Harrogate Town v Port Vale: Lloyd Kerry earns himself a recall

The 32-year-old midfielder was introduced at the interval following an opening 45 minutes where the Sulphurites were thoroughly second-best.

And, so influential was Kerry in the centre of the park, Harrogate manager Simon Weaver has already made up his mind to recall the ex-Sheffield United trainee to tackle the Valiants.

“We were miles off it in the first half, but second half, we were much better, the substitutes made a difference,” Weaver said following his side's 0-0 draw in the Midlands.

“Lloyd Kerry slapped himself on second balls, he snarled in the tackle and helped get us playing on the front foot. Josh [McPake] drove us up the pitch, drew defenders to him and created a few opportunities. There was an air of danger about us that we didn’t have in the first half.

“We’d said to the lads at half-time, ‘we can’t do that again, it can’t be another no-show’. The players had to find a way to make an impact in the game as individuals, and that is something that Lloyd does nine times out of 10.

“If I was Lloyd Kerry I would be thinking ‘I must be starting against Port Vale,’ and, actually, he will be starting.”

It took a goalkeeping masterclass from James Belshaw to earn Harrogate a share of the spoils at Walsall, and while he admits that his side were probably lucky to come away with something from that game, Weaver is hopeful that his players can build on both their bit of good fortune and their improved second-half showing.

“In a way it’s a good point. It was nice to get away with one for once and for the lads to think ‘we’re not just unlucky’,” he added.

“We’ve had a bit of fortune, our goalkeeper has been outstanding and the second half was a bit better, there’s something to build on at least.

“If we can go and win the game on Monday against a Port Vale side who are in great from and we end up with four points from two games then we can say it’s been a decent Easter.”

This afternoon’s clash with Vale will see Rebecca Welch become the first-ever female referee to officiate an EFL fixture from the start.

“I absolutely welcome it,” Weaver added.

"It is something that has probably taken too long to happen, to be honest.

"I think it is a good thing to see equality growing within the game. Both sexes should get the same opportunities.

"There shouldn't be any more pressure on our referee on Monday because she is female and any decisions she makes cannot be judged based on her sex."