Harrogate Town boss to shuffle his pack for FA Trophy clash at Darlington

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver has revealed that he will make changes to his starting line for Saturday's FA Trophy tie at Darlington.
George Thomson in action during Harrogate Town's FA Trophy victory at Darlington in November 2017. Picture: Matt KirkhamGeorge Thomson in action during Harrogate Town's FA Trophy victory at Darlington in November 2017. Picture: Matt Kirkham
George Thomson in action during Harrogate Town's FA Trophy victory at Darlington in November 2017. Picture: Matt Kirkham

The same XI has begun each of the Wetherby Road outfit's last four matches, however a number of the players who have found themselves sidelined in recent weeks are set to return at Blackwell Meadows.

"It's about trying to strike the right balance," Weaver said.

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"We've won four on the spin and the same team has started each of those matches, but there are a few players who need a game.

"These are first-team players we are talking about and they need minutes.

"This is their chance to prove a point. This is their opportunity to show me that they should be starting games. It is up to them to take it.

"If we were to rest everyone then obviously we'd be weaker for it, and this is a game that we want to win, against tough opposition who will be flying after their result against Solihull Moors."

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Darlington, of National League North, beat higher-division Solihull 1-0 on Wednesday night to set up Saturday's showdown with Town.

And, having taken in that game, Weaver is of the opinion that the Quakers were good value for their win.

"They fully deserved it," he added.

"Solihull played a very strong team. The core of their strongest side was there and I thought a goal was coming during the first 15-20 minutes.

"But after that, the game settled down and Darlington passed it well. To be fair, I felt that their goal was coming for a while before they actually got it.

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"They looked a strong outfit and they'll be boosted by this result and have a big, vocal crowd behind them on Saturday.

"We are pleased that Darlington won Wednesday's game because it's more local for us and sets up a bit of a derby, but we know it's going to be very difficult.

"We're looking forward to it though."

New Town arrival Owen Gallacher, who joined on loan from Nottingham Forest on Friday, is available to play in Saturday's fixture, which kicks off at 3pm.

Weaver and his men have recent FA Trophy history with Darlington, having won a third qualifying round clash at Blackwell Meadows 3-2 in November 2017.