With the end of the regulation season Stockton Town now face the biggest game in the club’s history as they bid to take a step closer to reaching the National League North as they are in the semi-finals of the Northern Premier League playoffs.
In their way will be Guiseley who are bidding to make a return to the league after they were relegated from it in the 21/22 season when they finished bottom.
Stockton finished third in the league on 75 points which was 34 points behind the league leaders Macclesfield, Guiseley finished on 74 points in fourth position.
The Anchors ended the season on a high with a 1-0 victory at home against Hyde thanks to an outstanding 81st minute lob from Kevin Hayes, despite them being down to 10 men after Adam Nicholson was shown his marching orders in the 68th minute.
Guiseley ended their campaign with an away draw to FC United of Manchester with fullback John Lufudu scoring for the visitors.
The first meeting between the two teams this season ended up with a 3-1 victory for Stockton at Bishopton Road West.
A Michael Sweet double alongside a Stephen Thompson strike had the team in yellow firmly in control.
Even an Owen Gallacher red card wasn’t enough to dislodge this lead even though Jack Emmett was able to get a consolation goal for the Yorkshire side.
The reverse fixture at Nethermoor Park ended in a 1-1 draw when Jameel Ible put Guiseley in front in the first half. Tom Coulthard equalised for Stockton as the spoils were shared in December.
The winner of this fixture will face either Worksop Town or Ashton United in the playoff final.
Stockton will be looking for success in the playoffs for a second season running as they beat Dunston UTS on penalties last season to make it to the Northern Premier League.
KEY PLAYERS:
STOCKTON TOWN:
Striker Michael Sweet is a key figure in the Stockton attacking line with 16 goals in all competitions this season, however his last goals came back in February in a 3-2 victory over Matlock Town.
Non-league veteran Stephen Thompson will be looking to earn his fifth promotion (three with Darlington and one with Stockton Town). Last season he scored the winning penalty against Dunston to send The Anchors up.
GUISELEY AFC:
The Lions have Will Longbottom in their arsenal who has 23 goals this season including a goal in the FA Cup first round proper in a defeat to EFL outfit Stevenage.
Full back John Lufudu has been useful for them in both boxes this season. This was expected when he signed this season as he had successful spells with Spennymoor Town and South Shields, both in the National League North.
