Harrogate Town v Bolton Wanderers - Simon Weaver’s message for recharged players

The Sulphurites’ players were given the opportunity to recharge their batteries this week following a gruelling start to life in the EFL that saw them play seven times in the space of  just 22 days.

Harrogate looked noticeably weary during the latter stages of recent Saturday fixtures against Walsall and Port Vale, and, as a result, were unable to assert themselves on the game in the way that their manager would have liked.

Weaver is however hopeful that three days off will have left his charges feeling refreshed and enable them to get back to something approaching their best for the visit of the Trotters.

“The batteries were definitely running low and it takes a lot of energy – both with and without the ball – for us to play the way we want to,” he said.

“We need to show more energy in possession than we did last Saturday. When we’re putting moves together of five to 10 passes we always create openings, so we have to stay true to ourselves.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in end-to-end basketball-style affairs. We’ve got to be good enough to draw breath and come out of that, keep the ball and try to take control.

“That is us at our best and I know that we are good enough to do this. This what we have to do to win games.”

Meanwhile, unbeaten Town could welcome first-choice goalkeeper James Belshaw back from injury for their clash with Bolton, who have lost all three of their League Two fixtures to date.

“Belly has looked exceptional in training this week,” Weaver added. “He’s handling the ball far more confidently now.”

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James Mitchinson