Guiseley Prepare to Host Bamber Bridge in Northern Premier League Clash
January 8, 2026First Home Game of 2026 Sees Guiseley Aim to Build on Recent Wins
Guiseley AFC will welcome Bamber Bridge to Nethermoor this Saturday for their first home fixture of the new year in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division. The match follows a positive start to 2026 for Guiseley, who secured a 3-1 victory against Stocksbridge Park Steels on New Year’s Day.
Guiseley’s Recent Form and Team News
Manager Ian Richards expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in the recent away win, particularly praising players Harrison Hopper and Ollie Brown. Richards highlighted the competitive nature of the league, noting that no team is currently averaging two points per game, and emphasised the importance of maintaining focus without complacency.
With a nine-day gap between matches, Guiseley’s squad availability remains uncertain. Several players who missed the Stocksbridge game, including Will Longbottom, Amir Berchil, Jack Emmett, and Lebrun Mbeka, could potentially return to the lineup. Meanwhile, Liam Ridehalgh remains a doubt. The absences in the previous match allowed substitutes Bobby Moore and new loanee Archie Christie-Crainie to make an impact, with Christie-Crainie scoring the winning goal on New Year’s Day.
Bamber Bridge’s Form and Key Players
Bamber Bridge enter the weekend’s game level on points with Guiseley but with three games in hand. Their fixture against Gainsborough Trinity scheduled for 6 January was postponed due to weather conditions, making Saturday’s match their first of 2026. The Brig have won four of their last five matches, including notable victories over Warrington Rylands and Lancaster, the latter secured on Boxing Day.
Manager Jamie Milligan was awarded the Northern Premier League Manager of the Month for December, reflecting the team’s strong form. Bamber Bridge’s top league scorer is Ewan Bange, who has netted 10 goals this season. Bange scored against Guiseley in their opening day 2-0 victory. Other players to watch include Chris Churchman, Nathaniel Knight-Percival—who brings experience from his time in the English Football League—and former Guiseley loanee Kofi Moore. The squad also features Olly Molloy and striker Jamie Allen.
Previous Meetings
- The two sides met at the start of the current season, with Bamber Bridge winning 2-0 at home.
- Guiseley won the last meeting at Nethermoor on New Year’s Day 2025, with a 3-1 scoreline.
- They also faced off in an FA Trophy qualifier at Nethermoor, where Bamber Bridge won 1-0.
- Since 2004, the teams have met 12 times, with Guiseley winning seven matches and Bamber Bridge five. There have been no draws recorded between the sides.
Matchday Information
- Date and Time: Saturday, 10 January 2026, 3:00pm
- Venue: Nethermoor, Guiseley
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults: £13
- Concessions (Over 66s, Students, Registered Disabled): £9
- 11-18 Year-Olds: £5
- Accompanied Under-11s: £1
- Tickets can be purchased at the turnstiles on matchday. Cash and card payments are accepted at selected turnstiles.
- ‘The Lions’ magazine will be on sale for £3 near each turnstile and at the club shop.
- Food and drink will be available from The Lions’ Diner, with card and cash payments accepted.
Live Commentary
Live audio commentary of the match will be available via the Mixlr app or online at guiseleyradio.mixlr.com from approximately 2:50pm on Saturday.


