Harrogate Town v Fleetwood: Simon Weaver's message to players as home goal drought extends to nearly 13 hours in league
TO say that Harrogate Town and Fleetwood head into Tuesday’s fixture in need of a boost is putting it mildly.
Both former non-league outfits are doing it very tough indeed.
Propping up the EFL pyramid, the Sulphurites cannot buy a league goal on home soil at the minute, let alone a win.
Simon Weaver's side have lost their last seven League Two fixtures at Wetherby Road without scoring a goal. They last found the net on October 5, with their drought extending to a colossal 769 minutes. Almost 13 hours.
You have to go even further to September 27 for their last league victory of any description, 17 games ago.
Not that managerless Fleetwood are faring too much better either at present, with ex-Halifax Town chief Pete Wild having paid the price for a poor run of form which has seen the Red Rose club lose six of their last seven fixtures in all competitions.
Despite his side's dire form, manager Weaver has stressed the importance to his players of not feeling sorry for themselves, ahead of a game when mentality will surely be key.
Urging his players not to take the safe option on the ball and be brave, the Town chief, without injured defender Anthony O'Connor, said: "That is what invites the animosity from the fans and I completely understand it and we have got to reverse it and be psychologists in there and make sure players are more positive and free themselves up.
“We've just got to go for it on Tuesday, try and be on the front foot and really positive and express ourselves. It's a mindset to be able to do that, but I firmly believe if we get that win, by hook or by crook, we give ourselves a chance of a recovery.”