Harry Pritchard issues derby day warning to Bradford City

BRADFORD CITY midfielder Harry Pritchard says that he and his Bantams team-mates are bracing themselves for a fight in tonight's League Two derby with Harrogate Town.
Bradford City winger Harry Pritchard. Picture: Simon Hulme.Bradford City winger Harry Pritchard. Picture: Simon Hulme.
Bradford City winger Harry Pritchard. Picture: Simon Hulme.

The Yorkshire duo take centre stage at Valley Parade in front of the Sky TV cameras this evening in one of the marquee fixtures in the season for the pair.

Harrogate will step out for a league game at BD8 for the first time and Pritchard believes winning the battle first will be imperative for both sides.

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Pritchard, who started out in non-league circles with the likes of Flackwell Heath and Burnham in the Hellenic League before making his name at Maidenhead, said: "Playing in non-league myself, I know a few of the teams out there.

"I never got to play against Harrogate myself, but I know they are a strong, hard-working team. It will be a battle and sometimes, you have to win the battle first in the game and then let everything else take over from there.

"I am sure it will be a tough, physical match and we expect that and we have to make sure we are up for that.

"If we can pick up another three points and start climbing up that table, that would be perfect for us and at the end of the day, no matter who we come up against, we do our homework on them and make sure we are prepared correctly."

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Like many, Pritchard will feel a tinge of disappointment at the sight of no spectators being in attendance this evening, with both sets of supporters having to view the derby events from their own homes.

Pritchard continued: "You kind of feel it has a pre-season feeling when there are no fans in there.

"When it is pre-season friendlies, it is okay, but getting into the competitiveness of the league, it is tough. But I am sure it will become normal for us, but hopefully we can get the fans in as soon as possible."