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21
Aug 2021
Harrogate Town to return to action after covid outbreak
After a covid outbreak set back the start of Harrogate Town's season, the club will return to action today against Barrow - two weeks after playing their last game.
Harrogate Town fans returned to Wetherby Road for the start of the 2021/22 League Two season.
Harrogate Town are set to return to action today after a covid outbreak set back the start of the club’s League Two campaign.
Town will face Barrow at the EnviroVent Stadium, two weeks since the club last played against Rochdale in their opening game.
The outbreak forced the club to postpone two EFL fixtures and forfeit a Carabao Cup tie against Rochdale.
Five players tested positive and others had to self-isolate as a result of the outbreak.
Manager Simon Weaver said on Thursday that the postponed fixtures were frustrating, but added that the players were now through the worst of it.
“Initially it was a feeling of frustrating and deflation really. We’d come off the back of a really good opening day win and the circumstances of a last minute winner from Warren as well. It was a blow but it’s not insurmountable.
“Covid is part of our everyday life now so people getting it wasn’t a total surprise and I think we’ve reacted strongly to it. The players have rested up and come through the worse of it now and we’re looking forward to a couple days training and a big game.”
Not using covid as an excuse
Town returned to training on Thursday morning following the enforced break, which saw games against Crawley and Leyton Orient rearranged.
Read more:
- Harrogate Town postpones three matches due to covid outbreak
- Harrogate Town out of cup after players catch coronavirus
Weaver said the players would have two sessions ahead of Barrow, but would not use covid as an excuse for the short preparation.
He said:
“I think we don’t use covid as an excuse, no matter what.
“We’re firmly focused on the game and we’ve got that excitement in our stomach like how it was on the opening day.
“The crowd were exhilarating on that day and really lifted us all so we’re really looking forward to getting back home and that’s the lucky thing about it, the first game back is at home - a place we’ve got very good recent memories of.”
Weaver expects a physical game
Both Barrow and Harrogate Town were promoted from the National League in 2019/20, but Town got the upper hand over the Cumbrian side last season.
Jack Muldoon scored both goals in two 1-0 wins over Barrow in both clubs inaugural season in the EFL.
Barrow will be without striker Dimitri Sea, Jamie Devitt, midfielder Mike Jones and Tom Beadling for today’s clash.
Sea will remain on the sidelines as Barrow follow concussion protocols and Devitt has a thigh injury.
Jones is short of fitness and Beadling faces a long period out due to a partial tear to his crucial ligament.
Town manager Weaver said he expects Barrow to be more physical this season.
He said:
“They’re up for it and I think a bit more physical this season, and under Mark Cooper they have a lot of experience.
“But, we also think we have a lot in our ranks which can allow us to have a real good go at them and play our way. It’ll be great to have the fans behind us like against Rochdale and to win would be great, especially in the circumstances.”
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