Harrogate Town (A) Dec 21st, 3pm

Match Centre 24/25
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"The two armies met up in Yorkshire,
Both leaders the same tactics tried;
To each soldier they gave a big standard to wave,
In hopes they’d impress t’other side".

(Marriott Edgar)

Well, it’s been quite some time since we were able to say “We’re 4 points clear at the top, so even if we lose we will still be top”. This team hasn’t lost an away League 2 game since 7th September though (M K Dons 1-0), and Harrogate Town’s position and current form doesn’t indicate that we will come a cropper - but as with all football matches, you never know, do you?

Harrogate Town are still very much the newcomers in Football League terms, only gaining entrance in 2020 by overcoming Notts County 3-1 in the non-league play-off final. Since then they’ve maintained a solid if unspectacular showing in League 2 - they did manage a “first” in April 2021, their home game against Port Vale being officiated by a woman referee.

In Harrogate’s current squad there are two goalkeepers - nothing unusual in that, except that both of them have Walsall connections. Mark Oxley (squad number 1) was loaned to us in 2009 by Hull City but didn’t actually play in our colours, and James Belshaw (squad number 31) was on our books as a youth player but turned down a one-year contract in favour of trying his luck on the other side of the pond.

Harrogate’s current form in League 2 is a bit hit-and-miss…

November 9th Morecambe (H) Lost 1-2
November 16th Chesterfield (H) Won 2-1
November 23rd Gillingham (A) Won 1-2
December 3rd Salford City (A) Lost 2-0
December 7th AFC Wimbledon (H) Lost 0-3
December 14th Tranmere Rovers (A) Lost 2-1

The only other unusual feature of Harrogate Town is that their Chairman (Irving Weaver) and Manager (Simon Weaver) are father and son, which could make for some memorable Saturday evening conversations…

Prediction? This game could be more tricky than it would appear on the surface, and I’d be happy with a point. We will be without Jamille Matt (suspended) and George Hall (injured), so it’s possible that Albert Adomah could be pressed into service up front, which isn’t always ideal. Harrogate have only scored 17 goals in their 20 League 2 games, so perhaps 1-1 ?

UTS

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Thanks for the review and I agree with your view that a 1-1 is most likely.

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I think all games are “tricky fixtures”, more so if it is against a team in the bottom half of the league because of the way they set themselves up. However, this is one we should be looking to get 3 points from to maintain our promotion push. We are without Jamma but that gives us the opportunity to set up differently and if we can keep another clean sheet that might be the deciding factor.

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2-1 to the Saddlers.

Poor first half 0-0 at HT.

Blow them away early in the second half.

Concede a late goal just to make the finish a bit more interesting.

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A game I would most certainly of gone to if it hadn’t been so close to Christmas with the additional expense. Agreed very tricky game as they all are…. I would take a point now. I personally hope we see DJ given a run out alongside Lowe instead of putting Adomah up there.

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Happy with a point here …. 1-1 and a close game???

Even with a loss - we’re top for Xmas so I’m sure we’d all take that

UTS

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Am going.
Hope and expecting some pre Christmas cheer.
3.1 to the saddlers

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I’m not sure why so many think it is such a tough game and would settle for a draw.

All games are difficult and if we draw I wouldn’t be disappointed, but these have lost their last 3 and are some 19 points behind us having played a game more.

I honestly expect us to beat them and add another 3 points towards promotion.

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These have lost against Salford, Morecambe and Tranmere in the last month.

Should be relatively straight forward win.

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Now you’ve probably jinxed it. :rofl:
Although I was going to suggest another solid afternoon and a relatively straightforward 2-1 win. :dizzy:

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Confidence sky high in the camp, although not a disaster to come away still unbeaten, 3 points is what we are after to keep this promotion band wagon rolling along.

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3-0 Walsall. Goals from Harry Williams, Jamie jellis and the Ginger Prince.

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How does the ginger prince score sitting on his arse in the dugout?

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I would be very disappointed if we didn’t come home with anything less than 3 points.
We couldn’t beat the clubs we should have beaten in previous seasons, but this Walsall side is one to be feared and a joy to watch (I’ve not been able to say that for any years).
I do hope DJ gets a run out with Lowe, he’s much more useful up front than Adomah is imho.
The lads have had a good rest and should be well up for it.
UTS

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The Exercise Stadium is never an easy place to go, I’d be delighted with a point to keep the good run going but am hopeful that this team will continue to excel themselves and come home with the perfect Christmas Present of 3 more points in our relentless quest for L2 glory.

For those Saddlers attending some useful info below:

Away fans are housed on the Wetherby Road side of the ground, in the Envirovent Stand. This stand is a covered terrace, that runs for around two-thirds of the length of the pitch. It is comprised of six steps and its low roof means that away can make themselves heard, even at half full the sound made by away spectators can be deafening, it may be worth wearing some ear defenders for those of faint heart. The impressive stand has a capacity of 700. On one side of this stand is a small covered seated stand that comprises 150 seats, which is also given to away fans. On the other side of the Envirovent Stand towards the home end is an open standing area. Although these covered areas are free of supporting pillars, there are the bases of floodlight pylons present.

One of the highlights of visiting the Exercise Stadium is the catering which is provided by a local company called Burgers & More. Not only do they offer several gourmet burgers (£7-£8.50) and premium pies (£3), but also a tasty Beef Stew (£7) and the intriguingly named Wellington Burger (£5). The latter is more of a pastry which has a filling of beef, blue cheese, garlic mushrooms and red wine gravy in the shape of a wellington boot. Certainly, a cut above catering at most grounds and that includes the mighty Premier League! Other snacks such as popcorn (£4), revels (£3.50) and nuts (£3) are available.

There is a Clubhouse bar inside the ground called the ‘Nineteen Nineteen Bar’ (1919 is the ingenious name as it was the year that the Club was founded). However where matches are segregated, which seems to be most matches nowadays, then it does not allow in visiting fans unless they promise to be well behaved. Otherwise, the nearest pub is the Woodlands, which is a short distance back down the A661 Wetherby Road, heading away from town. A quite superb pub with hand pulls, ample seating and a lively atmosphere. About a ten minute walk in the opposite direction along the Wetherby Road (heading towards the town centre and just set back from the roundabout is the Empress which also offers food options on demand.

It’s a very pleasant 15-20 minute walk from Harrogate Railway Station to the ground. Exit the station on the East side (trains towards Leeds), go up a slight incline and turn right onto the main road. Cross this road at the pelican crossing and continue due South/South West before veering in an easterly direction. Turn left sharply at the roundabout into Station Avenue. Continue straight up this road crossing over at some point, until you come to a grassed area (please note in inclement weather conditions during winter this area may not necessarily be grass or indeed green). Cross the A6040 at the pelican crossing and then turn left, passing public conveniences on your right. Take the diagonal footpath across the park which is called “The Stray or Two Hundred Acre.” Turn right along Wetherby Road and the ground is on the left after about 400 yards passing the hospital on the left. It’s a busy road so it should be urged to use the pelican crossing. Supporters of an away persuasion are also strongly advised to cover up all any colours between the station and the arena out of an abundance of caution.

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We are not used to being at the top of the table. Whoever we play will raise their game and try to knock us off our perch. We certainly did that to teams last season. When you are top, all games are difficult.

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Are there any places in your opinion that ARE an easy place to go? (other than Vale Park) :laughing:

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The Undercroft?

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Really want DJ to start.

But then I wanted that last season and all through this season too. Jamma and Lowe have been good though and I’m not complaining. Just not holding my breath for DJ starting as I think Sadler will find a way to leave him out. Adomah is not a forward though I love him as a player.

Before the season started I thought it would be Harrogate and Morecambe in the bottom 2. They’re on a bad run and the last time we lost away was early September - so all set up for a shock Harrogate win then?!

In seriousness I love this team and I’m really starting to believe. 2 - 0 to the Saddlers.

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Yes and if he has done all Sadler asked of him, it doesn’t seem very fair.

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