Guiseley’s trip to face Eastwood Town in the Blue Square Bet North Division on Saturday will be a precursor to the two clubs meeting in the FA Trophy later this month.

The Lions head to their Nottinghamshire rivals this weekend clear favourites to win this league encounter.

However, with the cup tie coming up at Nethermoor a fortnight on Saturday, there will be an added edge to this first clash.

Eastwood Town are second bottom after banking just three wins from their 16 league starts, while the Lions are fourth.

Steve Kittrick’s men are hoping for a second consecutive play-off end to the campaign in only their second season in the Conference League set-up.

The Lions are awaiting an update on Mark Bower’s fitness.

The former Bradford City skipper picked up an ankle injury in the 2-0 win over Tadcaster Albion in a West Riding County Cup tie.

Guiseley had hoped he might recover in time for last week’s trip to Worcester City but Bower missed out.

Spokesman Stuart Allen said: “Mark and Danny Ellis both missed last week’s game (at Worcester) so Steve was short of central defensive options.

"But Michael Brough was signed last Friday, so he came into the side in the centre of defence.

“We signed him from Darlington and, although it states on our website that it is a month’s loan deal, I can reveal that the signing is permanent. Michael is our player now.”

Brough is 30 years old and has had Football League experience but also has extensive knowledge of the Conference proper (Blue Square Bet Premier Division) as his previous clubs include Notts County, Mansfield and Torquay, as well as Darlington.