This Saturday (11 April) Newport County take on Harrogate Town at Rodney Parade in Matchday 43 of League Two.
Harrogate currently sit in 24th place as they battle for survival amongst Newport.
Here’s everything you need to know about our opponents.
The History
Harrogate were formed in 1914 despite initially trying to form a team from 1907. The club entered the Northern Football League after being founded.
The Sulphurites played their first game in 1919, after the First World War, against Horsforth, in which they won 1-0.
In 2002 they finally reached the first round of the FA Cup where they faced Farnborough Town but lost 5-1.
Throughout the years, Harrogate climbed the English Football Pyramid and became a founding member of the Conference North.
In 2020, Harrogate finally made their way to the EFL after defeating Notts County 3-1 in the National League play-off final.
Harrogate have since remained in League Two but currently face a tough relegation battle.
The Form
Harrogate currently sit bottom of the league as they sit behind Barrow by goal difference and a point behind the Exiles.
The Sulphurites started the season well as they only lost one of their first five games alongside winning and drawing two games.
However, as of recent Harrogate have lost three of their last five as well as conceding six goals in their last five.
In cup competitions, Harrogate were knocked out by Lincoln City in the first round of the EFL Cup, facing a 3-1 defeat.
In the FA Cup, Harrogate suffered a tough 3-2 defeat to Mansfield Town, just missing out on the second round.
The Manager
Simon Weaver is the manager of Harrogate in which he has been since 2009.
Initially, Weaver joined as a player-manager until fully taking on his manager role in 2012.
The Englishman has taken Harrogate from the National League North to League Two and has transformed the club.
Currently, Weaver is attempting to rescue the Sulphurites from relegation as they sit bottom of the league.
The Captain
The current club captain for Harrogate is defender Warren Burrell.
Burrell has featured in 25 league games so far this season where he has scored one goal and got one assist.
The defender is in his 11th season at the club having been there since 2015.
Burrell has also enjoyed promotion to League Two as well as winning the FA Trophy with the Sulphurites.
Ones To Watch
One player to watch from the opposition is Reece Smith.
In his last five games he has one goal and one assist as well as having five total assists in the league this season.
Smith has also featured in every league game so far this season.
Ellis Taylor is another player for Newport fans to look out for.
Playing on the opposite wing to Smith, Taylor was vital in Harrogate’s last game, scoring two goals.
Taylor will be looking to make an impact in Saturday’s game following his most recent performance.
