Guiseley AFC Face Whitby Town in Northern Premier League Clash

New management looks to reverse recent form

Guiseley AFC travel to Whitby Town this weekend as Ian Richards begins his tenure as the club’s new manager. The team is aiming to halt a run of four consecutive league defeats, a sequence not seen since November 2022.

Recent Performances and Team News

Guiseley’s latest league game ended in a 5-1 defeat against Hednesford Town. Defender Liam Ridehalgh described the match as “a really difficult day for the club” and noted the concession of two early goals as decisive. Despite the heavy loss, the senior debut of academy midfielder Derren Boyle was seen as a positive.

Will Longbottom was substituted just before half-time in that match as a precaution. Sheffield United loanee Sam Aston made his debut and impressed despite the overall team performance, while George Goodman also made his home debut. However, John Lufudu received a red card and will miss the upcoming game due to suspension.

With Ian Richards now in charge, changes to the squad selection are possible. Meanwhile, Ridehalgh is focusing on regaining fitness and is unlikely to feature this weekend.

Whitby Town Overview

Whitby Town currently sit 8th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, just outside the play-off places. They have lost only once in their last five matches, including a recent 0-0 draw against promotion contenders Lancaster City and a 3-1 home victory over Rushall Olympic.

The team is managed by Gary Liddle, who took over in October 2024. Liddle, 39, has a playing background in the English Football League and occasionally plays for Whitby despite officially retiring in February 2025. He has guided the Seasiders to a mid-table finish last season and appears to be improving the team’s standing this term.

Key players include goalkeeper Shane Bland, defenders Alex Nelson and Sam Collins, and captain Michael Woods, a former Leeds United youth player operating in central midfield. Striker Jake Charles, who previously played for Guiseley, is among the attacking options alongside Layton Watts and James Harrison. Donald Chimalilo, another former Guiseley player, recently joined from Ashton United. Nathan McGinley is likely to miss the match due to injury.

Previous Encounters

This will be the first meeting between Guiseley and Whitby Town in 2025. The last two matches at Whitby’s home ground saw Guiseley victorious, including a 2-1 win in August 2024 with a late goal from Ollie Brown, and a 3-1 win in December 2024 at Nethermoor. The last defeat for Guiseley at Whitby was in 2006, a 2-0 loss. Since then, Guiseley have won six of the seven matches played there.

Match Details and Attendance

• Date: 8 November 2025
• Kick-off: 3:00 pm
• Competition: Northern Premier League Premier Division
• Venue: Whitby Town

Tickets for the match can be purchased online or at the turnstiles on the day, with prices set at £13 for adults, £9 for concessions (65+ and students), £5 for under-18s, and free entry for under-16s accompanied by a paying adult.

Coach travel is organised by the Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club, departing from Nethermoor at 10:15 am. Seats can be booked by contacting Paul on 07518 445861. The coach fare is £25 for members and £30 for non-members.

Live Coverage

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