Newport County v Harrogate Town: 'Silky smooth' Sulphurites can cement EFL status

Harrogate are six points clear of second-bottom Hartlepool United who have two games left to play. But the Sulphurites have a vastly superior goal difference of -11 to Hartlepool’s -28.

However, that will be put to the test at Rodney Parade against a side that have beaten them 4-0 on each of their last two meetings; last season in the corresponding fixture and back in August in North Yorkshire when goals from Omar Bogle twice, Thierry Nevers and a Kayne Ramsay own goal left Harrogate in a bleak position to start the season.

The Town that head to south Wales tonight are much improved, and even though they lost 3-1 at promotion-chasing Northampton Town on Saturday, three draws in which they come from 2-0 down on each occasion and a 3-0 win over Walsall in their previous four games had moved them into position to secure their safety.

Even in defeat at Sixfields, manager Simon Weaver – for who Alex Pattison is a doubt – saw much to be impressed with.

"I feel we are on the move as a team and I think we’re looking better and better,” said the long-serving manager.

“We were silky smooth at times and we were good to watch but we need to combine that with defensive stability. There was great energy and a confidence about the team.”

Last six matches: Newport County DWLWLW; Harrogate Town DDDDWL.

Referee: N Hair (Cambridgeshire).

Last time: Newport 4 Harrogate 0; January 15, 2022; League Two.