Harrogate Town aim to extend their winning run to four matches when they host AFC Hornchurch at Wetherby Road this Saturday. The Sulphurites are second in the National League with 25 points from 12 games, seven points behind leaders Boreham Wood.
Manager Simon Weaver wants his team to build on the momentum from recent victories over Hartlepool United and Eastleigh. "That's what we're hoping for," Weaver said. "Last Saturday was a fantastic day and very entertaining." He stressed the importance of a passionate performance to maintain the feel-good factor among supporters.
Opposition challenge
Hornchurch, promoted via the National League South play-offs, have made a solid start to life in the fifth tier and sit 10th. They won four of their opening five matches, including away victories at Barrow and Boston. However, their form has dipped on the road recently, losing their last three away fixtures to Halifax, Worthing and Altrincham without scoring. Weaver described them as a physical team that mixes up their play. "They can be potent in front of goal and dangerous from set-plays, so we will have to be very well organised," he added.
Squad updates
Harrogate have several players returning to contention. Defender Lewis Payne, midfielder Ben Fox and forward Rohan Vaughan are all available after returning to full training. They will bolster a squad missing key figures. Centre-half Tom Lees remains out with a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Rory Watson and midfielders Bryn Morris and Brayden Johnson are also sidelined. Forward Shawn McCoulsky continues his recovery.
The team's strong home form has been a feature this season, with 17 goals scored in six games at Wetherby Road. Their recent fixtures show a 3-0 win over Hornchurch just days ago, with goals from Williams, McGowan and Cass. After this match, Harrogate travel to face 15th-placed Woking on 10 October.
The original report is at Yorkshire Post
