Harrogate Town v Crawley Town – Sulphurites in safe hands with Joe Cracknell and Jamie Belshaw

SCOTLAND hero David Marshall is not the only former Hull City goalkeeper who can reflect on a special moment this week.
SAFE HANDS: Harrogate Town goalkeeper Joe Cracknell, pictured during the Carabao Cup clash against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in September. Picture: Andrew Couldridge - Pool/Getty Images.SAFE HANDS: Harrogate Town goalkeeper Joe Cracknell, pictured during the Carabao Cup clash against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in September. Picture: Andrew Couldridge - Pool/Getty Images.
SAFE HANDS: Harrogate Town goalkeeper Joe Cracknell, pictured during the Carabao Cup clash against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in September. Picture: Andrew Couldridge - Pool/Getty Images.

In the greater scheme of things, Harrogate Town custodian Joe Cracknell’s display against Hull on Tuesday was far less consequential than Marshall’s exploits in Belgrade on Thursday, where he helped the Tartan Army reach their first major finals since 1998 following a penalty shoot-out win in their Euro 2020 play-off against Serbia.

But it was something to savour all the same and added to Cracknell’s medley of memorable episodes so far this season.

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On the books of Hull for a number of years without ever making his debut, Cracknell produced an eye-catching performance against his hometown club before he was finally breached late on in an eventual 2-0 defeat in the Papa John’s Trophy.

RIVAL: Harrogate Town goalkeeper James Belshaw. Picture: Tim Goode/PARIVAL: Harrogate Town goalkeeper James Belshaw. Picture: Tim Goode/PA
RIVAL: Harrogate Town goalkeeper James Belshaw. Picture: Tim Goode/PA

Cracknell was also in between the posts for Harrogate’s sensational 4-0 opening-day win at Southend in their first ever match in the English Football League and part of the side who beat Tranmere Rovers on penalties in the EFL Cup in their maiden game as a league club.

He also played in the Sulphurites’ Cup tie at West Brom, but appearing against his boyhood club meant the world to him and his father who was watching remotely via iFollow.

Cracknell told The Yorkshire Post: “Being at Hull from the age of nine until 20, I never played a game.

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“I was well involved through the age groups and academy and it was good to see a few familiar faces among the staff on Tuesday.

SPECIAL NIGHT: Harrogate Town's Joe Cracknell warms up ahead of the EFL Trophy clash against his former club Hull City at the CNG Stadium on Tuesday night. Picture: George Wood/Getty ImagesSPECIAL NIGHT: Harrogate Town's Joe Cracknell warms up ahead of the EFL Trophy clash against his former club Hull City at the CNG Stadium on Tuesday night. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images
SPECIAL NIGHT: Harrogate Town's Joe Cracknell warms up ahead of the EFL Trophy clash against his former club Hull City at the CNG Stadium on Tuesday night. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images

“As a Hull fan, my dad used to take me a lot when I was younger and I was on the bench a handful of times, but never really got the opportunity and then I left when they were in the Premier League and were doing well at the time.

“I never really got the chance to play and moved on for the benefit of my career.

“It is a shame no fans were in as I think a few of my family would have wanted to come and watch the game.

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“My dad has his iFollow account set up and I got a few messages and they were all following the game.

“It was one for them to take interest in and my dad is quite kind to me when he watches games.

“He is shielding at the moment, so games like this will keep him upbeat and I am sure he enjoyed it.

“I made a few saves and took a few clatterings. It was good fun. That is what I am there to do and I put in a good performance, which I am pleased about,” he added.

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“It was another good test and they are near the top of League One and we showed we could cope with them for most of the game. I think we will be alright.”

Cracknell, 26, has shared goalkeeping duties this term with James Belshaw and it remains to be seen who gets the nod for today’s game, with the latter having recently been preferred for league matches.

There may be rivalry, but the pair are the best of enemies.

A close-knit bunch who are making the most of being part of something special, Harrogate may head into today’s game on the back of a run of three league de in their four winless outings.

But woe betide anyone who thinks they are on a downer after a stellar start to the season.

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Cracknell added: “Overall, it has been a good start and we took the momentum from the play-offs and kicked off great in League Two and the Cups and we have just to carry on.

“We have been on the crest of a wave and have just got to continue that.

“We are capable of good runs and it is about trying to get back to winning ways.

“We had tough spells before and it is about learning from your mistakes and coming out the other side of. We will take the positives from every game.”

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On his healthy competition with Belshaw, the East Yorkshireman said: “We get along really well. Bellers is a good lad and keeper. I started the season, but he then came in and we have been doing really well. Whoever gets the opportunity, we will do our best to give the best account of ourselves.

“We are a close-knit bunch and whoever plays, we have got to help those that do. You encourage the lads if you are not playing.

“That is what helps us – the staff as well – as everyone gets along. It drives us all to do better every day.”

Last six games: Harrogate LDLLWL; Crawley DWWLWW.

Referee: M Coy (Durham)

Last time: The teams have never played each other at the CNG Stadium.

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