FC United aiming to tame the Lions of Guiseley

FC United make their FA Carlsberg Trophy first round proper debut on Saturday afternoon and they have a tough task on their hands with a trip to high flying Guiseley of the Conference North.

Despite the division gap between the two sides, the Reds have nothing to fear as they cross over the Pennines into West Yorkshire to enter the Lions’ den of Nethermoor.

United are currently enjoying a ten game unbeaten run which includes triumphing over Altrincham, also of the Conference North in the third and final qualifying round.

Midfielder Jake Cottrell should be the only player unavailable for the game due to serving a one match suspension but with Matthew Wolfenden and Matthew Tierney both eager to take over in the middle of the park, United will hope to continue their rich vein of form.

The two clubs have battled it out four times previously with The Lions having the upper paw but only just - the record is two wins to Guiseley, one draw and one victory for United.

This will be the Reds’ third trip to Nethermoor. On the first occassion, in November 2008, Chris Baguley and Kyle Wilson had put them seconds away from a superb 2-1 victory, however, Anthony Llyod scored a 30-yard screamer for the hosts with virtually the last kick of the game deep into stoppage time.

United would not be denied in the return fixture at Gigg Lane two months later and they popped up with two late goals of their own through Jerome Wright and Tommy Turner to steal a 2-1 win.

The following season, Guiseley were a much stronger outfit and held United 1-1 at Gigg Lane before running out comfortable 2-0 victors at Nethermoor en route to pipping local rivals Bradford Park Avenue to what was then called the UniBond Premier Division title.

So, a tough task awaits Karl Marginson’s side but with a growing reputation of giant killers in the FA knock-out competitions, Guiseley will be wary of becoming another victim of Margy’s marching Red Army.

Saturday’s game is pay on the gate.