Bromley v Harrogate Town: Simon Weaver insists that players must raise their game once more

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver stressed that his players cannot afford an FA Cup hangover when they visit National League leaders Bromley on Saturday.
Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver. Picture: Matt KirkhamHarrogate Town manager Simon Weaver. Picture: Matt Kirkham
Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver. Picture: Matt Kirkham

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver stressed that his players cannot afford an FA Cup hangover when they visit National League leaders Bromley on Saturday.

The Wetherby Road outfit put plenty into Monday’s first-round proper defeat to League One Portsmouth and will need to repeat that level of performance if they are to take anything from their clash with the top-of-the-table Ravens.

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“There should be no regrets about Monday night, so on Saturday, let’s get right on it,” Weaver said.

“It’s a big challenge against Bromley, a good team with powerful players and we’ve got to get the adrenaline pumped back in there because the danger is that people go flat.

“It’s not just about a one-off game, it’s about consistency and we’ve been consistent in 11 out of the last 12 games, winning seven and drawing three. That gives me great belief that we can go again and keep getting better.”

Bromley lead the way in the National League having won 10 of their opening 20 fixtures, though they have taken just four points from the last 12 on offer.

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Town were unbeaten in 10 matches (seven wins, three draws) prior to a 4-2 loss to Eastleigh in their previous league outing, however Monday's 2-1 FA Cup first-round reverse at home to Portsmouth means they head into Saturday's contest on the back of successive defeats.

Last season, only a goalkeeping masterclass from James Belshaw saved Harrogate from a heavy defeat at the Ravens' Hayes Lane home, Dominic Knowles' second-half strike eventually earning his side a 1-1 draw.

The previous meeting between the teams came in early March when Jack Muldoon's 93rd-minute penalty saw Town snatch a 1-0 victory and all three points.