Harrogate Town v Grimsby Town: Saturday’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round preview

Grimsby Town and Harrogate Town will come to blows in a highly-anticipated FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie on Saturday afternoon.
Harrogate Town's Dominic Knowles is likely to play a key role for Town Picture : Adrian Murray.  (1508152AM2)Harrogate Town's Dominic Knowles is likely to play a key role for Town Picture : Adrian Murray.  (1508152AM2)
Harrogate Town's Dominic Knowles is likely to play a key role for Town Picture : Adrian Murray. (1508152AM2)

Town are bidding to reach the first round proper for the second time in four years, but Simon Weaver’s men could not have been given a tougher assignment against a team flying high in Vanarama National Premier.

Around 2,000 spectators are anticipated at the CNG Stadium with the visitors already announcing sales of more than 700 tickets to travelling supporters.

FORM GUIDE

Simon WeaverSimon Weaver
Simon Weaver

HARROGATE TOWN

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Town have made seamless progress in the FA Cup so far this campaign. A single goal win over Workington in the second qualifying round was followed by a comfortable 3-0 win over Evo-Stik First Division North side Burscough.

Simon Weaver’s men are now unbeaten in their last four matches, having only conceded once since defender Danny Ellis returned from injury.

Town have been on the right side of ten of their 15 matches in all competitions this season, leading them up to third in Vanarama National North.

Brendon Daniels swept home the opening goal but Grimsby hit backBrendon Daniels swept home the opening goal but Grimsby hit back
Brendon Daniels swept home the opening goal but Grimsby hit back

Weaver can call on a full bill of health amongst his squad for the encounter, with key man Brendon Daniels recovering from a knock which required treatment during last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Lowestoft Town.

Last five results:

Lowestoft Town (A) 2-1 W

Burscough (H) 3-0 W (FA Cup)

1,920 spectators packed into the CNG Stadium1,920 spectators packed into the CNG Stadium
1,920 spectators packed into the CNG Stadium

Gloucester City (A) 1-0 W

Workington (A) 1-0 W

Nuneaton Town (H) 3-0 L

Top goalscorers: Brendon Daniels (10); Dominic Knowles (5)

Omar Bogle signed for Grimsby Town in the summerOmar Bogle signed for Grimsby Town in the summer
Omar Bogle signed for Grimsby Town in the summer

Key man: Brendon Daniels

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His sweet left foot has already bagged ten goals this season and his delivery from set-pieces will again be a feature in Saturday’s FA Cup contest. The former Tamworth and Crewe Alexandra man has pace to burn on the left flank, but can also cut inside and create angles to rifle the ball into the corner.

GRIMSBY TOWN

Last season’s Conference play-off losers are unbeaten in their last 11 matches and have risen up into the play-off places in the tier above Harrogate.

Paul Hurst’s men last tasted defeat 2-0 at home to Macclesfield on August Bank Holiday and have been on the end of a defeat only twice this campaign.

The Mariners record away from home stands at two wins, four draws and one defeat.

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The Lincolnshire side exited the competition in the first round proper last season, but have failed to make the first round twice since their relegation to the Conference National in 2010.

Last five results:

Torquay (A) 1-1 D

FC Halifax Town (H) 7-0 W

Braintree Town (A) 0-0 D

Gateshead (H) 2-1 W

Forest Green (H) 1-1 D

Top goalscorers: Omar Bogle, Padraig Amond (both 10); Nathan Arnold (4)

Key man: Omar Bogle

Harrogate Town fans will be fearful of striker Omar Bogle, who signed for Grimsby in the summer. The striker has scored several goals against Town for Solihull Moors in recent seasons, and topped Vanarama North’s scoring charts with 29 strikes last year.

He was on target in Grimsby’s 1-1 draw at Torquay last week, and earned an England C call up