacking in the goal department lately and are desperate for Will Longbottom to return from a groin injury
but this clash may again come too soon for the 26-year-old
Harry Ibbotson and Joe Ackroyd will be pushing for starts
with Lucas Odunston and Jake Wright definitely missing
Ilkeston currently sit just a point outside of the play off places
having played a game less than some of those teams around them
Star forward Tom Cursons was given the opportunity of a lifetime last month
A move to Harrogate Town has coincided with just one win from their last three league games
A 3-1 defeat last weekend at Hyde means the Robins have only won one of their last eight league games on the road
had last week been leant a hand from neighbours Mansfield Town
Defender Darien Wauchope and McKeal Abdullah have joined the club until the end of April
with Abdullah tasked with attempting to fill the boots of the departed Cursons
Both have made first team appearances in the EFL Trophy
with Abdullah gaining some loan experience at this level with Basford United earlier this season
Both made their first appearances for the club last weekend
The spine of their squad includes goalkeeper Matt Yates
winger Le’varn Brandy and forward Jamie Walker
The former Leeds winger has plenty of EFL experience after being given his first team appearance for Leeds by Marcelo Bielsa
After the great success of our Football For A Tenner and Bring A Friend For Free Initiatives at the Basford United game the offers return for our clash with Ilkeston Town later this month
1055 people witnessed Gabriel Johnson’s winning strike over Basford in January and we hope to get even more people packed into Nethermoor on Saturday
Ticket prices have been reduced to £10 for adults whilst adult/concession season ticket holders can bring a friend for free to the game once again
so why not introduce someone new to Nethermoor
Adult tickets will be available to buy on the day by cash at all turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1 and 2
14 Apr 2025 | Latest News, Match Report
Macclesfield FC earned their ninth consecutive victory after a 3-0 win away to Guiseley
the Silkmen had a perfect start as Neil Kengni ran in behind the defence before dribbling the ball around the keeper to claim an early lead
Ollie Brown came close to equalising as he was in a good position on the edge of the box
the away side’s lead doubled as Kengni made a fantastic run into the box before poking the ball under Joe Cracknell
The second half was all about Macclesfield remaining ahead
Lewis Whitham came close to putting Guiseley back into the game as his curling effort was just off target at the far post
John Rooney came close to extending the lead for the Northern Premier League Champions as his close attempt was denied by the keeper
The Lions were desperate to get a goal back as Gabriel Johnson found himself in a good position to score a header
but it wasn’t powerful enough to test Dearnley
Johnson came close to putting himself on the scoresheet again when his firing effort barely missed the target
It was all joy in the end for Robbie Savage’s side as Diego De Girolamo got his first goal for the Silkmen in stoppage time after an unbeatable header from Paul Dawson’s assist
The Northern Premier League Champions have reached 100 points in the table with three games remaining
Macclesfield will return to the Leasing.com Stadium on Saturday where they take on Ilkeston Town
Apr 28, 2025 | Latest News, Match Report
Macclesfield FC ended their title-winning season on a high with a comfortable 4-0 victory against Whitby Town
The first big opportunity came in the 19th minute as Lewis Fensome made his way into the box before a deflected shot just breezed past the post
Apr 25, 2025 | Latest News, Match Preview
The Silkmen return to the Leasing.com Stadium for one final time this season as Whitby Town make the journey from North Yorkshire. Robbie Savage's record-breaking side will be awarded the Northern Premier League - Premier Division trophy
Apr 25, 2025 | Latest News
North-West businessman and investor Darren Wright has officially acquired a stake in Macclesfield Football Club
signalling further ambitious & strategic growth plans for the Club. Darren states: “I’m thrilled to step into the world of football club ownership—a..
Apr 22, 2025 | Latest News, Silkmen Tv
Apr 19, 2025 | Latest News, Silkmen Tv
Apr 18, 2025 | Latest News, Match Preview
We are back at the Leasing.com Stadium for our penultimate home game of the season as Ilkeston Town make the journey from Derbyshire. Robbie Savage's side have won nine games in a row and will be looking to get another three points closer to breaking Colne Dynamoes..
Apr 17, 2025 | Latest News
The Club has submitted its annual report and financial statements for the year ending June 2024
Summary of Accounts In the latest fiscal period
the club has experienced a robust financial performance
marked by significant improvements across key areas
Apr 14, 2025 | Latest News
As the Silkmen embark on their journey to the National League North
we are able to confirm season ticket and matchday ticket prices for the 2025/26 season. Season ticket renewals will be sent out to current season ticket holders via email at 10am on Tuesday 22nd..
Email: info@macclesfieldfc.com
Tel: 01625 426 708
Guiseley triumphed in spectacular style at play-off rivals Worksop Town
The Lions netted four goals in a fantastic advert for non-league football
John Lufudu opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a run resembling a Usain Bolt sprint
The defender darted past the Town back-line and coolly slotted home following a neat Ollie Brown pass
The determined hosts equalised in the 36th minute via a stunning Joe Leesley free-kick
Leesley clinically buried the ball in the bottom right corner past a despairing Joe Cracknell
With both sides creating chances in an end-to-end contest it was fair the game was level at half-time
But just three minutes into the second half Jameel Ible placed a smart header past home ‘keeper Tommy Taylor
Lebrun Mbeka’s 72nd minute effort slipped underneath Taylor to give the away side a crucial two goal advantage
The rout was complete five minutes from time when substitute Lewis Whitham curled in a sweet shot
The game began frentically with both sides eager to assert their authority
An early Lufudu cross only just evaded Harry Ibbitson while Adriano Moke’s cross was cleverly headed wide by Luke Shiels in the tenth minute
Liam Hughes headed over for the home side in the 16th minute before they found themselves behind just three minutes later thanks to Lufudu’s dazzling run
Hughes’ header skimmed the bar in the 24th minute before former Lion Aaron Martin fired the rebound wide as Worksop pushed for a leveller
A deflection took Josh Wilde’s effort over two minutes later
Guiseley were forced to absorb constant Town pressure before Adriano Moke’s shot was superbly blocked by Shiels’ acrobatic header
The visitors were unable to prevent Leesley’s pinpoint free kick equaliser which came despite Ibbitson seemingly being pulled back on the edge of the opposition box only moments earlier
Guiseley stormed out of the tunnel to take the lead through Ible’s header and went on to take all three points in fabulous fashion despite mounting Town pressure
Hall’s shot was well blocked by Mbeka in the 53rd minute while Jordan Burrows fired over three minutes later
Ibbitson’s attempt trickled past the post in the 61st minute as the Lions looked to build on their slender lead
The same striker should have scored with a free header in the 65th minute but Mbeka’s strike seven minutes later gave Worksop a mountain to climb
A sizzling sliding tackle by Prince Ekpolo prevented a Town attack in the 76th minute but Guiseley secured all three points through Whitham in the 85th minute
The victory keeps Guiseley in second place
They trail Maccesfield by 16 points but have two games in hand on the league leaders
Guiseley travel to Morpeth for more league action on Tuesday 28th January with a 7.45pm kick-off ahead of a home clash with Lancaster City on Saturday 1st February at 3pm
Worksop Town 1-4 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 25th January 2025 | Windsor Foodservice Stadium
Video and images from the game including all of the goals except our first one
The Lions secured another draw last weekend. They need to start picking up victories again as Ashton United visit Nethermoor this weekend in a crucial encounte, writes Scott Kelly
Ashton have won two of their last three visits to Nethermoor – with the most recent visit being a 3-0 Guiseley victory in an FA Cup qualifier back in August
The Lions won 4-2 at Hurst Cross back in November
with a Will Longbottom brace alongside strikes from Sam Bentley and Jordan Thewlis securing the victory
Guiseley have not beaten Ashton at home in the league since 2010
Gabriel Johnson’s late equaliser gave Guiseley a share of the spoils at struggling Leek Town
The home side struck early through Hayden Campbell’s slick edge of the box strike
The Lions levelled via Jack Emmett’s close-range 26th minute finish from Lewis Whitham’s clever assist
Leek’s 51st minute lead came courtesy of Campbell’s pinpoint cross finding the grateful Onyeka who placed his header well
Lucas Odunston (his first minutes since October) and Adriano Moke added to Guiseley’s attacking impetus
but they couldn’t breach a resolute home defence prior to Johnson’s leveller
Guiseley could have clinched victory deep into stoppage time
but Visser made a stunning leap to palm Odunston’s header away
“Teams aren’t having to do much to get in front against us
Their first goal we can stop the ball going into the goal”
Boss Mark Bower was disappointed with the concession of their first goal in particular and bemoaned their second goal too
You go in front in this league and teams very
Bower feels it is very important not to concede the first goal
alluding to the fact that teams that score first usually go on to win games
The Lions haven’t won since the 4-1 victory at Worksop on January 25th
We need a spark and winning a game like that could really trigger us for the games coming up”
Bower is under no illusions that the side need to start picking up three points again
and feels victory is vital for picking the confidence back up again
The problems continue to pile up for boss Mark Bower in the forward areas
Jordan Thewlis will likely miss the rest of the season
Harry Ibbotson has also been recalled by Bradford City
The one crumb of comfort for Bower is that he remains positive that goalscorer Will Longbottom could be involved on Saturday after over a month out with a groin injury
Lucas Odunston made his first appearance since October last weekend
Gabriel Johnson rescued a point for his side from the bench and will be pushing for a start
Jack Emmett also grabbed a goal and will be hoping to retain his place
with Guiseley having a firm grip on second after the 4-2 victory in Manchester in November
A poor February for the Lions with two defeats and two draws has left them a point and a place behind Saturday’s opponents
Ashton played nine matches with their only defeat coming against Guiseley
They then continued their excellent form into 2025 with four straight victories
they have only lost two of 11 matches played in this new year
with former Lion Tom Denton clinching a late equaliser in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Hyde
Only Macclesfield and the Lions have conceded fewer goals in the league so far this season that Ashton
Darius Osei is the clubs leading scorer with 17 in the league
Other members of the playing squad include goalkeeper Jordan Eastham
midfielder Louis White along with forwards James Hardy and former Lion Dan Cowan
Payment can be made via cash at all our turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1 & 2. ‘The Lions’ matchday programme will be on sale for £3 from sellers near each turnstile and our Club Shop
Guiseley boosted their play off hopes with a comfortable win over relegation-threatened Mickleover at Nethermoor Park
Mark Bower was pleased with his charges’ performance
“We knew they’d had a poor result at Worksop so thought we had to start with a good tempo
play on the front foot and ask them lots of questions
The first fifteen minutes saw the hosts pepper Mickleover’s penalty box with crosses and dangerous runs without registering a shot on goal
The deadlock was broken with the game only eighteen minutes old
Neat interplay between Gabriel Johnson and Prince Ekpolo saw Jack Emmett through on goal
The twinkle-toed midfielder poked the ball home comfortably to give Guiseley the lead
The Lions threatened to double the advantage five minutes later
Adriano Moke’s accurate corner rebounded to Liam Ridelagh at the far post
A short corner was picked up on the edge of the area by Lewis Whitham
whose looping effort was dramatically cleared off the line by a defender
The second half began in much the same vein as the first
The hosts’ dangled the prospect of a second goal before the entertained home fans
Another precise Moke corner connected with the leaping frame of Lebrun Mbeka
His acrobatic header sailed into the top corner to double the lead
Cieron Keane pulled Ollie Brown to the floor in the box
forcing referee Mark Reece to point to the spot
It was Mbeka who stepped up for the spot kick
The defender-turned striker finished with the composure of an accomplished forward to settle the game
much to the delight of the Nethermoor faithful
The Lions continued to strive for more goals
Substitute Will Longbottom’s cross picked out Jameel Ible
The centre back’s ambitious overhead kick was straight into the path of goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin
Whitham’s tricky run saw him on the edge of the area
It was a positive result for a resurgent Guiseley side
who are now unbeaten in the last five games
and recorded a third consecutive clean sheet
three points behind second placed Worksop Town but are now five points clear of fifth placed Ashton United who dropped points following defeat to Stockton Town
Another tough fixture awaits next weekend in the shape of a trip to Hebburn Town
Bower will draw on his previous experience of guiding teams into the play offs
“We’ve entered into a period where we’ll be jostling for play off positions
and we have to make sure we get the right balance of hopefully getting into the play offs
but also of putting ourselves in the best position possible going into them.”
Guiseley AFC 3-0 Mickleover | Saturday 15th March 2025 | Nethermoor Park
We’re heading to Stockton Town on Tuesday night for our Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division Play-Off Semi-Final tie
all the matchday information can be found in our Away Fan Guide below
This is an all-ticket match and tickets are available to purchase online now – get yours here
Segregation will not be in place for this fixture with travelling supporters able to choose their viewing position
The MAP Group UK Stadium has two seated stands on one side with ample uncovered terracing round the pitch
Near the changing rooms Stockton’s food hut will be open with a wide range of hot and cold beverages on sale including hot dogs and burgers
With the closing of the registration window
we can announce a number of additions as we look to bolster our squad for the remainder of the season
We are delighted to announce that academy quartet Spencer Booth
Marley Spence and Zac Rushworth have all signed first team forms
Goalkeeper Spencer Booth has been working alongside Joe Cracknell and Danny King all season both at training and on a matchday
Centre back Joe Taylor has been a regular starter for the Young Lions this season and already has experience of men’s football
having signed a dual registration deal with Nostell Miners Welfare
who can play both in midfield and at full back
has struck three goals for the academy in what has been an impressive campaign for the ball winning Young Lion
16 year old versatile player Zac Rushworth has also had an impressive first season playing in a variety of positions
Whilst moving to striker he has scored in three games on the bounce against Farsley Celtic
A new addition to the team is Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jack Dallimore
Jack has signed a loan deal until the end of the season having worked his way through the ranks at Bolton
Jack featured for Bolton’s U18s and signed his first professional deal in June last year to progress to their ‘B Team’
Dallimore also represented his country having played for Scotland U18s in 2023 and earlier this season was named as a substitute for Bolton’s first team in their Emirates FA Cup first round tie with Walsall
The final piece of business of the season is the arrival of Peterborough Sports forward Nathaniel Muenda on a dual registration basis
Muenda came through the ranks at Shrewsbury before joining Peterborough Sports in February
he has made five appearances for the club after a trial spell with Barnsley
We can also confirm that Joe Ackroyd has returned from his loan spell at Warrington Town
Ackroyd started all five of Town’s games during his one month stay with the club
All of our new signings and Joe Ackroyd are available for selection in tomorrow’s clash with Matlock Town at Nethermoor Park
If you would like to sponsor Spencer Booth, Joe Taylor, Marley Spence, Zac Rushworth, Jack Dallimore or Nathaniel Muenda please email james.pickles@guiseleyafc.co.uk
Guiseley AFC: A family-friendly football club playing in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division, based in the Leeds/Bradford area of West Yorkshire.
Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club’s Players and Fans Darts Tournament returns to Nethermoor next month.
Last year’s winner Lewis Whitham is up to defend his crown with runner up Paul McGreavy eager to edge our winger off the top spot.
You too can take part and come up against a selection of first team players in the tournament all for just £5.
It will be held in the clubhouse after the game with Mickleover on Saturday 15th March, to take part call or text Ivor on 07437180512.
The tournament will be held in a knockout format with one leg in the early rounds, the final format of the tournament will be confirmed once entry numbers are known.
Don’t miss out, book your place today!
The Lions created a host of chances but we’re unable to finish them off in a stalemate with Matlock Town, writes Adam Bridson.
Joe Cracknell kept his 15th clean sheet of the campaign after producing a string of saves in the second 45 and the Lions had their keeper to thank for preserving his side a point on the road.
The game, played in unbroken Derbyshire sunshine, got off to a frantic start. Lewis Whitham controlled a long ball forward and chopped in from the left hand side but fired wide of goal with home stopper Jason Alexander beaten.
Lebrun Mbeka, who was again playing an attacking role, found Gabriel Johnson with a long throw but the number 9s header went straight at Alexander with the forward crowded out by the home defence.
The Lions continued to have the best of the play and Jameel Ible was next to test Alexander from an Adriano Moke corner but his header was easily stopped by the 6ft 6 keeper.
Alexander twice denied Mbeka to keep the scores level, the first was an easy save from a long distance shot but he has to be alert to deny the number 5 at his near post.
Matlock had tried to play on the break in the opening stages but the Lions backline and Prince Ekpolo thwarted their attacking intent with several blocks and interceptions.
After 35 minutes the Gladiators had their first chance of the afternoon when Elliott Whitehouse’s overhead kick went straight into Cracknell’s grasp.
Alexander produced two big stops in the final five minutes of the half to keep our Johnson’s low shot and Whitham’s powerful drive.
Ollie Brown had a big chance too when he was found free on the penalty spot inside the box but he lashed wide.
Matlock manager Ryan Cresswell turned to his bench eight minutes into the second half introducing striker Josh Ayres.
Ayres made his presence felt after his introduction and headed wide of Cracknell’s post.
Mark Bower had seen enough and made a double change with Will Longbottom and Jamie Spencer introduced. It was Longbottom’s first minutes since mid-January after a spell out through injury.
Ayres was found in behind the Lions’ backline, as momentum began to shift, but Cracknell was alert to the danger and dashed off his line to save.
With 15 minutes left Mbeka was denied when his header hit Alexander and somehow stayed out of the goal and flew over the bar.
Three minutes later the game was becoming more end to end and Montel Gibson had a big opportunity to open the scoring. A corner found it’s way to Matlock’s number 9 who was unmarked at the back post, again Cracknell was the first to react as he narrowed the angle and saved with his feet.
Gibson was twice denied by the impressive Cracknell in the game’s next opportunities, first he kept out a shot which looked to have beaten the stopper. Gibson then headed goalwards but Cracknell tipped over.
It was Alexander who made the last save of the afternoon when Jack Emmett’s shot was heading for the top corner but the hand of the keeper, who only signed for Town 24 hours earlier, tipped the shot over.
In the dying minutes both Whitham and Longbottom had attempts but neither troubled an otherwise busy Alexander.
The Lions had to settle for a point and attention turns to a clash with Mickleover at Nethermoor on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.
Matlock Town 0-0 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 8th March 2025 | Nethermoor Park
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Jameel Ible (C), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Ollie Brown (71′ Emmett), 8. Adriano Moke (64′ Spencer), 9. Gabriel Johnson (64′ Longbottom), 10. Prince Ekpolo and 11. Lewis Whitham.
Subs: 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Jamie Spencer, 15. Jack Emmett, 16. Will Longbottom and 17. John Lufudu.
It was a disappointing day for Guiseley Academy on Monday when, after conceding early goals to Blyth Spartans, they fought back to 4-3 down but errors saw them lose the momentum to eventually lose 6-3, writes Rachel O’Connor.
Guiseley were looking to end their season with a flourish but after draws with Altrincham and AFC Fylde the reigning league champions look like having to settle for ninth place in an injury hit campaign.
Against visitors Blyth they looked likely to pull this game out of the fire battling back to 4-3 and being in the ascendency. Blyth heads were down but their only attack in a 20 minute spell of Guiseley dominance saw them gifted a goal.
A slack pass then set them up to widen the gulf to 6-3 and end any chance of Guiseley getting any reward for their efforts.
Guiseley have lacked influential centre-back and captain Freddie Westfall since a car accident in November.
His abscence has meant that Max Dickinson has had to cover for him thus robbing the midfield of his skills and ability to run that area of the game.
In the latter stages of the season leading scorer George Sebine has missed eight games and Yasin Hayes, who has looked a good prospect at times has missed 15 games.
There have been varying spells out for other players so it has been difficult to get any real momentum in the National League U-19 Alliance although the earlier part of the season saw a good run in the FA Youth Cup.
On the plus side centre-back Joe Taylor, Max Dickinson and midfielder Marley Spence have each only missed one game and have made good progress.
Zac Rushworth is another to have progressed after a quiet start and now has 12 goals to his name, including a hat-trick, with 11 of them coming since the turn of the year.
In the latest game against Blyth Rushworth netted two of the goals and the other came from Jack Lorriman, taking him to 13 for the season.
The Academy has four players in double figures, Sebine netting 16 and Lucas Alexander 15.
Guiseley: Spencer Booth; Larence Ford, Joe Taylor, Max Dickinson, Robbie Murray; Jack Lorriman, Marley Spence, Oli Storr, Lucas Alexander; Derren Boyle, Zac Rushworth. Subs: Zante Rose-Campbell, Mckenzie Aylward, Zac Richards, Dan Fotherby all used.
Guiseley’s last game of the season is at Gateshead on April 30th.
FA Cup highlights: Stevenage 1-1 (5-4 pens) Guiseley
Guiseley were denied a famous FA Cup win as they lost 5-4 on penalties away to Stevenage
The Northern Premier League side deserve plenty of plaudits and maybe more after the match had finished 1-1 following extra time
But two saves during the penalty shoot-out from home goalkeeper Murphy Cooper
one from Lebrun Mbeka which stopped the Lions winning
were able somehow to send the League One side through
Stevenage suffered a blow ahead of the match
With only four fit defenders an hour before kick-off
they lost another in the warm-up and saw Luther Wildin replaced by Jordan Roberts for a drastic late reshuffle
Guiseley almost took full advantage after six minutes
a header from Will Longbottom going into the corner of the net but ruled out immediately for a push
Stevenage did grow into the match in the half but showed little to worry visiting keeper Joe Cracknell
But Longbottom equalised with seven minutes to go before the game was sent into extra time
only to have those dreams cruelly snatched away on penalties
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Yellow Card at 107 minutes extra timeNumber 12
Westfall Match OfficialsReferee: Oliver MackeyAssistant Referee 1: David NicholsonAssistant Referee 2: Scott WilliamsFourth Official: Ryan HeadMatch StatsKey
Jameel Ible (Guiseley) right footed shot saved in the bottom left corner
Dan Kemp (Stevenage) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner
Sam Bentley (Guiseley) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner
Kane Smith (Stevenage) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner
Lebrun Mbeka (Guiseley) right footed shot saved in the bottom right corner
Elliott List (Stevenage) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner
Liam Ridehalgh (Guiseley) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom left corner
Jake Young (Stevenage) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner
Joe Ackroyd (Guiseley) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the centre of the goal
Harvey White (Stevenage) right footed shot saved in the centre of the goal
Oliver Brown (Guiseley) hits the bar with a right footed shot
Jordan Roberts (Stevenage) hits the bar with a left footed shot
Will Longbottom (Guiseley) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the top right corner
Jamie Reid (Stevenage) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner
Elliott List (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Further to our announcement of a third shirt being launched prior to Christmas
we’re delighted to reveal the front and back of shirt sponsors
Our front of shirt sponsors Scholar’s Bar are based in Scarborough
although they are becoming regulars at Guiseley AFC home and away fixtures
They are also Joe Cracknell’s player sponsor and have a piece of Nethermoor history on site as our old players tunnel was purchased by them in the summer (photo below)
It’s Your Move are long time supporters of the club
sponsoring a pitchside board for a number of years as well as being match sponsors on numerous occasions
It’s Your Move are a reliable and professional removal and storage company and their logo adorns the back of our new third shirt
Pre-orders are now being taken on the shirts which should be in stock in the Club Shop from our fixture against Stockton on 21st December
Shirts can be pre-ordered for delivery and collection from the Club Shop here
Shirts are priced at £30 for children and £35 for adults with all profits shared with the Raise The Roof Campaign
Gabriel Johnson’s late equaliser gave Guiseley a share of the spoils at struggling Leek Town
The home side struck early through Hayden Campbell’s slick edge of the box strike
The Lions levelled via Jack Emmett’s close-range 26th minute finish from Lewis Whitham’s clever assist
But Town took a 51st minute lead following Louis Potts’ header into the bottom right hand corner
An 88th minute goalmouth scramble concluded with substitute Johnson’s delicate header past despairing home goalkeeper Dino Visser
Whitham hit an effort straight at Visser in the seventh minute with Leek having taken the lead in just the third
Emmett fired well off target four minutes later as Guiseley pushed for a quick leveller
Town could have doubled their lead in the 14th minute but Tyreece Onyeka’s attempt slid past the left hand post
Moments later John Lufudu’s 25 yard strike glanced off the top of the crossbar
Just a minute after that Whitham had a shot well saved in a frenetic opening to the game
Jamie Spencer was booked for dissent in the 25th minute
Emmett’s leveller came thanks to Whitham’s cool composure in the box as the winger opted to pass rather than shoot
Visiting ‘keeper Joe Cracknell made a smart catch to deny the enrushing Potts in the 39th minute
Spencer was fortunate to stay on the pitch following a rash challenge in the 44th minute
With Lions attackers waiting to pounce Visser did well to keep hold of Lebrun Mbeka’s looping cross in first half stoppage time
Leek’s 51st minute lead came courtesy of Campbell’s pinpoint cross finding the grateful Onyeka who placed his header well
Guiseley pushed for an equaliser with Whitham’s 62nd minute cross only just evading Emmett
Johnson’s long-range effort flew over the bar four minutes later
Cracknell’s superb block denied Leek substitute Alex Hurst in the 68th minute
A fierce Mbeka shot was pushed away by Visser just prior to the away side’s equaliser
Lucas Odunston (his first minutes since October) and Adriano Moke added to Guiseley’s attacking impetus but they couldn’t breach a resolute home defence prior to Johnson’s leveller
Whitham’s low 90th minute strike was splendidly saved by Visser
Another Whitham attempt was also gathered well by the assured home ‘keeper in the 94th minute
Guiseley could have clinched victory deep into stoppage time but Visser made a stunning leap to palm Odunston’s header away
The draw sees Guiseley drop to fourth following other results
Next up the Lions host fellow play-off contenders Ashton United on Saturday 1st March with a 3pm kick-off
Leek Town 2-2 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 22nd February 2025 | F.Ball Community Stadium
We are delighted to confirm that Harry Ibbitson’s loan from Bradford City has been extended by a further month
Harry will remain with the Lions until 14th March 2025 and made four appearances since his move from the League 2 club last month
Ibbitson has featured in all but one of our games since his signature and he won a penalty at Prescot Cables last week after being introduced from the bench
The tall striker will be eligible for selection tomorrow afternoon in our clash with Ilkeston Town
Harry’s home, away and training kits are all available to sponsor.
We’re heading to Croft Park on Easter Saturday for our penultimate away league game of the season
our Away Fan Guide includes all the matchday information if you will be making the trip
It is recommended you purchase match tickets online in advance of the game
a cash turnstile will also be in operation on the day
If you wish to have a seated view of the fixture a transfer to the Port of Blyth Stand is priced at £2
Supporters with registered disability will be included in the same price bracket as 65+
You can pick up a matchday programme priced at £2 each
Segregation will not be in place for this fixture with Lions fans able to choose their viewing spot as we line up in our yellow and black away kit
A wide selection of hot and cold snacks and beverages will be available from Croft Park
The coach leaves Nethermoor at 10:15am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members
Following an excellent victory on Saturday, Guiseley are back in action this weekend, looking for successive victories for the first time since January with a trip to Matlock Town, writes Scott Kelly
with the Derbyshire side winning 2-1 last April
with Reece Kendall bagging the Lions only goal
That is the Lions’ only defeat against this opposition in the last five encounters
winning all of the previous four including a 4-0 win at Nethermoor in November 2023
This weekend’s game was due to be played on 23rd November
with the game being postponed due to a frozen pitch
with the no real effort until just before the half hour when the Lions found themselves in front
Adriano Moke’s corner was floated beautifully into the six-yard box and was bundled home by defender Jake Lawlor to score his first goal since Boxing Day
the best chance for both sides after the goal was Lebrun Mbeka’s free kick which went well over
It was the Robins who threatened at the start of the second half
with no clear-cut chances to show for their work
Guiseley chances were few and far between too with the best effort of the half falling to the Robins in the fourth minute of stoppage time
Former Lion Donald Chimalilo stung the palms of Joe Cracknell with a rasping 25-yard drive which was routine for the Guiseley stopper
The Lions countered shortly after with Jamie Spencer squaring for Ollie Brown who somehow missed an open goal from 12 yards out
with Guiseley winning for the first time in five matches in what was a crucial encounter
and as a result they went ahead of Ashton in the table and climb to 3rd heading to Matlock this weekend
“It is all about three points this time of year
We had to work set pieces well and ultimately that is what has won us the game”
with results more important than performances
Boss Mark Bower was pleased to get over the line with a massive three points
with had to withstand what they had to throw at us
but we just had to adapt to the conditions which I thought we did the better of the two teams”
Bower felt the Lions were deserving of the three points having managed the conditions better
“We knew we had to be a little more direct and Lebrun gives you that presence
It’s something we will potentially look at again”
With defender Lebrun Mbeka starting as a centre forward
Bower was chuffed with the impact he made at the top of the pitch and has not ruled out using him there again in future
“He is a potent weapon that they have when chasing games
But the lads were ready for it and dealt with that aspect really well”
Former Lion Tom Denton played just over 20 minutes against his former side
but Bower again felt the defenders dealt with his presence well
giving particular praise to Jake Lawlor and Jameel Ible
Boss Mark Bower confirmed Jordan Thewlis will unfortunately miss the rest of the season as he requires groin surgery
Will Longbottom looks ready to come back in this weekend after a cameo at the weekend
Jack Emmett missed the Ashton game due to an Achilles problem and is hoping to be fit
Joe Ackroyd has joined Warrington Town on loan so will not feature
Lucas Odunston played his first full 90 minutes for nearly six months
with Bower impressed with his performance so he could start again
although he faces competition from Ollie Brown
The Gladiators enjoyed some great form when Ryan Cresswell joined the club in September
Between late September and the end of the calendar
they only lost twice in the league in 12 matches
But the honeymoon is well and truly over as 2025 has yielded only one win from the last eleven games
with the Derbyshire club unfortunately slipping back into the relegation trap door after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Macclesfield last Saturday
The only positive is the number of goals they have managed to score
Bamber Bridge sit just two points ahead in the table and are the only the club in the bottom half of the table to score more than the Gladiators this season
they have only scored 10 goals fewer than their opposition this weekend
They have 35 points from 33 games and a point against the Lions this weekend could be enough for them to get out of the relegation zone
Matlock have recently signed midfielder Liam Ravenhill from Buxton and Cameron Wilson on loan from Scarborough Athletic and expect them both to feature this weekend
Midfielders Montel Gibson and Charlie Oglesby are among seven members of the first team squad to pledge their future to the club at least until the end of next season
Former Lion Reece Kendall scored against Matlock last April
He later moved to the club last September but made the move to Bury FC last month
The former Leeds and Bradford midfielder is now 36 and joined the club in October
Tickets can be purchased on the day at the turnstiles with cash or card payment or online now
The Lions will wear their yellow and black away kit for this fixture
We’re back on the road on Saturday as we head to Matlock Town’s Proctor Cars Stadium looking to build on a win last time out
The Proctor Cars Stadium is a three sided ground with covered seated stands on either side an a covered terrace stand behind one of the goals
Matlock’s food hut will be open on the day serving a wide range of hot and cold snacks and beverages
Guiseley Academy will face a tough task on Wednesday when they try to get back to winning ways with a game against second placed Farsley Celtic
The clash at Nethermoor Park (1pm) comes after a depleted Young Lions side fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Solihull Moors last Wednesday
The injury hit Guiseley squad travelled to the Midlands without any substitutes and battled hard against the side that now stands in third place in the National League Academy North table
Chester hold top spot with 36 points from 19 games with Farsley second with 35 points from 18 games
Moors are third with 34 points from 17 games but fifth placed Blyth Spartans are not out of the title race yet
If they win their games in hand they could grab top spot
Guiseley remain in seventh place with 22 points from 18 games
For the game at Solihull they had to make a further three changes from the side that drew 1-1 with York City
11 Apr 2025 | Latest News, Match Preview
The Silkmen head to West Yorkshire tomorrow afternoon in search of reaching 100 points.
Robbie Savage’s side know that a victory at fellow high-flyers Guiseley will secure a century of points for the season
It will be a stern test for the champions as Mark Bower’s Lions look to mathematically nail down their play-off position
Robbie Savage has got a full squad at his disposal
Tickets for tomorrow’s game at Nethermoor Park are pay on the gate only
Segregation will be place with Silkmen supporters entering the ground via turnstiles 5-8
Silkmen fans will be located in the Railway End Terrace with seating also available
Concessions (Over 66s/Students/Registered Disabled) – £9
The dulcet tones of our Mixlr team will be back once again with Full Commentary on our Mixlr channel from approximately 14:50. You can find the link to listen HERE
We will be providing Live Updates throughout the game via our Social Media Channels tomorrow afternoon
Supporters can find our Social Media Channels below:
For those who don’t have social media profiles
then you can access Football Webpages for goal updates via the link below:
https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/match/2024-2025/northern-premier-league-premier-division/guiseley/macclesfield/504717
Here are this afternoon’s other fixtures in the Northern Premier League Premier Division:
Guiseley Academy never recovered from a three goal blast in ten minutes from visitors South Shields early in their game on Monday
Lacking big players in captain and centre-back Freddie Westfall and leading scorer George Sebine Guiseley never really recovered from this onslaught
although they had the better of the second-half
the lads from the North East took a 17th minute lead after Zac Rushworth had provided the Shields ‘keeper with an easy take
Guiseley had tried to play the offside game but it didn’t work on this occasion
Shields had a further chance before making it 2-0 in the 26th minute when a good ball in found the left-back who fired in past Spencer Booth in the Guiseley goal
The scorer then turned provider as Shields extended their lead to 3-0 in the 27th minute
Guiseley had a number of chances to claw back the deficit but lacked the finishing touch
Derren Boyle got away but shot straight at the ‘keeper and then they had the ball in the net only for off-side to be called
The Young Lions did manage to reduce the deficit before half-time when Boyle finished a well-worked move on 45 minutes
Guiseley battled to get back into the game after the break but their profligacy in front of goal cost them dearly
They wasted a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area before Zac Rushworth produced an excellent run to the byline followed by an excellent cross in but there were no takers
Dan Fotherby’s effort hit the post in the 61st minute and this was to be the pattern for Guiseley hereafter
Further chances came but Guiseley were unable to put them away
Any hopes of getting something out of the game ended when Shields netted a fourth goal against the run of play in the 66th minute
Guiseley threw all their substutes on in a bid to turn the tide but to no avail
Photos from the game can be found here.
03 Apr 2025 | Latest News, Ticket News
We are able to confirm ticket details for next Saturday’s trip to Guiseley.
The Silkmen travel to Nethermoor Park in our penultimate away game of the season on Saturday 12th April
Supporters are able to purchase their tickets on the gate with cash or card payments both accepted
but we will update supporters if this changes
*All Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult*
A brace in three successive matches from forward Will Longbottom sent Guiseley on their way to another three points away at Ashton United and allowed them to take a firm grip on second place in the league table, writes Scott Kelly
which included a first Lions goal for full back Sam Bentley
means the Lions have now won four on the bounce in the league
and head to Matlock Town on Saturday unbeaten away from home since August
In freezing conditions in Greater Manchester
the home side started the better and flew into an early lead
A straightforward pass from the backline played in Benny Couto down the left
he had the beating of full back Sam Bentley
and he was able to fire low and hard past the hapless Joe Cracknell with just seven minutes played
the Lions had the equaliser just 10 minutes later
A rare foray forward allowed Jack Emmett in down the right
his cross found Joe Ackroyd who deflected the ball brilliantly into the path of who else but Will Longbottom
as he volleyed home past Jordan Eastham from close range
chances from both sides were minimal in the first period
but he couldn’t direct his header on target
The best chance for the hosts fell to Benny Couto
A peach of a cross from Dan Cowan was met by Couto perfectly
but he couldn’t direct the header on target and the effort went over
The Lions are well known this season for winning points late on in games
but they secured them early on on this occasion
The second half was only two minutes old when good work from Ackroyd down the left allowed Longbottom the chance to grab his second
He finished well inside the six-yard box to secure his 13th league goal of the season
Further good work down the left from an unplayable Ackroyd allowed Longbottom the chance for a hat-trick
but his effort just outside the area looped over Eastham but struck the crossbar
Bentley kept his composure and powered home well from the rebound for his first goal for the Lions
the Lions were very comfortable and kept the ball for large spells without threatening
The Robins of Ashton too posed little threat and yellow cards given to Louis White and Dan Cowan for needless fouls best summed up their frustration
They did improve though late on had a great opportunity to get back into it
Former Lion Tom Denton was introduced just before the hour and his far post effort was the closest the Robins had come for some time
A fantastic cross missed fellow sub-Jason Gilchrist and the ball fell to Denton
but his shot across Cracknell somehow went wide from just outside the six-yard box
Lewis Whitham and Freddie Westfall were all introduced late on
It was Thewlis who won a free kick just outside the area with five minutes to play
Longbottom stepped up but Eastham got down low and saved brilliantly
Thewlis was played through brilliantly by Adriano Moke
beat the offside trap and his right footed strike was slotted beautifully under Eastham to put the icing on the cake
The Robins fought back almost immediately though
What looked like a clear foul on Prince Ekpolo was missed by the referee
and captain Luke Burke took advantage and struck from 12 yards out
the ball was in the back of the net and the score was 2-4
It could have been better for the Robins as Gilchrist had a glorious chance to make it 3-4
as he fired over the top whilst inside the six-yard box when it appeared easier to score
But it finished 4-2 and a ruthless performance from the Lions puts them three points clear of Worksop and Hebburn Town
and six points clear of sixth placed Stockton who sit just outside the play off pack
Ashton United 2-4 Guiseley AFC | Tuesday 19th November 2024 | Nethermoor
The Lions 17-game unbeaten league run was abruptly ended in midweek, so they will be hoping to put that right when they return to home comforts to take on Lancaster City this Saturday, writes Scott Kelly
Guiseley have never actually beaten Lancaster
They have played on seven occasions with three Lancaster victories and four draws
The sides played out a 1-1 draw in Lancashire back in October
with the Lions grabbing a late equaliser courtesy of a fortuitous own goal
The Dolly Blues also won on their last visit to Nethermoor
Jameel Ible and Gabriel Johnson grabbed the Lions goals that day
A goal in each half condemned the Lions to defeat away in the northeast at Morpeth Town’s Craik Park
The game got off to the worst possible start for the Lions when a wicked deflection on Luke James’ strike deceived Joe Cracknell to give the hosts the lead after only three minutes
Morpeth doubled their advantage through Nic Bollado from close range
It brought to an end a Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division record equalling 17 match unbeaten run with Mark Bower’s men failing to score for the first time in a league game since August
“We had a couple of dropouts this morning with illness The bus 45 minutes late picking us up
We get here and they get that (early) goal
We think ‘is it going to be one of those nights?’ And it was”
with illness withdrawals and other factors coming into play
Morpeth’s early goal already left the Lions with a lot to do
It was a disappointing way for it (the unbeaten run) to end”
Boss Mark Bower is not one for making excuses though
He felt the team that was put out was simply not good enough on the day
They put bodies on the line and defended their box really well”
Bower was full of praise for the opposition
with Morpeth defending tremendously throughout
Bower was full of praise for the fringe players who come in and work hard under sometimes difficult circumstances
Bower felt not only were too many important players missing
but too many players didn’t perform to a high enough standard to get a positive result
Jake Lawlor and Joe Ackroyd all missed Tuesday’s defeat through illness
and it remains touch and go as they look to recover for Saturday
Top goalscorer Will Longbottom has a groin problem which he picked up in the victory over Basford on 18th January
Mark Bower seemed unsure whether he will be fit for the weekend
‘It is important that we look after him’ Bower said after Tuesday night’s game
The Dolly Blues are currently 12th in the table with 34 points picked up from 27 games
They are in a bit of sticky form at the moment
with a 3-2 victory at Bamber Bridge on Boxing Day is their only maximum from their last nine league matches
This also means the Lancashire club are looking for a maiden victory of 2025
they played host to Hebburn Town and struck an 88th minute equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw against a side who have not yet given up on a play-off berth
They have a tricky February to come starting with the visit to Nethermoor
An away trip to Ashton United and a home game against Macclesfield are all coming up
January marked one year in charge of the club for manager Chris Willcock
The former Stalybridge Celtic boss has overseen 44 games
Brothers Sam and Charlie Bailey play regularly under Willcock
Sam is a full back and Captain as younger brother Charlie plays further up the pitch
Aaron Bennett is the clubs top goalscorer with seven
Dom Lawson and Lewis Mansell have five to their name in the league
who scored a quite spectacular goal against the Lions last March
Payment can be made via cash at all our turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1 & 2
‘The Lions’ matchday programme will be on sale for £3 from sellers near each turnstile and our Club Shop
Issue 18 of The Lions covers our clash with Mickleover on Saturday
The 48 page full colour production is available digitally online now or you can get your paper copy from our sellers near each turnstile on Saturday
Ivor Timmis speaks to Jamie Spencer about his return to the club and career so far
Spencer said “I always keep in touch with Bows and Bosh and when the opportunity arose
Simon Bullock catches up with former midfielder Derek Asamoah about how his move to Guiseley came about: “I thought it would be a good move for me
to get out and play so I ended up going to Guiseley.”
Mark Bower writes from the dugout and Gary Douglas provides an update from the boardroom
Michael Powell takes us back to Wednesday 26th March 2014 when we travelled to Stalybridge Celtic for a five goal thriller and to 9th March 2024 when Gabriel Johnson’s strike was enough to see off a strong Radcliffe side
with detailed reports for his ‘This Week in Lions History’ feature
Sam Leasley’s ‘Mickleover Men’ column details five players who have played in the EFL and worn the colours of Mickleover and Colin Robertson’s Media View Column looks at last Saturday’s draw at Matlock
Tom Feaheny previews the game and there’s all the latest news from the Young Lions
Edward Robertson picks the half-time music in this week’s Tracks of My Nethermoor Years and The Secret Junior Football Coach reviews recent action for his side
You can get stuck into Derrick’s Matchday Teasers Quiz at half-time
Finally in Commercial Corner we thank Murgatroyds for their support in sponsoring the game and Pro-Fit Northern who have sponsored the match ball
Pick up your copy for just £3 from our sellers located near to each turnstile or online now.
The Lions face a tough home task this Easter Monday when Gainsborough Trinity visit Nethermoor, writes Scott Kelly
Match sponsored by: SB Plumbing and Heating
Gainsborough took all three points on their last visit to Nethermoor in January 2024
Dylan Cogill stealing all three points for the Trinity just short of stoppage time in a 1-0 victory
Guiseley however did win the fixture earlier this season
Goals in either half from Jake Lawlor and Jordan Thewlis secured victory in Lincolnshire on Boxing Day
Gainsborough have won three of the six meetings
The Trinity have improved greatly since February
After falling behind on games played due to postponements
they went nine games unbeaten between early February and late March
This run pushed them further clear of trouble but recent defeats to Bamber Bridge and Prescot Cables put paid to any play-off chances
Declan Howe is the club’s leading goalscorer for the second season in succession
Their squad appears ready for a promotion push in 25/26
Former Hull goalkeeper David Robson joined the club until the end of the season
Charlie Hickingbottom joined from Barnsley on loan until the end of the season
Defender Hickingbottom has played on many occasions this season for The Tykes U21 side
Lewis Butroid has recently celebrated 100 appearances for his boyhood club having joining from Scunthorpe United
Fraser Preston plays up front and has six goals this campaign and midfielder Will Lancaster has five
Manager Russ Wilcox took over the reins in September 2023 after leaving Farsley Celtic at the end of the previous season
Wilcox has been assistant to Brian Laws at Scunthorpe United
with Wilcox himself filling in the managerial hotseat at the Iron on two occasions in 2013-14 and 2020
He is responsible for the longest unbeaten run for a manager at the very beginning of a managerial reign
going 28 games undefeated between December 2013 and April 2014
Trinity rose to 7th place on Easter Saturday with a 3-1 home win over relegation threatened Hebburn Town
Declan Howe netted a brace either side of a Fraser Preston strike to wrap up the win
Travelling Gainsborough fans are looking at around a 150-mile round trip to Nethermoor for this Easter Monday clash
taking just under four hours both ways to travel by car
Trains are direct to Leeds once an hour from Gainsborough Lea Road
with passengers changing at Leeds to get to Guiseley
Return train journeys can take as long as five hours to get to the ground
We of course wish Trinity fans a safe journey to and from Nethermoor on what is likely to be a very busy Easter period on the trains and on our roads
Tickets will be available to purchase from our turnstiles on Monday priced at:
Payment can be made via cash at all our turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1 & 2. ‘The Lions’ matchday programme will be on sale for £3 from sellers near each turnstile and our Club Shop
The 2024/25 Craig Shearstone Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club Player of the Season and the Freda Collinson Rose Bowl – Volunteer of the Year Award
will be presented on the pitch after the game so please stick around for those presentations
Guiseley extended their fantastic run of form with a narrow home victory against struggling Basford United
Mark Bower was pleased his side could gather another three points
after a challenging afternoon at Nethermoor Park
but in the second half we did struggle to string together some fluent moves and we had to grind it out
debutant Harry Ibbitson picked out Jack Emmett
The midfielder’s accurate shot took a deflection and shaved the post
Revarnelle James’s curling cross into the path of Kane Richards was palmed away by the glove of Joe Cracknell
James troubled the Guiseley goal again ten minutes later
His arrowed effort was turned aside by Cracknell
Another Basford United effort forced Cracknell into a save with ten minutes left of the half
Jordan Hallam’s direct effort from a free kick had to be punched over the crossbar
Ibbitson’s precise ball found Ollie Brown who picked out Gabriel Johnson
The forward’s shot trickled toward the far post and nestled into the bottom corner
A tricky run and accurate shot by Emmett was collected coolly by goalkeeper Saul Deeney
A cross by Richards was poked clear of danger by Lebrun Mbeka
The defender inadvertently made contact with his hand
Referee Sam Clayton signalled for a penalty kick much to the collective dismay of home fans and players
Hallam’s finish from the spot was impressively saved by the outstretched palm of Cracknell to keep the Lion’s lead intact
The hosts could have doubled their lead ten minutes later
Basford had one last chance to equalise deep into stoppage time
A cross by Josh Barnes was thumped over the bar by the head of Kevin Bastos
It was a vital three points for the Lions as the season progresses
Guiseley travel to Worksop Town on Saturday
“It will be a huge task for us next Saturday
unfamiliar 3G and they were the last team to beat us in the league which sets it up for a good game.”
Guiseley AFC 1-0 Basford United | Saturday 18th January 2025 | Nethermoor
As Guiseley AFC approach their Emirates FA Cup tie at Stevenage on Saturday one former player is hoping that they can gain retribution for what is considered one of the greatest ‘we were robbed’ stories in the club’s history
Rachel O’Connor spoke to Lions legend Peter Atkinson about the last time Guiseley played Stevenage
On that occasion when Guiseley travelled south for an FA Trophy tie Atkinson
was closest to the incident that turned the game into a 1-0 defeat
He said: “My memory of most things is not great
unlike my former teammate Colin Hogarth who can remember virtually every tackle of every game we played
one thing I do remember is how we were robbed in that game at Stevenage and it rankles to this day.”
Explaining the events Atkinson said:”We set out hoping to enjoy a great day and make some great memories against a side from a much higher league than us
“It was to be a day we would never forget for all the wrong reasons
When they were allowed to play on and score in the later stages of the game after the ball had gone out way over the byline we and our supporters were gutted.”
Describing the situation Atkinson said:”I was sheperding the ball out over the line after they had played it
I was going to pick the ball up when their lad played on and they scored to the disbelief of everyone
“The referee allowed the goal to stand and we were all devastated
Botts (Paul Bottomley) said we would go all out to try and force an equaliser and he moved up front from centre-half and told us to lump the ball forward
“We did our best to retrieve the situation but it was not to be and it left a feeling of anger and frustation that we went out in that way
The ball was so far over the line that the supporters behind the goal could have picked it up
The injustice of it all still rankles with me and the other lads.”
“We had worked so hard and were on the cusp of getting a draw and taking them back to Nethermoor
It was embarrassing how far out of play the ball was.”
He added: “We had a similar feeling after the Trophy semi-final against Runcorn at Nethermoor when another controversial goal robbed us of a third Wembley final
the referee was looking elsewhere and turned to see their lad on the floor and awarded a free-kick from which they scored
“These two incidents stick in my head and I would like to see Guiseley get a win on Saturday and gain some retribution for what happened back then
“Guiseley’s is the first score I look for on a Saturday and if they win against Stevenage I will be doing somersaults
“Stevenage may think they have an easy ride but getting to the First Round of the FA Cup is massive for Guiseley as a club
I hope everyone enjoys their day and that the lads put in a performance they will be proud of.”
Peter Atkinson played right-back in a Guiseley team that played in two FA Vase finals at Wembley in 1991 and 1992
The 1991 final v Gresley Rovers went to a re-play at Bramall Lane and Atkinson was one of the scorers in a 3-1win
He played his 600th game for the club in a game v Witton Albion in October 2003 and was a member of the Guiseley Wembley Heroes team that took on an ex-Leeds United team in a game in 2010 to mark the Centenary of the Guiseley club
He also turned back the clock with a typical battling display when a Guiseley X1 played a West Riding County FA side in the Reg Allwood Memorial game in 2022
Our league fixture at Morpeth’s Craik Park home has been given a new date
We will now travel to Northumberland on Tuesday 28th January for a 7:45pm kick-off
The game was due to played on Saturday 11th January but was beaten by the big freeze with the pitch deemed unplayable due to being frozen and surrounding areas also unsafe
The fixture comes three days after our second away game of the month when we travel to Worksop Town
For those wishing to attend the fixture please call Paul on 07518445861 to book your place on Guiseley AFC Supporters Club’s travel service
The coach departs Nethermoor at 4:15pm and is priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members
Guiseley ended a run of three consecutive defeats last weekend and will be hoping to get back to winning ways as they visit struggling Leek Town, writes Scott Kelly
It will be the Lions first visit to Leek since April 2008
with the Staffordshire claiming the upper hand in a 1-0 victory
lost three and drawn three of the 10 previous encounters
which saw Gabriel Johnson equalise late on after Alex Hurst’s opener for the Blues midway through the second half
A Jordan Thewlis penalty before the half time break cancelled out an earlier Colin Daniel goal as the Lions ended a run of three consecutive defeats with a point at Nethermoor
Daniel’s low strike from a well worked corner routine came after 34 minutes
Thewlis won and later converted the penalty after his initial effort struck the arm of defender Tom Marshall
The 32-year-old sent Robins keeper Matt Yates the wrong way for his seventh league goal of the season
Chances were few and far between in the second half on what was in places a difficult surface to play on
Lewis Whitham forced a good save from Yates as his low drive was parried out for a corner
It finished 1-1 and with the Lions now winless in four league matches
they will start the weekend in 3rd following Ashton United’s 2-1 victory over Lancaster
They played their game in hand on Tuesday night too
with Matlock Town doing the Lions a favour and securing a point and a 2-2 draw
meaning Ashton are just a point ahead heading into the weekend’s fixtures
“On the balance of play you would probably say it’s a fair result
But in terms of chances created then we should have probably won the game”
Boss Mark Bower felt that based on the efforts created
but they will head to Leek off the back of a well contested draw
“That quality from back to front needs to be better
It turned into a bit of an arm wrestle at times”
Bower felt against Ilkeston the team struggled more to get the ball forward more quickly
“The lad has raised his arms to block a shot that is going in the goal
I thought that was a red card offence but apparently not these days”
“The rules keep changing” says Bower as he expressed his frustration that Tom Marshall was not sent off for what looked like a deliberate hand ball which led to the Lions penalty
Bower confirmed that Leo Farrell will likely not be seen in a Lions shirt again this season
as he returned to Barnsley for treatment on an injury
Lucas Odunston returned to the bench over the weekend and will be pushing for a start
Will Longbottom however is still likely to miss the game with a groin problem
The Blues have struggled for a consistent run of good form throughout this campaign
which is why they sit just two points above the bottom four
Defeat at Warrington Rylands on Tuesday meant they have won of their last five league matches
Only one of their nine victories this season have been won by more than the odd goal
Their meagre goal tally of 31 is worsened by only that of rock-bottom Blyth
that tally is only bettered by Gainsborough Trinity
Forward Hayden Campbell is the clubs top goalscorer with seven
Leek signed Louis Potts from Clitheroe in December and has impressed
Other key players include goalkeeper Dino Visser and midfielder Ollie Shenton
Tickets are available to purchase on the on the day from the turnstiles by cash or card or online in advance priced at:
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
based in the Leeds/Bradford area of West Yorkshire.