Harrogate Town are set to face off against Bradford City today in the first Yorkshire derby of the season.
Simon Weaver’s men go into the game following a hard fought point against Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.
The two sides face each other for the first time after the fixture at Valley Parade was postponed on Boxing Day.
A bumper crowd is expected at the Envirovent Stadium as both teams look set to face each other twice in just over a fortnight.
Speaking to the media ahead of today’s game, Weaver said:
“We’re really looking forward to this fixture and been looking forward to it all season. We like the derby games, getting stuck into to the heat of the battle and they don’t come any bigger for us at this level than Bradford City.
“We’ve enjoyed them over the years, the battles with York City and now at this level we’re playing against the likes of Bradford with their rich history and the fanbase, they’ll bring in lots of fans.”
Simon Weaver, Harrogate Town manager. Picture: Matt Kirkham, Harrogate Town.
Weaver confirmed that centre-back Rory McArdle and Lewis Richards face fitness tests after picking up injuries against Mansfield.
Ryan Fallowfield and Simon Power remain sidelined with injury.
Bradford looking to avenge last season
Meanwhile, Bradford head into the fixture just three points above Town in the League Two table.
The Bantams will be looking to avenge the two defeats they suffered at the hands of Harrogate last season.
Read more:
-
Green Shoots: Harrogate Town’s vegan footballer who is passionate about environment
- Photos show how far Harrogate Town have come in 30 years
Bradford can expect a strong support at Wetherby Road after fans sold out their 550 ticket allocation within a minute.
City will be without Charles Vernam and Dion Pereira. But Nathan Delfouneso could make his debut and Luke Hendrie is available for selection.
Jamie Walker is also fit, despite going off injured against Leyton Orient.
Bradford manager Derek Adams said his side will be prepared for the occasion at Harrogate.
He said:
“We are looking forward to it, but we have to understand the environment of the game.
“We have a full capacity away crowd with us and they have a good following too. The atmosphere will be good.
“Harrogate have done really well since they have come up and will want to beat us, but we are going there to win the game.”
