An uneasy start for UniBond as FA threat hangs over them

Guiseley are set for an opening day at Leek who were relegated from the Conference after just one season but it may be a brief season as the FA seeks to wield its power.

The UniBond League has refused to offer a place to Barrow who have been relegated from the Conference League on 'financial grounds.'

The FA respopnded by imposing a ban on the league operating but at the 11th hour the FA agreed to sanction the UniBond League competition and allow it to make a start on Saturday.

However, there is a sting in the tail as they have added a condition that Barrow be elected as a member of the UniBond League at a special meeting of all 44 member clubs to be held at Flixton on August 22.

Barrow were relegated from the Football League in 1971 and they have now been wound up and a new company formed.

The UniBond League insist that the club should follow the precedent set by Aldershot and Newport and start again at the bottom of the non-league pyramid in the North Western Trains League.

The FA stated: 'Our position is clear. It is now up to the league.'

The UniBond have taken legal action and are unwilling to comment further than the press statement which they issued at the weekend.

That stated that the league had been advised by the Football Association that they would only sanction the league for the coming season provided that written confirmation was received that Barrow AFC (In Liquidation) would be in membership.

The UniBond stated that they wereunable to give such assurances as they were in formal dispute with the FA over the matter and are pursuing the Arbitration procedure under FA rules.'

They advised the FA that a Special General Meeting of all 44 member clubs regarding Barrow AFC hadbeen arranged for August 22 in conjunction with the 14 day period of notice of meeting that is required under their constitution.

That is the earliest opportunity that the member clubs can discuss the matter.

It would now seem that the FA are willing to let the league open its programme on Saturday providing that the clubs agree to elect Barrow at their meeting on August 22.

So Guiseley will set out for Leek on Saturday hoping that it is the dawn of a successful season following their third place and cup final spot last season.

After losing goalkeeper Steve Dickinson and wide men Colin Hunter and Stewart Airdrie to Conference clubs manager Bobby Davison has had some recruiting to do.

There has certainly been no shortage of players wanting to turn out for the Nethermoor Park side.

A total of 55 players have figured in the pre-season friendly games.

The goalkeeping position will be fought out between last season's reserve team 'keeper Nigel Muttick and former Scarborough trainee John Stancliffe.

The latter - son of former Sheffield United player Paul Stancliffe - has agreed a contract.

Whoever gets the nod they have a big job to do as Dickinson was regarded as the best 'keeper in non-league football.

Davison has also recruited a new right-back in Steve Sanders, formerly with Harrogate Town.

Ironically enough it is understood that Peter Atkinson, who had played over 500 games for Guiseley, has signed for Harrogate Town.

Matt Daly hopes to return to challenge for a place in the Guiseley defence after a spell at Barrow while in midfield the much travelled former Football League player Simon Ireland gets the wide berth.

Davison was still negotiating to add two further strikers to his squad as we went to press.

It is no secret that Scott Jackson has figured in the pre-season friendlies and Davison was hoping to come to some agreement with Emley manager Ronnie Glavin over his transfer.

Davison was also hoping to add another vastly experiencd former Football League striker to his squad.

Meanwhile Mick Morrell is still with the club while Macclesfield try and work out a deal for a young player they were impressed with on his trial period with them.

Guiseley Reserves start their campaign in a new league - the Lancashire League - with a trip to Ashton United.

This has an 11 am kick-off so Brett Ferreday's boys will have to be up with the lark to make their debut.

Last week a Guiseley side drew 0-0 at Harrogate Railway in a game in which David Hunter broke his ankle.

On Saturday they visited Ossett Town and again with a number of players on trial it was 0-0.

Making an appearance in the second-half was former Sheffield United striker Tony Agana - a former strike partner of Brian Deane.

After the trip to Leek Guiseley then face Bishop Auckland at Nethermoor Park on Tuesday, August 17, kicking-off at 7.30 pm.

Guiseley AFC's Academy side will take part in the prestigious Leeds International Friendship Cup which will involve a touring side from Durban, South Africa.

The four team tournament will see games played at three venues - including Guiseley's Nethermoor Park and the winner will be decided on a league basis.

The first games will take place at Yorkshire Amateurs FC on Sunday, August 15, with Guiseley playing Prince Philip Centre with a 5.30 pm kick-off and Yorkshire Amateurs playing Durban with a 7.30 pm kick-off.

On Thursday, August 19, Prince Philip Centre will take on Yorkshire Amateurs with a 6 pm kick-off with Guiseley playing Durban at 8 pm.

On Saturday, August 21, at South Leeds Stadium it will be an early start for Guiseley who take on Yorkshire Amateurs at 9.30 am with Durban playing Prince Philip Centre at 11.30 am.

Scarborough..............3

Guiseley Academy.....2

Against a team containing a number of the seasiders YTS boys Guiseley Academy did extremely well and indeed with better finishing they could have won the game.

They found themselves 3-0 down but had the better of the game and hit the bar and had the 'keeper tip shots over.

Richard Beckram was outstanding at the back for Guiseley while Matt Ames had a good game until he dislocated his knee.

Damian Smith pulled a goal back for Guiseley and he was a revelation up front. Joe Howard then pulled another goal back to provide a tense finish.

Last night, Wednesday, the Guiseley Academy side travelled to New Earswick and on Saturday morning they take on Bradford City at Apperley Meadows just below Woodhouse Grove School (kick-off 11 am).

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