Doncaster Rovers loanee did as expected with crucial Harrogate Town performance, says Simon Weaver

The 21-year-old centre-back is on a season-long loan from Doncaster.

He impressed greatly in the first half of the season, only to pick up a hamstring injury in November which kept him out until February.

By the time he came back, Harrogate had completely revamped their team and especially their defence in an attempt to avoid relegation from the Football League, but he made his first start since in Saturday's dramatic 1-0 win at home to Colchester United.

"I was impressed and I expected him to do the job he did," said Harrogate manager Weaver.

"He didn't over-achieve for his personality or traits on the pitch but he was outstanding.

"He stood out for his old-school qualities, really, for want of a better phrase – the first ball being won, the aggression, the pace across the ground affecting the ball in both boxes."

Now Faulkner must have a great chance of playing in the final two matches of the campaign as the Sulphurites look to dodge a relegation which has looked on the cards for much of the season.

Even after Saturday they remain bottom of the table, but victory at Walsall this weekend could take them above Barrow and Newport County, who meet at Holker Street on the final day of the season.

Barrow, above Harrogate on goal difference, are at a Cambridge United side looking to close out automatic promotion on Saturday. Newport, a point above, host Oldham Athletic. Crawley Town, a point further on with a superior goal difference, are at Accrington Stanley.

Harrogate finish their season at home to Barnet.

Centre-forward Mason Bennett will not feature in the final two games after coming off injured against Colchester.

"It's too severe for him to play again this season, which is a blow," said Weaver.

"I thought he played well, it was his best performance so far for the club so he'll be a loss."