Harrogate Town v Hartlepool United
Buildbase FA Trophy First Round
Saturday 14th December 2019, 3pm
The CNG Stadium
In Opposition
Harrogate Town have once again emerged as play-off contenders this season and lie sixth in the National League table ahead of this weekend's FA Trophy encounter with Pools.
Simon Weaver's men impressed on their debut in the fifth
tier last term, although they were knocked out of the play-offs by Dave Challinor's
AFC Fylde.However, the North Yorkshire outfit are determined to show
that last year's success was no fluke and they're up there once again on the
back of a strong first half to the campaign.Town have struggled for their usual consistency in recent
weeks though and their 2-1 triumph over Torquay United last weekend was only
their second win in the last seven outings in all competitions.One To Watch
Brendan Kiernan has hit the ground running with Harrogate Town since joining the club during the summer following a season with Welling.
The midfield star has been a starter in all but two of their
National League outings to date and has rewarded boss Simon Weaver with an
impressive return of seven goals.If he can keep on producing a regular supply from midfield,
then the former AFC Wimbledon youngster could be one of the key components in
Town's fight for promotion.Head To Head
This weekend's game will be only the third competitive meeting between the two sides who shared a division for the first time last season.
Town enjoyed the upper hand during 2018/19 following up
their 2-2 draw at The Vic in the opening month of the season with a comfortable
3-1 success in front of the BT Sport cameras in January.Last Meeting
Harrogate Town 3 Pools 1
Saturday 19th January 2019
Harrogate Town: Belshaw, Fallowfield, Howe, Kitching, Falkingham, Burrell, Thomson, Emmett (Knowles 81), Kerry, Beck (Williams 89), Muldoon (Woods 79).
Subs not used: Cracknell, Leesley.
Pools: Loach, Richardson, Raynes, Magnay (Anderson 46), Kitching, Featherstone (Kioso 59), Donaldson, Molyneux, James (Hawkes 62), Kabamba, Cassidy.
Subs not used: Amos, Muir.
Live Commentary
You can join Mark Simpson for full live online commentary of Saturday's game completely FREE here on the Official Website.
Mark will be on-air from The CNG Stadium from 2.50pm to setthe scene and then describe every step of the action as it unfolds.
Click here now to access the live online commentary.
Buying Tickets
Pools fans can buy their tickets in advance from The Vic until 3pm on Friday and then also from the turnstiles prior to kick-off at The CNG Stadium.
Click here for all the information you need on buying tickets for the match.
Competition Rules
Both sides can name up to five substitutes in FA Trophy ties.
The two clubs have agreed that Saturday's tie will be
settled on the day without the need for a replay – extra-time and penalties
will be in operation if required.Betting Odds
Harrogate Town 24/25
Pools 23/10
Draw 22/9
Click here for a full list of markets and odds ahead of Saturday's game.