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02
Dec 2024
Could Erling Haaland or Mo Salah be coming to Harrogate in the FA Cup?
Erling Haaland or Mo Salah could grace the pitch at Wetherby Road in the new year as Harrogate Town head into tonight's FA Cup third round draw.
Simon Weaver’s men avoided a potential cup upset on Friday night after defeating Gainsborough Trinity 1-0 live on BBC Two.
Trinity, who were the lowest ranked side left in the competition, put up a valiant effort but ultimately succumbed to a Dean Cornelius goal 12 minutes into the second half.
Over 4,000 fans were inside the Exercise Stadium to see Town book their place in the third round for the first time since the 2021/22 season.
Speaking afterwards, Weaver said it was important to avoid a “banana skin” result.
He said:
There was a determination about the group to avoid the banana skin and to assert ourselves on the game. We did that without finding that finish, until Deano did that thankfully.
It means Harrogate go into the third round, where Premier League and Championship clubs enter the competition.
A glamour tie against Premier League champions Manchester City, Liverpool or current FA Cup holders Manchester United would promise a bumper crowd back at the Exercise Stadium — but also the potential for TV cameras to return to Harrogate.
The third round could also see neighbours from down the A61 Leeds United return to Wetherby Road for a knockout tie.
There is also the propsect that Town's travelling support are given a chance to visit a Premier League stadium if Harrogate are drawn away.
Simon Weaver and Irving Weaver speak to the BBC ahead of the FA Cup second round tie. Picture: Harrogate Town.
Town will be ball number 63 in tonight's draw. A selection of some of the clubs which may head to Wetherby Road and their ball number are below:
- Leeds United, 18
- Manchester City, 22
- Manchester United, 23
- Liverpool, 20
- Arsenal, 2
- Chelsea, 10
- Tottenham Hotspur, 40
The FA Cup third round ties are expected to be played over the weekend of January 11, 2025.
The draw will be held live on BBC Two tonight at 7pm.
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