James Belshaw thrilled to be back up to speed and playing his part for Harrogate Town once again

Having missed the opening six matches of Harrogate Town's maiden adventure in the Football League, James Belshaw is relishing being back on the field.
Harrogate Town goalkeeper James Belshaw. Pictures: Matt KirkhamHarrogate Town goalkeeper James Belshaw. Pictures: Matt Kirkham
Harrogate Town goalkeeper James Belshaw. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

The 30-year-old goalkeeper injured a thumb during pre-season training and was forced to watch on from the sidelines as his team-mates made a fast start to life as an EFL club.

He has however started between the sticks in each of Town's previous four fixtures, helping them to three consecutive victories and recording back-to-back clean-sheets.

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"It's fantastic to be back playing a part. Like I've said before, I was devastated to miss the first couple of weeks of the season," Belshaw told the Harrogate Advertiser.

James Belshaw followed up his clean-sheet at Bradford City with another one against Barrow.James Belshaw followed up his clean-sheet at Bradford City with another one against Barrow.
James Belshaw followed up his clean-sheet at Bradford City with another one against Barrow.

"There was a lot of hype around the club after promotion, so it was hard not being a part of it and having to watch on from the sidelines, it was difficult, but now I'm back in and I'm playing.

"It probably took me a game and half to get back to where I want to be but now I feel sharp, I feel solid, I feel like my decision-making has been good.

"In the last couple of games I've probably only had four or five saves to make, so it's not like I'm being tested that much because the lads in front have been nice and organised, nice and solid.

"We've had two very pleasing performances."

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While match-fitness is not usually an issue for goalkeepers when they return to action following a spell out of the side, Belshaw revealed that it has taken him some time to get up to speed following his re-call at the start of the month.

"It's different to an outfield player coming back in, for them it's more the match-fitness and getting around the pitch, whereas for me it's more your match-sharpness, which you can't get in training," the ex-Walsall custodian added.

"You can make the saves in training, you can work your hands, but you can't replicate that decision-making, that match-day pressure, or one-on-one situation, so it's kind of about getting back into it with your timings.

"It's the kind of things that you can only really get back through playing games. I've played four games, so it's just about trying to continue to improve."

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