Harrogate Town new boys Josh McPake, Mitchell Roberts and Josh McPake thrown in at the deep-end at Cambridge United

Harrogate Town Manager Simon Weaver wasn't planning on throwing three of his five new January signings in at the deep end against Cambridge United.
Harrogate Town striker Josh March holds off Cambridge United's Harry Darling. Pictures: Matt KikrhamHarrogate Town striker Josh March holds off Cambridge United's Harry Darling. Pictures: Matt Kikrham
Harrogate Town striker Josh March holds off Cambridge United's Harry Darling. Pictures: Matt Kikrham

But, the Sulphurites chief was left with a decision to make when a trio of key players tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of Saturday's League Two clash at the Abbey Stadium.

With right-back Ryan Fallowfield, winger Brendan Kiernan and striker Aaron Martin all ruled out having started the club's past six matches, Weaver opted to replace them with recently-arrived loan signings Mitchell Roberts, Josh McPake and Josh March.

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And, despite seeing his team surrender a first-half lead handed to them by Jack Muldoon's 10th-minute opener on their way to a 2-1 defeat to the high-flyers, the Harrogate boss felt that his new recruits made a positive impression.

Glasgow Rangers prospect Josh McPake brings the ball under his spell during his Harrogate Town debut.Glasgow Rangers prospect Josh McPake brings the ball under his spell during his Harrogate Town debut.
Glasgow Rangers prospect Josh McPake brings the ball under his spell during his Harrogate Town debut.

"It's not easy for them to all make their debuts together," Weaver said.

"They all started well. Josh McPake hadn't even managed to train with us because he had problems getting down [from Scotland] because of the weather up north, but he got thrown straight in because Brendan Kiernan has Covid-19.

"I was disappointed for Mitchell to come off with a hamstring injury because he made a really strong start at left-back and the balance [of the team] looked good.

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"Josh March combined well with Jack Muldoon up front, ran endlessly and was unfortunate that the team lost a bit of confidence on the ball and stopped posing real problems for Cambridge when we had possession of the ball, so he wasn't threaded through.

Birmingham City loanee Mitchell Roberts warming-up at the Abbey Stadium.Birmingham City loanee Mitchell Roberts warming-up at the Abbey Stadium.
Birmingham City loanee Mitchell Roberts warming-up at the Abbey Stadium.

"He started really lively and he's a bright footballer. It was a good nod-on [to set up Muldoon's goal] and he ran the channels well, and when he could, he held the ball up well."

Defender Jay Williams also made his Town debut, replacing hamstring victim Roberts on 54 minutes and playing at right-back, while the fifth of Town's transfer window recruits, William Hondermarck, appeared from the bench during the closing stages.

Weaver has been open about the fact that he signed all five players with the intention of them coming in and challenging for places in his starting XI straight away, though preparation for Saturday's fixture didn't exactly go to plan.

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"It's been a frustrating week off the pitch in some respects," he added.

"We've only been able to train a couple of times because of the positive Covid test results and then the weather. It's been a bit stop-start week and it's difficult to integrate new players at the same time.

"But, we have to look at the positives of how well we started against a team at the top end of the league and we will be stronger as a team for them being in our squad without a doubt."

Town return to action on Tuesday evening when they entertain League Two leaders Carlisle United at the EnviroVent Stadium, 7pm kick-off.