Harrogate (H)

March 12th 2021Noah Dougherty

A new opposition in Nailsworth...

Harrogate Town make their first trip to The innocent New Lawn tomorrow, the League Two new-boys facing off against FGR for only the second time in history.

Here is all you need to know ahead of the game:

What we said:

“Harrogate have always played with plenty of energy and desire,” explained Mark Cooper.

“Once you have that platform, with some quality on top, it gives you a very good opportunity to win games on a regular basis.

“We’re very aware of Harrogate and how good they are on the front foot. We know they’ll come after us on Saturday.

“They’ve been doing really well recently, and have put together some form. Josh March has helped them, which was always the plan, but unfortunately, he’s picked up an injury.”

What they said:

"Mark [Cooper] was my manager at Tamworth many moons ago. The team was struggling in the National League due to finances. We played a back three then and he still plays one now," said Harrogate boss Simon Weaver.

"Back then he wanted us to just head and kick it but that was probably because of the quality of players that he had. It’s a different proposition now with Forest Green, a side who like to get it down and play. They’re a squad full of talent.

"I think I’m lucky enough now to have enough warriors to go into battle against direct teams but also the energy to press hard against the likes of these talented teams who like to get it out from the keeper and play. I think you need both to be able to exist at this level and keep getting better."

Team news:

Dan Sweeney remains on the long-term road to recovery, while Nicky Cadden remains doubtful.

Key player: Jack Muldoon

The forward joined Town in June 2018 with plenty of National League experience having turned out for both AFC Fylde and Lincoln.

Muldoon enjoyed success at both clubs including promotion to the Football League with The Imps and scoring The Coasters Goal of the Season against Macclesfield during 2017/18.

Muldoon hit the ground running at Town, finishing top scorer in his first two seasons at the club and holds the honour of scoring our first EFL goal away at Southend and first EFL goal in Harrogate against Barrow.

Last time we met:

Jamille Matt's seventh League Two goal of the season made it an unhappy return for Harrogate fans to the EnviroVent Stadium as Forest Green edged a 1-0 victory.

The Forest Green forward secured the win in the 57th minute as Harrogate - welcoming supporters back in their ground for the first time since March - extended their run without a home victory to a fifth game in all competitions, matching the club's worst sequence since 2012.

Head-to-head:

The two sides have met on just one occasion, Jamille Matt's goal proving the difference at the EnviroVent Stadium.

Coverage:

This game will be available to watch live by subscribing HERE, or you can listen to the game with our audio service HERE, both abroad or in the UK.

Please contact fgrtv@streamamg.com if you have any issues with your FGR Live account.

Full commentary of Saturday’s match will also be available on BBC Radio Gloucestershire on 1413AM.

Stay up to date also on Twitter and Instagram by following @FGRFC_Official, which will have all of the team news before kick-off and updates throughout the game.

There will also be key updates and team news on Facebook. Round-up the clash by checking out the club website where there will be a full report looking back on the encounter.