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05
Nov 2022
Harrogate Town set for FA Cup Yorkshire derby at Bradford
More than 300 Harrogate Town fans will travel to Bradford today as the FA Cup first round kicks off.
Harrogate took all three points from Valley Parade last season.
Harrogate Town are set for a crunch Yorkshire derby in the FA Cup first round today.
Town travel to Bradford City for a 12.30pm kick off as they look to get their cup campaign off to a good start.
More than 300 Harrogate fans are set to head to Valley Parade, and planned strike action on the railways this weekend has been called off.
Town manager Simon Weaver said his side have to remain focussed if they want to get through to the next round.
He said:
“We will just have to make sure we are focussed and concentrated throughout the game.
“We know that if you allow Bradford to play then they have got some good quality players and are organised by a very good manager.
“We can't take our eye off the ball throughout the entirety of the game. We have got to make sure we are on it.”
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Town will be hoping for a repeat of last season when they managed to beat League One side Portsmouth to make it to the third round.
Harrogate beat Bradford last season on their visit to Valley Parade. But the Bantams took the bragging rights last month at the EnviroVent Stadium with a 2-1 win.
City boss Mark Hughes has said his side are also eyeing a cup run this campaign.
Hughes said:
“I am looking forward to it. A local derby is always a good watch, and we are hoping for a big turnout.
“We want to progress in the cups this season. There clearly is a financial edge to going far, but the reality is, if you get to the third round, there are some good ties we want to be involved in.
“We will try and get there. Our intention is to stay in the competition for as long as we can.
“There is a real understanding within the squad about the history of the competition. The FA Cup is not on the same level, in terms of the prestige and standing, compared to other competitions.
“We have to navigate the game at the weekend. We have beaten them away from home, so there is no reason why we should not be confident.”
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