Harrogate Town set for FA Cup clash against non-league Marine

Harrogate Town will take on non-league Marine today in the first round of the FA Cup.

Town will be aiming to avoid an upset against the Merseyside outfit, who sit three divisions below them in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Marine broke club records in the 2020/21 season when they defeated both Colchester United and Havant and Waterlooville FC to reach the third round of the competition for the second time.

The reward was a tie against Premier League Tottenham Hotspur, which was billed the biggest mismatch in FA Cup history with 161 places between the two sides. Spurs went on to win 5-0.

Simon Weaver, town manager, said his side will have to remain focussed against the Merseyside club in order to progress in the competition.

He said Harrogate had been training on a 3G pitch, which Marine use at their home ground, in preparation for the tie.

Weaver added that his side were prepared for the FA Cup and its “unpredictable nature”.

He said:

“It’s massively important to our season. You can’t budget for it, because of the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup.

“But it can be a huge bonus, not just for the coffers but for the feel good factor around the place from the changing room to the fans and at board room level. 

“Everyone will come together as a collective force to do well in the FA Cup. It lifts the whole club.”

So far, Marine have overcome National League North side Spennymoor Town and National League outfit FC Halifax Town to reach the first round.

Town will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s FA Cup first round, when they defeated Bradford City 1-0 at Valley Parade.

Harrogate Town will kick off against Marine at Rossett Park at 3pm this afternoon.

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