FA Trophy: Supporters rally call by Harrogate Railway boss Billy Miller

Billy Miller promised ”hours of entertainment” for the local community in a bid to entice supporters down to Station View and watch his Harrogate Railway side.

Miller issued a rallying cry for supporters to back his side ahead of Tuesday night’s pulsating 1-1 draw at home to Bamber Bridge.

And the Railway manager reiterated his call for the community to start backing the club in their droves with former FA Vase winners Spennymoor Town lying await on Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After Tuesday’s draw, Miller said: “It was great entertainment.

“I just urge people to come and just have a look. You will see a decent game of football, a committed game of football from a great set of lads.

“A lot of these lads are local lads, and they deserve a little bit of support from the local community. I’m sure they will provide hours and hours of entertainment.”

Lawrence Hunter’s cool injury-time finish against Bamber (report page 84) ensured Railway would head into the Spennymoor tie brimming with confidence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Saturday’s visitors have the second tightest defence in Evo-Stik First Division North, having conceded only eight goals in 11 league clashes this term.

However, with his side’s reputation for goals, having scored 25 and conceded 
37 in their 12 games so far, Railway’s boss expected another goal-fest.

The gaffer has, however, now prioritised shoring up his back four, knowing that forwards Nathan Cartman, Adam Baker, Rob Youhill and Adam Baker have attacking talent in abundance.

Ten-goal Cartman became Rail’s first contracted player last week as the club continue to stave off potential suitors for their prize property.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Spennymoor won the FA Vase at Wembley in 2013 when they were a Northern League side, and they have hit the ground running in the Evo-Stik league this season.

The Northerners, who have been managed by Jason Ainsley for nine years, have won their last four league matches and scored on average more than two goals per game.

The FA Trophy presents Railway with another chance to earn much-needed cash, and the manager Miller recognised the importance of the competition.

He said: “There’s money involved so financially for the club you have to go out and have a go. The God’s of the draw have done us a massive favour. The best thing out of Saturday is that we are at home.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We will give it a go. We know that Spennymoor will be a really decent team and they are through to the final qualifying rounds of the FA Cup.

“But it’s football, anything can happen, and we will have a bloody good go at them.”