Former Hartlepool United and Salford City striker Luke Armstrong shows plenty of promise on Harrogate Town debut
The 25-year-old striker, who joined the club from League Two rivals Salford City last month, did not feature in the Sulphurites' opening two pre-season friendlies, but was included from the start for Sunday's visit of Newcastle United Under-23s.
And Armstrong immediately looked at home at Wetherby Road, leading the line to good effect during his 62 minutes up top alongside Jack Muldoon.
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Hide AdHe competed well in the air, winning plenty of headers and providing a focal point for the Harrogate attack. He also got into some dangerous positions inside the Magpies' penalty area, and although he was unable to finish off a couple of inviting crosses, manager Simon Weaver was happy with what he saw.
"It was his first outing of pre-season and he brought a lot, didn't he," the Town boss told told the Harrogate Advertiser following his side's 2-1 success.
"Luke has both sides of the game. He's physically strong, he won the first ball a lot and shields it well, but he's got a good first touch too.
"He's an intelligent player with a lot of ability and he'll link the play. He is a mobile big man and there's not many of those about.
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Hide Ad"He'll be someone who gets on the end of things for us, without a doubt."
Armstrong joins Harrogate following a successful loan spell at Hartlepool United last term. He scored 14 times in the National League for Dave Challinor's team, including a crucial strike during their play-off final triumph over Torquay United.