As the final game of 2025, we make the short-ish journey up the A1 past Leeds - to Guiseley. To face an Ian Richards' side away from home, for the second time this season. Previously, Richards was in charge of Stocksbridge Park Steels, with a Jonny Margetts double easing the Blues to a 0-2 victory. A repeat on Boxing Day would be just swell, as Russ Wilcox's men look to turn draws into victories.

Wilcox took a brief break from his celebrations to issue this message to the Gainsborough faithful: "I hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas day and are in good spirits ready for the next challenge at Guiseley on Boxing Day."

"I really hope we take a good following there - Let’s stay positive as we have only lost once in the last 8 league games. This will be another tough test against a strong Guiseley team. Let’s make some noise and get behind the players."

The last three years have seen the sides face off seven times. Three at Nethermoor, with Trinity winning all three - to nil. At home, the Holy Blues can add another win & a draw to the positive results reel. Guiseley's victories coming in the FA Trophy & last Boxing Day at the Kal Group Stadium. Can Russ' men continue to haunt the hosts on home turf?

Trinity go into this one boasting the best points per game record in the division, with 1.9 points, from nine away games. Victory on Boxing Day would see the Blues with tgr most acrued points on the road too! Guiseley on the other hand, have picked up 1.5 points per game from their eleven home games. Narrow 1-0 defeats to Rushall Olympic & Warrington Rylands and heavy losses to Ilkeston & Hednesford, show the Lions can be tamed - but whatever happens, it looks like being a fascinating afternoon of football, at Nethermoor.

Top scorers, in the league, for Guiseley - are two former Blues - with twelve goals between them: Jordan Thewlis (eight) and Will Longbottom (four). That's the same as Messers Margetts & Frank Mulhern for the Blues.

Information Nethermoor is approximately 75 miles from the Northolme. And is expected to take the best part of an hour and three quarters. Use the address: Guiseley AFC, Otley Road, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 8BT

Tickets will be available to purchase from the turnstiles, priced at:

Adults: £13 Concessions (Over 66s/Students/Registered Disabled): £9
11-18 Year-Olds: £5
Accompanied Under-11s: £1

Payment can be made via cash at all our turnstiles and card at turnstiles 1, 2 & 5. ‘The Lions’ magazine will be on sale for £3 from sellers near each turnstile and the Guiseley Club Shop. It is cash payments only inside the ground for magazines. Food and drink from The Lions’ Diner can be paid for by cash or card and the clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card.

Elsewhere

The rest of the NPL programme, including the two fixtures that have been pushed back to Saturday, are detailed below: 

Ashton United vs Hyde United
Ilkeston Town vs Rushall Olympic
Lancaster City vs Bamber Bridge
Leek Town vs Stocksbridge Park Steels
Stockton Town vs Hebburn Town
Warrington Rylands vs Warrington Town
Whitby Town vs Morpeth Town

Saturday 27th December

Cleethorpes Town vs Workington
Hednesford Town vs FC United of Manchester

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)