Unlike the last two seasons, Guiseley will end this campaign with an appearance at Valley Parade.

The Lions are West Riding County Cup finalists for a third season on the spin and they will be defending the trophy they have held for two years against Blue Square Bet North Division counterparts FC Halifax Town.

The Lions’ two previous final appearances have also been at the home of neighbours Bradford City but, much to the annoyance of all concerned, have been during the final month of the league season.

Guiseley beat Thackley in 2011 and Bradford Park Avenue in 2012.

They will hope to make it a remarkable hat-trick but the Shaymen will be bidding to spoil the Lions’ perfect record since the showpiece returned to Valley Parade from County headquarters at Fleet Lane, Woodlesford.

Guiseley have ten matches left of the regular season, which ends on April 27, before the County Cup  final, which will be on Tuesday, May 14.

Steve Kittrick’s men look set to claim runners-up place in the league for a second consecutive season, which would mean they are involved in the promotion play-offs.

Halifax also have a very strong chance of booking a berth, so the clubs could yet meet four times before the close season.

The Shaymen make the short journey to Nethermoor for a re-arranged league game on Wednesday, April 3, with the reverse fixture set to be at The Shay on Saturday, April 20.

If the clubs were to be drawn against each other in the play-off semi-finals, which are two legged, or the play-off final, before the County Cup final it would mean the rivals would clash four or possibly five, times.

Crowd figures would have the bean counters in overdrive, and the supporters of the two clubs desperate for bragging rights.