Weaver predicts Ilkeston 'streetfight'
HARROGATE Town boss Simon Weaver is looking forward to pitting his wits against former side Ilkeston Town tomorrow when they make the trip north for their Blue Square North clash at the CNG Stadium (3pm ko).
The 31-year-old became a folk hero at the club when he scored a 94th minute extra time goal against Nantwich Town to win the UniBond Premier League play-off final last season.
He admits tomorrow will be an emotional occassion off the pitch but on it he expects his side to take no prisoners as they attempt to move off the bottom of the table with a welcome win.
Town come into the game on a four-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, something Weaver is hoping will hold them in good stead as they search for their first league win since September.
Saturday’s 3-2 FA Trophy victory at FC United of Manchester has left his side confident and hungry for action according to their boss but he knows they must start firing sooner rather than later.
“We know what to expect against them, it’s going to be a hard fought game, it’s going to be physical,” said Weaver.
“We’ll be in a streetfight. I’m pleased for Ilkeston the way they’ve started. When the fixtures came out at the start of the season I looked for this one straight away.
“I had two good spells at the club. The second was probably one of the happiest time of my career, I met some great people there and I’m sure there’ll be a few handshakes before.
“But we’ve got a job to do. We’re on a four-game unbeaten run now we’ve just got to keep it going, it’ll be important we maintain our performance from last Saturday.”
Weaver is hopeful to pick from a full strength team apart from goal-machine Rory Coleman who has returned to contracted club Scunthorpe United.
His departure will be a big blow to Weaver.
The left winger is Town’s leading scorer this season with seven in all competitions and is able to produce a goal or create a chance out of nothing.
“His 93 days loan was up after Tuesday and I have to thank him for all his efforts. What a player,” Weaver said.
“It’s a shame we can’t have him for longer, we’ve tried our best but there’s not much else we can do.”
Meanwhile Ollie Ryan- who picked up a nasty facial injury in Saturday’s Trophy win- should be in contention, as is Curtis Woodhouse who was boxing in Hull last week.
Weaver was full of praise for their battling Trophy win, in particular the way his side shot out of the blocks in the first half to lead 2-0 at the break through Craig James and Coleman’s delicious 30-yard chip.
Local boy Adam Nowakowski made it 3-0 early in the second half and despite a brace by Simon Carden they held on for the win (see page 39 for a full match report).
Town’s reward is another away tie at Blue Square Premier outfit Gateshead on December 12.
“For the first 60 minutes we were excellent,” he added.
“We fought like dogs.
“The lads showed some great fight and determination and that’s something we need to carry over to the league now.
“It’s a shame it’s another away draw.
“We’ve got Gateshead but without being too cocky I really think we can go there and get something out of the game.”
After their fine displays against United, Weaver has backed local lads Jon Maloney and Nowakowski to shine in their new found roles at the club.
Maloney was brought to the club at the start of the season as a striker but has switched to right back and proved an instant hit in his adopted position according to his boss.
Nowakowski meanwhile has played centre back, centre midfield and now centre forward with his enthusiam and energy a major asset.
He’s adapted to semi-professional football quickly after making an eye-watering step of five jumps up the pyramid from the West Yorkshire League
“Jon has a great attitude,” added Weaver.
“It’s just really good to see two local lads from Harrogate doing so well.
“They want the team to do well and they’re both committed to Harrogate.
“Adam I thought had an outstanding game when he came on on Saturday.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on the lad but I think he’s got a great future ahead of him.”
After tomorrow, Town are in West Riding County Cup action on Tuesday night, away at Wakefield for a 7.45pm kick-off.
andrew.groves@ypn.co.uk
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Weather for Harrogate
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
