Guiseley Prepare to Host Whitby Town in Key League Clash

Local sides meet in mid-table Northern Premier League contest

Guiseley AFC will welcome Whitby Town to Nethermoor this weekend for a Northern Premier League Premier Division fixture, with both teams positioned in the mid-table zone. The match represents an important opportunity for Guiseley to build on recent home form and for Whitby to improve their league standing.

Guiseley’s Recent Form and Team News

Guiseley head into the match following a 2-0 defeat at Hednesford Town. Manager Ian Richards acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, noting that despite having more possession in the second half, Guiseley failed to convert their chances and were undone by clinical finishing from their opponents.

Richards expressed ambition for the club’s future, stating his desire for Guiseley to reach a higher league position next season, specifically aiming to be where Hednesford currently stand. He also highlighted the club’s strong home performances since his appointment and the intent to maintain this trend through the remainder of the campaign.

In terms of squad changes, Guiseley have added York loanee Mo Fadera following the conclusion of loans for Archie Christie-Crainie and Lewis Gould. Fadera is expected to contend for a starting position after making a substitute appearance in the last game. Calum Hudson and Joao Silva are also pushing for inclusion in the starting lineup. Jack Emmett, who left the previous match with a minor injury, is anticipated to be fit for selection. However, Will Longbottom and Jamie Spencer will miss out, while George Goodman is nearing full fitness.

Whitby Town’s Current Situation

Whitby Town have undergone recent changes in management, with Gary Liddle ending his playing career and leaving the club last month. He has since joined Hartlepool United in a coaching capacity. Lee Bullock has taken over as manager, continuing to co-manage alongside Jason Kennedy for the remainder of the season.

Currently 15th in the league, Whitby sit five points above the relegation zone. Bullock’s tenure has seen one win, three draws, and three defeats from seven matches. The team has struggled at home, suffering consecutive losses against Lancaster City and Ashton United. Their home record is among the poorest in the division.

Key players for Whitby include former Guiseley loanee Jake Charles, who has scored seven league goals, and Matty Tymon, the club’s top scorer with nine goals before his recent transfer to Workington. The team’s defence features Shane Bland as first-choice goalkeeper, with Sam Collins, Adam Gell, and Frankie Whelan in defensive roles. Midfield responsibilities are shared by Aaron Haswell, Jarrett Rivers, and captain Lewis Hawkins.

Head-to-Head and Matchday Information

• The previous meeting between the two sides in November ended in a 1-1 draw at Whitby, with Guiseley’s Jordan Thewlis scoring from the penalty spot and Aaron Haswell equalising for Whitby.
• Guiseley had won the three meetings prior to that draw, though Whitby secured a 3-1 victory at Nethermoor in August 2023, their only win in the last 11 encounters.

For supporters unable to attend, live audio commentary will be available via the Mixlr app and online at guiseleyradio.mixlr.com from 2:50pm on Saturday.

Ticketing and Matchday Facilities

• Tickets can be purchased at the turnstiles on matchday with prices set at £13 for adults, £9 for concessions (over 66s, students, registered disabled), £5 for 11-18 year-olds, and £1 for accompanied under-11s.
• Payment options include cash at all turnstiles and card payments at turnstiles 1, 2, and 6.
• The club magazine will be available for £3 near each turnstile and in the club shop, with sales inside the ground accepting cash only.
• Food and drink will be available from The Lions’ Diner, accepting both cash and card, while the clubhouse prefers card payments.

Additional Events

Following the match, the club will host a Race Night in the clubhouse starting at 6pm, with opportunities for supporters to participate in horse and jockey selections. There will also be a charity bake sale before and during the game, with proceeds going to Marty’s Penny Bank.

Matchday food offerings have expanded to include pizzas available from the Railway End, alongside traditional options such as burgers, pies, and pasties.