Harrogate Town v Bradford City: Alex Pattison a doubt for Sulphurites, but Josh Falkingham fit to return

Alex Pattison has scored two goals and set up two more for Harrogate Town in 2022/23. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

The 24-year-old picked up a knock in training on Tuesday and Sulphurites boss Simon Weaver admits that he isn’t sure whether he will recover in time to face the Bantams at Wetherby Road.

But, the good news for the Sulphurites is that captain Josh Falkingham is available once again, and is an option to take Pattison’s place in the engine room, should he not be fit enough.

Having returned from a six-month lay-off following surgery on his foot, the ex-Leeds United midfielder made two appearances in late August before straining a hamstring, then suffered a further setback when he took a blow to the knee in training last week.

Harrogate Town skipper Josh Falkingham in action against Newport County earlier this season.

"We’ve had a bit of a scare with Alex Pattison on Tuesday, so he’s a doubt now,” Weaver revealed.

"We’ll have to assess everyone again and get through Friday’s session.

"Josh Falkingham has played well in training again and looks the part.

"He’s a voice, and a senior one at that. He’s got good authority and he knows what it takes to win games and how to demand more of other players, so it’s good to have his character back.”

Weaver is not short of options in the centre of midfield, with Falkingham, Stephen Dooley, Josh Austerfield and George Horbury all available to fill the void Pattison will leave if he is not able to play.

Replacing the extra dimension that the former Middlesbrough and Wycombe Wanderers man brings in an attacking sense will however prove more difficult.

Town have scored just the six goals this season, with Pattison responsible for scoring two and creating two more, playing a starring role during both of their only two victories to date.

And, having failed to find the back of the net from open play in more than 10.5 hours of football, Harrogate need all the help they can get in the final third.

"We need to be more creative and potent,” Weaver added.

"It’s only a matter of time, as long as we are assertive and don’t go protective. With a derby at home against Bradford I expect us to go full-throttle.

"We’ll score some time soon, I’m sure, and I’m hopeful and confident that it will be on Saturday.”