Non-League - Guiseley marksman Aaron Martin back in the firing line after suspension

FOLLOWING A two-match suspension, Guiseley’s top scorer Aaron Martin is once again available for selection.
Guiseley striker Aaron Martin. PIC: Steve RidingGuiseley striker Aaron Martin. PIC: Steve Riding
Guiseley striker Aaron Martin. PIC: Steve Riding

The forward has bagged 16 league goals this term and that’s despite making only 19 National League North appearances. What’s more, he is currently the league’s third highest scorer.

“We missed him for a large part of the season either through suspension or injury,” said Lions joint-boss Marcus Bignot. “He’s picked up two suspensions – I think he’s missed five or six games due to that – but his goals speak for themselves and that’s what we need in this run-in – goals.”

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Bignot’s men will be aiming for a return to winning ways when they take on Kettering Town; the same side which beat them 2-1 earlier on in the season. When asked about that previous encounter, the joint-manager admitted that revenge is not on his mind: “I don’t think it’s that personal.

Guiseley's joint-manager, Marcus Bignot. PIC: Steve RidingGuiseley's joint-manager, Marcus Bignot. PIC: Steve Riding
Guiseley's joint-manager, Marcus Bignot. PIC: Steve Riding

“It’s an opportunity for us to get much valuable three points which would put us back on track after suffering a blip last Saturday. More than revenge, it would be a welcome win with regards to our end goal.”

Despite being involved in a relegation battle, Kettering boast strong home form. Bignot, though, believes Guiseley’s away record cannot be underestimated either saying: “I think we are one of the most in-form teams away from home in the league. The fact that we collected more points away from home than we have at home tells you what we’re like away.

“We’re only a point behind our whole points tally of last season and we’re massively on track in terms of moving forward.”

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Farsley Celtic are also in action this weekend as they take on Gloucester City.

Farsley Celtic manager, Adam Lakeland. PIC: Steve RidingFarsley Celtic manager, Adam Lakeland. PIC: Steve Riding
Farsley Celtic manager, Adam Lakeland. PIC: Steve Riding

Adam Lakeland’s side come into this game on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Kidderminster Harriers; one of the few fixtures to be played due to the arrival of Storm Ciara.

Farsley, who have only managed four goals in their last nine games, will be hoping to end their poor run of results. The West Yorkshire outfit have managed only one win from their last 10n matches in all competitions and are currently six points off the play-offs.

“We’re just not scoring enough goals” said manager Lakeland. “It would be a bigger worry if we weren’t creating the opportunities but, we’ve had some really good opportunities and failed to capitalise on them.”

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Similarly to Tuesday’s opponents, Gloucester, are also in the fight to avoid relegation. James Rowe’s men are in poor form having lost eight of their last 10 league games, however Farsley boss Lakeland is certainly not underestimating them.

He said: “It’s going to be tough. They are down at the bottom end and they need the points. Every game is difficult but, of course, we’re going there for a reaction and to win.”

Elsewhere, bottom-of-the-table Bradford Park Avenue face a herculean challenge when they take on National League North leaders, King’s Lynn Town, away from home.

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Harrogate Town’s 3-0 victory over Yeovil Town in midweek will certainly rank among their best results of the season to date, writes RHYS HOWELL.

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Indeed, so good was their performance on a freezing cold, windy night that even Glovers boss Darren Sarll conceded that Simon Weaver’s team deserved all three points from the encounter.

The Yeovil chief was far from gracious in defeat when Town won 2-1 down in Somerset earlier this term, suggesting that their visitors had employed spoiling tactics and didn’t try to play football.

“They’ve not really played better than us,” Sarll said back in October.

“It’s another side that has come here to spoil the 3,200 fans’ afternoon because they don’t really want to join in with you and play a game of football.”

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On this occasion, however, there could be no disputing that Town were good value for their win.

And, after going on to describe his own side’s performance as “awful” and “soft” during his post-match assessment of Tuesday’s contest, Sarll eventually admitted that “Harrogate were the better side”.

Weaver himself won’t have needed that pointing out to him, but he did have only positive things to say about both his opposite number and Yeovil assistant manager, Terry Skiverton.

“To be fair to him [Sarll], he came over after the game, shook my hand and said ‘well done’,” the Town boss revealed.

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“Terry Skiverton, who I go back a long way with and have had some battles with, we had a bit of a shouting match at their ground, but tonight he said ‘well played and good luck, you deserved it’.

“What’s gone on, it’s gone now.

“It will have been frustrating from their point of view because they lost the game, but they [Sarll and Skiverton] were top notch.”

Victory takes second-placed Town to within four points of National League leaders Barrow ahead of Saturday’s trip to mid-table Barnet who were edged out 1-0 at six-place Solihull Moors on Tuesday night.

And, last Saturday, they beat Barrow 3-0 in the third round of the FA Trophy so, on their day, are capable of providing any team in the division with more than a few problems.

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Pontefract Collieries entertain low-mid-table Droylsden on Saturday aiming for a win that will keep them on the heels on the three teams above them on the ladder.

And, in the knowledge they still have games in hand. Brighouse Town, in 11th, head to City of Liverpool knowing defeat will take the 12th-placed Merseysiders above them.

Meanwhile, it’s a case of bottom-versus-second-bottom when Kendal Town come to Pickering Town, and sixth-place Tadcaster Albion have the chance to reel in the top five at Marine, currently in third. Third-bottom Ossett United have a tough ask at leaders Ramsbottom United.

Frickley Athletic’s chance to edge closer to the top five in the South East Division have been stalled after Saturday’s game at bottom club, Wisbech, was postponed.

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In the NCE Premier, third-placed Yorkshire Amateur entertain Bridlington Town, in fifth currently, while seventh-placed Hemsworth MW entertain second-placed Penistone Church.

Thackley, Knaresborough and Garforth Town are all on their travels at Albion Sports, Bottesford and Grimsby Borough respectively.

In Division One, Selby Town have leaders Winterton in their sights and are aiming for three more points at Ollerton Town.

Glasshoughton Welfare entertain Worsborough BA, Harrogate RA take on North Ferriby and Nostell MW, Hallam.