Harrogate Town v Bolton Wanderers: Simon Weaver expects players to be 'flying' against the Trotters

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver. Pictures: Getty Images

The Sulphurites' players were given the opportunity to recharge their batteries this week following a gruelling start to life in the EFL which saw them play seven times in the space of just 22 days.

Town looked noticeably weary during the latter stages of recent Saturday fixtures against Walsall and Port Vale, though Weaver does not envisage this being the case this weekend when his team entertain opponents who were playing in the Premier League as recently as 2012.

“The lads definitely needed a rest. They looked jaded in the second half at Port Vale, so they’ve had Sunday, Monday and Wednesday off,” Weaver told the Harrogate Advertiser.

Bolton Wanderers have lost their opening three League Two matches of 2020/21.

“Those mid-week trips to West Brom and Notts County took their toll, but when the players came back in for our session on Tuesday they were absolutely flying - and that is how I expect them to be on Saturday.

“The Bolton game is a huge one for us. They’re a massive club, with history, a big fan-base and a fantastic stadium, but they haven’t had the best starts and they’ll be desperate to put that right this weekend.

“We can’t allow them to do that. We have to be on the front foot, making life difficult for them and all-energy with and without the ball.

“We’ve made a positive start to the season and we have to be relentless in trying to build on that. I know there is plenty more still to come.”

Bolton, relegated from League One last term but among the bookies’ early favourites for automatic promotion, have made a rather underwhelming start to 2020/21, losing all three of their League Two outings without scoring a single goal.

Weaver, however, will not be taking Saturday's opponents lightly, and expects a tough examination from the Trotters, who are now under the stewardship of Ian Evatt – manager of the Barrow side that pipped Town to last season’s National League title.

“They’ve not had the results, but they’ve still been playing well for periods in games,” the Harrogate boss added.

“They’ve changed their system a couple of times already, but we know that whatever happens, Ian Evatt will have them passing the ball, so we’ll need to rise to the challenge of trying to stop them.

“We’ll need to continue that solidarity we’ve shown at the back in recent weeks and be all-energy, both in and out of possession."

Saturday will see Town play their second 'home' fixture at their temporary base in Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm.