Pontefract Collieries play hosts to Blue Square Conference North side Guiseley tonight, in what promises to be an intriguing West Yorkshire County Cup Quarter Final tie.

Following their defeat of NCEL Premier League Liversedge in the previous round, The Colls could hardly have been gifted a more difficult tie – or one with any more historical connotations. Guiseley are currently the form team of the Conference, having gone unbeaten since November, and embarked on a fine run of form that sees them installed as favourites for promotion. Given their rise over recent years, the team are well on course for elevation to Football League status within the next few years, a rise which owes a great deal to their manager, former Colls supremo, Steve Kittrick.

Kittrick returns to his former stamping ground with his new charges flying, and their leading goalscorer James Walshaw being rewarded for some fine performances by a call-up to the England C squad for the forthcoming International Challenge Trophy Semi-Final against Belgium next week.

With Pontefract also in fine form – on a run of 14 league games without defeat – the game should be a real contest. However, Guiseley have the advantage of match sharpness, having played eight games since New Year’s Day while their hosts have enjoyed a single game – last week’s league draw against Louth.

However, manager Simon Houghton is determined that his team look for no excuses. “They looked sharp against Louth, and have benefited from some sharp training sessions, so there are no reasons why we can’t turn in a good performance.” With Halifax lying in wait as potential semi-final opponents for the winners – not to mention the prospect of a first ever County Cup trophy for the Pontefract side – there can be no doubts that tonight’s game should be competitive.

The game kicks off at The White Rose Stadium at 7:45pm. It should be a cracker!