Guiseley return to Nethermoor to play their first home game in over three weeks, as they take on 12th place Alfreton Town this Tuesday night.
The Lions put on a valiant show against high flying AFC Fylde in their last game, with new signing Thierry Latty-Fairweather scored on his debut, but his solitary goal wasn’t enough to get past the two goals already conceded by the hands of Fylde’s Ben Tollit and Danny Whitehead, leaving the hosts only four points off Brackley Town in second.
“The lads left everything on the pitch” were the words of assistant manager, Russ O’Neill, who was pleased with his teams performance against such a good side, but put it down to the 10 minutes where the goals came for Fylde that ultimately caused their downfall.
Guiseley are currently without a win five game in all competitions, with their last win coming against Telford back in December. The Lions are currently two points from safety with a game in hand on Gloucester in 19th, with the foot of the table looking very tight at this stage in the season.
Last time out against Alfreton, the visitors took the spoils, as Guiseley suffered a 4-2 drubbing at home, with Jamie Spencer and Aaron Martin scoring the two for the hosts in that early season matchup back in August, 2019.
Looking at Alfreton, they are also a team that are in need of three points, after losing their last two games in all competitions. Their last league game saw them defeated by Blyth Spartans 1-0, a team who have found new life in the National League North, winning four in their last five, including a derby day win over current league leaders, Gateshead.
One player The Reds will be hoping can make an impact is Sheffield United loanee, Antwoine Hackford. The 17 year old has made the jump from the Championship side to non-league, with fans hoping he can be the difference during the second half of the season, to maybe give them a late push for the playoffs.
Hackford has made only made two appearances in his senior career, but was formerly an England International at U15 and U16 level, making a total of four appearances. Alfreton should be a great learning curve for the youngster, provided he gets the minutes.
Guiseley have also been in the market over the winter, as they hope that their reinforcements can ensure them safety from the drop. 22 year old, Dom Tear, was another new signing who featured against Fylde, a player who has been on the Lions’ radar for a while. He made them move from Halifax on a free transfer, alongside Aram Soleman and former Alfreton striker, Shaun Tuton, who both join on free transfers.
The Lions have struggled with goals this season. They are yet to score more than twice in any game so far this season, they’ve only scored more than once in a single game six times and their top goal scorer, Jordan Thewlis, only has four goals, so they’ll have to hit the net more often if they want to avoid relegation.
O’Neill said in the club’s official match preview that they need to start turning ‘performances into results’. The management team has been impressed recently with the way the Lions have played, but points are obviously the motive and a necessity, at this point in the season.
Guiseley vs Teleford kicks off at 7:45pm at Nethermoor Park, Guiseley, with tickets available on the door from just £1 for under 11’s and £13 for general adult admission.