Harrogate Town v Carlisle United: Returning Aaron Martin can make the difference for struggling Sulphurites

The 30-year-old striker was recalled from his loan spell at FC Halifax Town last week with the Sulphurites down to the bare bones due to an injury crisis.

With nine players sidelined for their trip to Northampton, Martin was named on the substitutes’ bench and replaced Jack Muldoon after 76 minutes for what was his sixth League Two appearance of the season.

He came close to netting a consolation goal with a late close-range effort and Weaver says that he has no doubt that his powerhouse frontman will make an impact when called upon.

“I don’t want to deny players out on loan game-time if they’re just coming back to us to start predominantly on the bench for us, however needs must,” the Harrogate boss said ahead of Saturday’s League Two clash with Carlisle United. 

“He had a few niggly injuries and slipped down the pecking order so we wanted him to be able to play regular football. But he’s still a player who we think a lot of.

“He’s got a bit of something about him hasn’t he. He’s quite old school as centre-forwards go. He’s a different proposition for defenders and causes problems.

“His work-rate and energy is very high, he always gets himself into goal-scoring positions, but it’s his strength and physicality which really make him an absolute nightmare for centre-halves.

“I thought he did well when he came on against Northampton, which is encouraging.

“He very nearly scored and I thought it was a top save from their goalkeeper to prevent him from doing so.”

Harrogate head into Saturday’s fixture 20th in the League Two standings off the back of four consecutive losses and having taken just four points from the last 30 on offer.

Carlisle ended a run of four games without a victory by beating Mansfield 1-0 last time out, but prior to that they had won six out of seven to pull clear of the relegation zone following the return of former boss Paul Simpson to the managerial hot-seat.