Harrogate Town v Grimsby Town: Sulphurites looking to extend improved home run

Harrogate Town entertain struggling Grimsby Town on Saturday aiming to record a third consecutive victory at Wetherby Road having seemingly turned their woeful home form around.
Harrogate Town players celebrate taking the lead against Mansfield Town on Tuesday night. They went on to win that game 1-0. Pictures: Matt KirkhamHarrogate Town players celebrate taking the lead against Mansfield Town on Tuesday night. They went on to win that game 1-0. Pictures: Matt Kirkham
Harrogate Town players celebrate taking the lead against Mansfield Town on Tuesday night. They went on to win that game 1-0. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

Following a return of just six points from the 24 on offer in matches staged at the EnviroVent Stadium prior to January 30, the Sulphurites have now come out on top of three of the last four League Two fixtures they have hosted, seeing off Newport County, Carlisle United and, most recently, Mansfield Town.

Boss Simon Weaver is taking absolutely nothing for granted ahead of this weekend’s showdown with a Mariners outfit who are fighting for their lives at the foot of the table, but he says that his players are now approaching games in their own back yard in a more confident frame of mind.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We needed to improve the home form, but it’s one thing saying that and another thing entirely actually doing it,” he told the Harrogate Advertiser.

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver.Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver.
Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver.

“Credit to the players for digging in and turning around what was becoming a bit of a problem. From the outside looking in, you’d probably think there was a mental issue at home, but there isn’t now. We are relishing every battle at home.

“Grimsby on Saturday will be another tough examination, they all are in League Two. But, we have just got to keep ploughing on, and if we can win four out of the next six like we just have then we’re nearly there in terms of our target [of survival].”

The Mariners head to North Yorkshire 23rd in the League Two standings having won just one of their last 10 matches.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But, that much-needed success did come against Crawley last time out.

“We know it’s going to be a hard game. Grimsby have just had a great win and anybody can beat anybody in this league,” Weaver added.

“They’ve got a great manager in Paul Hurst. He managed me 12 or 13 years ago. He’s a great guy and will be getting people on board.

“We just have to make sure that we are as intense as we were in the second half against Mansfield, do the ugly things right and wear the shirt with pride.”