Following Tuesday night’s thrilling victory over Bradford City, Hartlepool United welcome Harrogate Town to the Vic looking for a further three points. The Sulphurites have been something of a bogey team for Pools in the past, but that will be put to the side after a solid start to the season for both sides.
The Opposition
Harrogate currently sit second in League Two, four points behind pace-setters Forest Green. Town have won three of their last five matches, including a 6-1 thrashing of Scunthorpe, a 2-0 win over Newcastle U23s in the Papa John’s Trophy, and a 2-1 victory at Oldham Athletic.
The most recognisable name in the Harrogate side is one of Pools’ stand-out players from last season, Luke Armstrong. On loan from Salford, Armstrong scored 15 goals for Dave Challinor’s side, including the opener in June’s promotion final. The striker is sure of a warm welcome at Victoria Park after the part he played in Pools’ promotion campaign.
The History
This will be just the sixth meeting in first-class competitions between the sides. Harrogate have won four of the previous meetings, with the sides drawing the other fixture. The last meeting between the sides was on New Year’s Day in 2020. A goal from veteran striker Jon Stead saw Harrogate run out 1-0 victors at Victoria Park.
Team News
Luke Molyneux and Gavan Holohan both played on Tuesday after their respective injuries, so both will hope to be involved again against Harrogate. Zaine Francis-Angol remains sidelined, and Gary Liddle isn’t being rushed back, in part thanks to the performances of Neill Byrne and Luke Hendrie.
Tyler Burey and Fela Olomola are also unavailable.
How to Follow
If you can't make it to The Vic on Saturday you can listen to full match commentary live on Pools iFollow with Special guest Adam Boyd by purchasing your audio pass below: