Altrincham incentive for Guiseley after cup draw

The Lions boss – whose side welcome Lincoln City in a fourth-qualifying round replay tonight – admits that the club’s mere presence in the draw all adds to the feel-good factor being generated at Nethermoor.

While a prospective home game in round one on Bonfire Night against National League North strugglers Altrincham, managed by ex-Halifax boss Jim Harvey, is not exactly box office for the Lions, being afforded home comforts does provide incentive – and a winnable game – should they progress tonight.

Lockwood’s side earned a second bite of the cherry against the Red Imps following a gutsy display in a 0-0 at Sincil Bank on Saturday to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches with their determination and defiance earning praise from the one-time Doncaster Rovers centre-half.

But he acknowledges that the hard part is now finishing off the job against the Red Imps tonight, as Guiseley aim to secure a first-round berth for the first time since 2012-13.

Lockwood said: “To be in the draw is nice for the fans. Some of the lads have probably never been on an FA Cup run or been around a team who have been on one.

“I have told the lads that if they are, it is great for clubs and individuals. You can get a lot of good times and memories from it. It does not change what we do in the league or anything like that and we prepare the same.

“But if you get success, it is a great reward for the fans and the club and everyone connected with the club, who put so much effort in.

“Hopefully, we can keep that run alive. We still have a chance of getting into that next round, which is great for the football club and the fans.

“To be honest, every game – whether a youth-team, under-21 or reserve team game –we want to win them and breed a winning habit.

“You could see out there on Saturday that the guys really wanted to hold on and come away with a clean sheet and we did do.

“We are taking steps and that pleases me.”

Action tonight in the Evo-Stik First Division North sees lowly Ossett Albion welcome Steve Kittrick’s Scarborough Athletic, while third-placed Tadcaster Albion – whose captain Jimmy Beadle is to take a break from football to recharge his batteries – visit Goole.

Ossett Town head to Glossop North End.

In the NCEL Premier, Garforth welcome Handsworth Parramore and Harrogate Railway visit Rainworth.

Pontefract Colls host Eccleshill in Division One and AFC Emley go to Grimsby Borough. Glasshoughton entertain Brigg and Knaresborough are at home to Ollerton.

League Cup activity sees Hemsworth host Parkgate, Selby entertain Albion Sports and Thackley welcome Bridlington.