Bolton Wanderers v Harrogate Town: 'Perfect chance' for Sulphurites to make a point

The Sulphurites visit the division's highest-profile club looking to end a run of five matches without a win, but presented with the opportunity to demonstrate what they are capable of against one of the bookies' favourites for automatic promotion.

“It’s a massive club and a great game for these lads to go and play in what is a fantastic stadium," Town's assistant manager said.

“But we’re in the same league as them. They’re a massive club at this level but they are where they are for a reason.

“They’re flying high, in really good form and looking for automatic promotion, so if you want a test, if you want to go and show what you are all about then this is the perfect chance.

Thirlwell and boss Simon Weaver know all about Bolton manager Ian Evatt having gone head-to-head with the ex-Barrow chief during last season's National League title-race.

“It’s always good value on the touch line, I’m sure there’ll be some heated moments, he [Evatt} is a passionate guy," Thirlwell added.

“But he’s done ever so well and I’m sure our club is heading in the right direction as well, albeit you probably wouldn’t have said that Harrogate Town and Bolton Wanderers would have been playing each other in many Football League games, but we are where we are.

“We’ll let the players get some rest this week, we’ll build them up again and then they’ll have to come out and give a good account of themselves.”