Harrogate Town v Eastleigh: Simon Weaver uses midweek respite to work on killer instinct
Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver has previewed his side’s meeting with Eastleigh
There is no international break for Harrogate Town - but a brief let-up in their schedule has proven valuable for manager Simon Weaver.
The Sulphurites have suffered back-to-back defeats in the National League, losing 2-1 to AFC Fylde and then 4-1 to Boreham Wood.
International call-ups are not particularly common in England’s fifth tier yet the absence of a Tuesday night fixture on the calendar has allowed for some wound-licking. Perhaps most crucially, it has allowed Harrogate to work on finishing teams off.
Harrogate Town make use of schedule break
“I think it's a timely week really for us to have good training sessions,” said Weaver. “One was at the ground with the sun out, it was helpful for us on Tuesday.
“Just to look at the shape, how we could be better, how we could benefit more from the good play from tee to green and put teams to bed when we are on top, and just to mention also that the fundamentals, we can never be tired of nailing them as a team.
“But in terms of the games coming up, they're coming up thick and fast again and it's been a great time just to pause, reflect and move on. Now we can do with some good fixtures coming up.”
Eastleigh test and potential rotation
Eastleigh, fresh from a 1-0 victory over Carlisle United, could prove to be tricky customers.
“We know that looking at their games, they set up in a really organised fashion and try and break people down,” said Weaver. “By no means will it be easy.”
There could be rotation in the Harrogate ranks after a hectic start to the season, with Weaver open to the idea of giving opportunities to fringe figures.
“They're training ever so well and we want everyone to feel valued,” he said. “So [I am] certainly looking at that and keeping it fresh.
“I's the balance, isn't it? There's some players who have played really well and they'll be devastated after a week without a game not to be playing again. But all lines of communication will be open, just telling players why they may be playing, why they may not be.”