Harrogate Town v Newport County - Keep calm and carry on is Simon Weaver’s call

Two points from a possible 12 in 2021 is no disaster for Harrogate Town with the Sulphurites still on track to achieve their sole aim – survival.
Back in the frame: Will Smith. Picture: Getty ImagesBack in the frame: Will Smith. Picture: Getty Images
Back in the frame: Will Smith. Picture: Getty Images

They kicked off their first season in the Football League in sparkling fashion, moving into the play-off places after eight matches.

Since then, Simon Weaver’s side have slowly fallen down the table and their 3-2 defeat at Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday saw them drop another two places on the ladder to 20th.

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However, Weaver is not concerned by the recent dip with Harrogate looking a good bet to extend their stay in League Two.

After a run of four games without a win, their task does not get any easier as they welcome high-flying Newport County to Wetherby Road.

The visitors are just two points off the top of the table, having played fewer games than all of the sides above them.

Harrogate are six points clear of the relegation places with a game in hand and Weaver has called for calm as the Sulphurites seek a return to winning ways.

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“Between the boxes we have got a lot more energy and purpose about us,” said Weaver.

“As long as we don’t chop and change too much, the players have got a platform to work from.

“With that energy and desire we believe we have enough quality to be okay. We have got to be prepared to stay calm. We know where we are in the table and we have got to build a gap between the bottom two and us.

“We have got to be realistic. First year, our aim is to stay up.

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“We have got to keep building confidence within the group and improve enough to stay up.”

Harrogate could be bolstered by the return of defender Will Smith against County, with the centre-back sidelined since November.

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