Bradford City v Harrogate Town: Simon Weaver backing players to pass screen test

The Wetherby Road outfit’s League Two derby clash with the Bantams will be broadcast on Sky Sports, a factor that Weaver insists should only serve as extra motivation ahead of what is a first competitive meeting between the Yorkshire rivals.

“We’re really looking forward to the game, and the fact that it’s in front of the Sky cameras adds something extra,” the Harrogate chief said.

“The lads have had good experiences in front of the television cameras and they’ll just see this as an opportunity.

“They don’t come much bigger at this level of football, it was one of the first fixtures we were looking out for when they were released in the summer.

“It’s a huge stadium and a huge test. You just have to look at the quality and experience that Bradford have in their squad, but we can’t afford to go there starry-eyed.

“We have to make sure that we are right on it and we play our own game, because if we do that then we’re confident that we can get a result.”

Weaver’s confidence that the League Two newcomers can come away from Valley Parade with something if they are at their best is backed up by his side’s decent form since their promotion to the EFL.

They suffered a first-ever fourth-tier loss when they were edged out by Bolton last Saturday, but were unbeaten in three prior to that defeat having routed Southend on the opening day, then more than matched strong Walsall and Port Vale outfits.

Indeed, their hopes of turning over the Bantams will likely be boosted by the return of leading marksman Jack Muldoon from injury.

The ex-Lincoln City attacker has three goals to his name from just two league starts this term.

“He’s been a big miss, but he should be absolutely fine for Bradford,” Weaver added.

Kick-off at Valley Parade is at 7.45pm.