Harrogate Town - Official Matchday Programme Issue 2 by pixelbuilders

HARROGATE TOWN v BARROW AFC // SAT 21 AUG // 3PM // SKY BET LEAGUE TWO

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2021-22 SEASON // ISSUE 02 // £3

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Harrogate Town v Walsall

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The EnviroVent Stadium, Wetherby Road Harrogate HG2 7SA Tel: 01423 210600 Email: enquiries@harrogatetownafc.com BOARD Chairman Irving Weaver Vice Chairman Howard Matthews Managing Director Garry Plant Directors Angus Taylor Dave Riley Associate Director Mike Partridge Finance Director Julian Davis Marketing & Brand Director Ryan Scott Life President George Dunnington Vice Presidents Clive Dunnington David Batty FOOTBALL First Team Manager: Assistant Manager: Goalkeeper Coach: Chief Scout: Head Physiotherapist: Assistant Physiotherapist: Sports Psychologist: Fitness Coach:

Simon Weaver Paul Thirlwell Phil Priestley Lee Barraclough Rachel Davis Cyra Smith Phil Lee Darren Simpson

IN THIS ISSUE 4

OPERATIONS Club Secretary: Abbey Smith Community Development: Iain Service Tom Blackburn Youth Development: Josh Falkingham Josh Walsh Child Welfare & Safeguarding: Dave Riley Supporters’ Liaison Officer: Phill Holdsworth Facilities Manager: Ady Fletcher Head Groundsman: Iain Bullock 1919 Venue Manager: Tricia Lightfoot Ticketing Manager: Hamilton Mattock Retail Manager Claire Kontominas Club Chaplain: Rob Brett PA Announcer Alan Tootill MEDIA Media Manager: Media Assistants: Club Photographer: Graphic Designer:

Hal Boxhall-Dockree Henry Whitaker Brody Pattison Danny Pugsley Matt Kirkham Rich Saltmarsh

The parent company of Harrogate Town Football Club is Harrogate Town AFC Ltd and the ultimate controlling party of Harrogate Town AFC Ltd is R.I. Weaver who is the significant shareholder. Company Reg. No. 2523873

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Design: Rich Saltmarsh Contributors: Henry Whitaker, Leigh Edwards, Rich Saltmarsh, Hal Boxhall-Dockree, Iain Service, Mark Walker, Phil Harrison, Simon Weaver, Josh Falkingham Photography: Matt Kirkham Printed by: JJ Sports Promotions

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MANAGER’S NOTES

SIMON WEAVER It was an ecstatic feeling after beating Rochdale on the opening day of the season, especially with the late winner. The first game of the season can be so important and even set the tone for what’s to come so it was great to see the fighting spirit, goals and the ability to show resilience in some defining moments which won us the contest. We were delighted to get off to a great start. Just 48 hours later though, it was a real contrast of emotions. It almost feels like we’re immune to these big ‘surprises’ now. Our footballing world had been turned upside down and it’s unfortunate I got the call to say a player had Covid, and from then on, it was like a domino effect, spreading like wild fire. Everything was brought to a standstill in terms of training as a group, so instead we we’re back to Zoom calls with our fitness coach Darren Simpson. It was very trying for us all but it is what it is, we trust the players fully and know they’re in fantastic nick so a week to 10 days shouldn’t damage fitness levels too much. We’ve only had two sessions to prepare for today’s match with Barrow and we’ve had to assess the players and talk to them about how they feel. We’ve got to trust the players and know they can trust us to look after them. We won’t put them on the pitch if they’re not ready.

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The Covid outbreak has meant we’ve missed out on Carabao Cup action, a competition we wanted to stay in and create more memories like we did last season against Tranmere Rovers and West Bromwich Albion. The whole experience helped us to grow as a club but it wasn’t to be this season so we need to use those feelings and put them into the games to come. One thing I will say ahead of our match with Barrow is that I’m glad we’re at home. We always say the support with us acts like another player. If ever we needed the fans, it’s now. When energy levels are dwindling or players are struggling to get their second wind because of Covid etc, that’s when we need the support from the fans. We’re all human, everyone can contract Coronavirus and anyone can feel the effects of it. What happened on the opening day against Rochdale will live long in the memory because the crowd got stronger and stronger and more vocal as the game went on and it’s no coincidence that we got the late winner. I can’t think how many times we’ve now had late winners with the kop cheering us on. I feel like we’ll always have one more chance when the fans are behind us, so let’s see what we can do today.

Simon

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CAPTAIN’S NOTES

JOSH FALKINGHAM I’d like to start this week’s Captain Notes by saying thank you to all the fans who came to our opening fixture against Rochdale. We were all anticipating the fans coming back and it was just brilliant to have them in the stadium, the away fans as well. The atmosphere was brilliant and fans are going to be a big part of us this season. I must give credit to all the fans who came in their numbers and made some real noise and of course we got the last-minute winner which was perfect. It was a really positive start to the season and exactly what we wanted. We were all delighted to see that Warren Burrell scuff hit the back of the net. The more noise the fans can make and the more they fill out the stands, the better it will be for us and it’ll help us throughout the season 100% percent. We’re expecting it to be as relentless as ever but we know how important momentum can be. Less than 48 hours after that jubilation however, the emotions changed completely. As everyone will have been aware, Covid had struck the camp and I got a call on the Sunday after the Rochdale game saying that I needed to isolate. Lads were going from feeling completely fine to then feeling rough and losing taste and smell out of nowhere, it wasn’t nice to hear. It can be so serious and hit you hard. We’re all fit and healthy lads but it goes to show Covid can get anyone. We’ve missed two league games and the Carabao Cup tie which is a real shame. We’ve

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been sat watching while other teams have had the opportunity to kick on and build momentum. However, people’s health and making sure people are OK will always be the priority. We just have to deal with what’s thrown at us. The lads who didn’t have to self-isolate have been keeping the legs ticking over and we’ve been having online fitness sessions with Darren Simpson who’s been unbelievable. I’m sure we’ll come out of the blocks firing come 3pm today. As always, our fans will be huge for us and if we ever needed help from them, it will be this afternoon for the Barrow game. Coming out onto the pitch and hearing the fans will be a huge lift for us and we have to buzz off that energy and come through the game with hopefully another victory under our belt.

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ACTION REPLAY CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS & REACTION

VS.

ROCHDALE

SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 2021 THE ENVIROVENT STADIUM // KO 3PM ATTENDANCE: 1,841

3-2 Armstrong (5) Pattison (10) Burrell (90+1)

Newby (15) Grant (49)

TOWN

Oxley, Fallowfield (Page 75), Falkingham, Burrell ❚, Hall, McArdle, Thomson, Pattison ❚ (Kerry 69), Muldoon, Armstrong, Power. Unused subs: Smith, Martin, Orsi, Cracknell

ROCHDALE

Lynch, O'Keeffe, White (Graham 66), Mcnulty, Taylor, Dooley, Morley, Beesley ❚, Newby, Grant (Broadbent 77), Odoh ❚ (Cashman 71) Unused subs: Done, Brierley, Dunne, Coleman

MATCH STATS ■ TOWN ■ ROCHDALE

POSSESSION % 45

55 TOTAL SHOTS

14 SHOTS ON TARGET

5 PASSES

332

387 FOULS

16 CORNERS

4 OFFSIDES

0 YELLOW CARDS

2 RED CARDS

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PLAYER IN FOCUS

ALEX PATTISON Harrogate Town’s new centre midfielder whose bite in the tackle and hunger to score goals could quickly make him a fan favourite in North Yorkshire. From joining Middlesbrough’s academy at the age of seven to coming just one conversation away from quitting the game completely at the age of 21 years old, this is ‘Pato’s’ story... Born in the large market town of Darlington in Durham, Pattison began his footballing journey with Mount Pleasant Rangers under 7s before being quickly scouted by those at Middlesbrough Football Club. As a self-proclaimed “energetic and loud” kid, Pattison - or Pato as he's called by his friends and teammates - loved his early years with the Boro academy. He’d train three times a week in a talented team and although it meant a lot of travelling for his mum and dad, they never thought twice about doing whatever they could for their young lad with a dream.

“It was the first milestone to becoming a pro,” Pato says. “Me and my family were buzzing but they were also quite chilled out and realistic, knowing how hard it is to become a professional footballer and that in the long run, a scholarship didn’t mean too much.” The midfielder continued to impress as he moved up through the age groups, quickly signing his first pro deal at the age of 17 years old and then in the following season, being a part of the Middlesbrough youth team which won the U18s Northern Division.

At 14 years old, along with a bunch of his teammates, Pato was handed a scholarship contract, over a year earlier than the norm. He was in a team with the likes of Dael Fry, Marcus Tavernier, Harry Chapman and Hayden Coulsen, all players who are now regulars in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Boro youngsters won their league by nine points, sitting above the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United’s academies. It meant they’d qualified for the u19s UEFA Champions League.

Although “buzzing” to get the scholarship, Pato and his family knew that in the long run there was a chance that it could mean nothing.

Pato and his teammates would go on to beat Stade de Reims, Torino

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FA M O U S F O R O U R WAT E R S

S I N C E 15 71 Famous for our waters since 1571, Harrogate Spring continues an illustrious heritage of providing water from the mineral springs of Harrogate.

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and Dynamo Kiev to set up a round of 16 tie against one of the competition’s favourites, Paris Saint Germain. A single goal just before half-time for PSG settled the contest but it had been a great journey for Pato and his teammates. “It was a really good experience, we cruised through the tournament until PSG and they ended up making it to the final. I don’t think many people would have thought a Middlesbrough team could get that far,” Pato confesses. The midfielder would now make the step up the under 23s side and occasionally train with the first team and although Pato “enjoyed the experience” being in and around the first team, his overall relationship with Boro was deteriorating.

IT WAS A GOOD EXPERIENCE TRAINING WITH THE FIRST TEAM WHILE BEING SO YOUNG, IT TOUGHENS YOU UP A BIT AND MAKES YOU REALISE THE STANDARDS YOU NEED TO PLAY FIRST-TEAM GAMES... Playing for York City whilst on loan there

“I wanted to be out playing somewhere regularly,” Pato explains. “I knew I wouldn't play in the first team so I wanted to get out as soon as possible. It was a good experience training with the first team while being so young, it toughens you up a bit and makes you realise the standards you need to play first-team games but I wanted to go out and experience that as quickly as possible, if that had been in the lower leagues, so be it.” Pato’s start to the 2017/18 season was disrupted by a broken ankle and on his journey to recovery, a loan move to York City was put in place in December 2017. He spent a month with the Minstermen before the Boro hierarchy called the midfielder back, a decision Pato wasn’t pleased with. “I actually really enjoyed it at York but Middlesbrough wanted me to get experience at a higher level. York were fighting for playoffs and I did end up going back to them in February but at that point, I think the momentum in the group had somewhat diminished and we ended up missing out on the playoffs.”

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The midfielder continues, “The games meant a lot more as I was playing for points. The EFL Trophy was big while with Boro but realistically we knew we wouldn’t win the tournament whereas playing in a league, you know every game matters and you want to finish as high as you can.” As the 2017/18 season came to an end, Pato was ready to leave Boro and start the next chapter of his career. However, as compensation for the ankle injury, Middlesbrough offered Pato a year extension and with little to show for in terms of first-team action, it was a deal he “had to sign”. He joined Yeovil Town on loan for the 2018/19 season and made his debut for the at the time League Two side against Mansfield in a 2-2 draw. Pato believes he started well with the club before a back injury put him on the sidelines for five months. It wouldn’t be until March 2019 when Pato returned and at this point, Yeovil were struggling and eventually relegated to the National League. It was a far from ideal situation for Pato, who at 21 years old, was beginning to enjoy the “thrill” of playing League Two football week in, week out. Then away from football, personal circumstances made life so much tougher.

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WHAT HAPPENED AWAY FROM FOOTBALL PROBABLY SHOWED ON THE PITCH AND IT TOOK A FEW MONTHS TO GET BACK TO MYSELF... During that season, Pato received the news that his mother, Alison, had become very ill and then in May 2019, Alison sadly passed away at the age of 55. The devastation of losing his mum understandably sent Pato to a bad place for a few months. “What happened away from football probably showed on the pitch and it took a few months to get back to myself. Football was the last thing on my mind. My mum was really poorly and on the same day I got back from my loan at Yeovil, my mum passed away. I was close to giving it up and was in a bad way throughout the second half of the season. I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to continue playing football.” Pato’s contract with Middlesbrough had now expired and it wasn’t until July that he had

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but were now on the verge of creating history. “I think we were favourites to get relegated before the season began,” Pato chuckles. "We signed a lot of good loan players and the group was one of the best I’ve been a part of, to be honest. I think that's what pushed us to do so well. Everyone there brought something to the table; Adebayo Akinfenwa, David Stockdale, Anthony Stewart, Scott Kashket. It created a great balance in the changing room and there was literally not one player who wasn’t liked." Pato adds, “I think by Christmas we had only lost one game in the league and we had that mindset of ‘why not?’. There was no pressure, nobody expected us to do so well so we kept doing what we had been and let it all take care of itself.”

decided he wanted to give football one last shot. That opportunity came with Gareth Ainsworth’s Wycombe Wanderers. “I was grateful for them taking a chance on me,” Pato admits. “Ainsworth was quality, one of the nicest you’d meet and I don’t have a bad word to say about him.” The midfielder made his debut on the opening day of the League One season against Bolton Wanderers and would go on to make 16 further appearances for the Chairboys before the season was prematurely ended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

When the season was forced to take a break, Pato concedes that it did allow him to focus on himself and get in a much stronger position, both physically and mentally. The midfielder lost 10kg of weight he didn’t need to carry and then when he returned to training for the playoffs, Ainsworth had noticed the hard work. The 23-year-old found himself in the manager's plans for the playoffs, something Pato didn’t expect. He featured in both legs of Wycombe’s semi-final victory and then played 45 minutes at Wembley where the Chairboys were promoted to the Championship for the first time in the club’s history. Having started on the bench, Pato was brought on at half-time following an injury to Pattison celebrates with his Wycombe teammates after beating Oxford in the Play-Off Final at Wembley

Wycombe were sat third in the table when it all came to halt and it had been a remarkable campaign for Pato’s new club. The season prior, they avoided relegation by just three points

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K I C K O F F T I M E • H A L F T I M E • F U L L T I M E • PA RT Y T I M E

HIGH TIME

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Matt Bloomfield and it was a moment he’ll never forget. “It was probably the best experience I’ve had in football,” Pato says with a humble smile. “I got ready not knowing if it would be me that came on but I then asked the Gaffer and he told me to get ready. I was buzzing to be honest, knowing it was probably my only chance to ever play at Wembley and I ended up becoming a Championship player from it. It’s every kid's dream to play at Wembley, some Premier League players don’t get to do it so it’s a great achievement.” Pato had now played enough times to trigger a one-year extension with Wycombe and he did just that, featuring for the Championship new boys against Rotherham United on the opening day of the season. Although not expecting to be a main feature in the Wycombe team, the signs were promising, that was until the midfielder got Covid early into the campaign, forcing him to miss enough games for him to lose his place in the squad. A couple of sub appearances would come Pato’s way in December but other than that, the midfielder didn’t see time on the pitch. The man from Darlington was now far away from home, far away from his girlfriend and not even playing the sport he loves. A decision had to be made and it became a lot easier once Pato found out his partner was pregnant. “When I first signed I had nothing to stay at home for, I needed to get away and have a fresh start, giving football one last shot,” Pato explains. I then got with my girlfriend and she got pregnant which of course changes everything. I needed to be closer to home. It wasn't worth me not seeing my family and not playing football. As soon as I found out she was pregnant I knew I was moving back home. I felt bad not being there so I had to get home." Although Wycombe agreed for Pato to leave, the midfielder was in fact in Ainsworth’s plans for the club's upcoming League One Season. It’s why when Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver went in for the box-to-box midfielder, it became even more of a coup that Pato decided to sign on the dotted line for the North Yorkshire outfit.

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I KNOW HOW GOOD I CAN BE, I WANT TO SCORE GOALS AND HELP THE TEAM FINISH AS HIGH AS WE CAN... “As soon as I left Wycombe, my agent rang me and said Harrogate were interested and they were pretty much the closest team to where I was living," Pato says. "I said to get it sorted straight away, I didn’t wait for anything else to come my way.” A silky mover and scoring on his competitive debut against Rochdale on the opening day of the season, Pato has already got Town fans excited and rightly so. The midfielder, whose best years are ahead of him, is confident the only way is up from here. “The club’s come so far and I think I’ve got a lot to bring to the squad. I was buzzing to get going, show what I can do and let the fans see what I’m about. I’m in a good place mentally as well and I think it bodes well for the season. I know how good I can be, I want to score goals and help the team finish as high as we can.”

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OVER HALF A MILLION SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 6 WEMBLEYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. OR 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAYS. (THAT’S A LOT OF TWEED)

ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, SET AN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. DEPOSIT LIMITS

THAT’S BETTING BETTER.

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THE AWAY END BARROW AFC FOUNDED

1901

NICKNAME

THE BLUEBIRDS GROUND

HOLKER STREET CAPACITY

5,045

KEY SUMMER INS & OUTS Arrivals

Paul Farman Carlisle United Josh Gordon Walsall Offrande Zanzala Carlisle United Mark Ellis Tranmere Rovers Remeao Hutton Birmingham City Joe Grayson Blackburn Rovers Tom White Blackburn Rovers Festus Arthur Hull City (Loan)

Departures

Joel Dixon Bolton Wanderers Brad Barry Stevenage Courtney Baker-Richardson Newport County Scott Quigley Stockport County

After a 48 year hiatus, Barrow's first season back in the Football League last year was a difficult one. They were up against it for much of the season after Ian Evatt left for Bolton Wanderers last Summer, hovering in and around the relegation places. His replacement, David Dunn, was sacked in December and replaced by Michael Jolley, only for him to be relieved of his duties in February with Rob Kelly appointed as Caretaker Manager until the end of the season. An excellent run of seven wins in their last 16 games, after losing to Town in early March, saw them climb away from trouble and finish comfortably in 21st position. Mark Cooper was brought in as manager this Summer and despite losing top scorer Scott Quigley and keeper Joel Dixon to Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers respectively, Barrow have been very busy in the transfer market, bringing in a good mix of youth and experience including keeper Paul Farman from Carlisle United, forwards Josh Gordon from Walsall and Offrande Zanzala from Carlisle United and defender Mark Ellis from Tranmere Rovers. The early signs are very encouraging for the Bluebirds this season as despite an opening day defeat at Stevenage, they have since gone unbeaten in three games including booking a lucrative second round tie against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup after beating Scunthorpe United in the first round.

IN THE DUGOUT Mark Cooper

Appointed: May 2021 Age: 52 After five season's in charge at Forest Green Rovers, Mark Cooper parted company with the Green Army in April and was appointed Barrow manager a month later. A former midfielder, Cooper played in the Bristol City Academy before signing for Exeter City in 1989, joining his Dad, Terry Cooper. He had further spells with Birmingham City, Fulham and Wycombe Wanderers before returning to Exeter, then going on to play for Leyton Orient, Rushden & Diamonds and Hednesford Town. Next was a stint at FGR where he was named captain and won the Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2001-02 after 18 goals in 48 games. As a manager Cooper has won silverware at Kettering Town and Darlington before stints at AFC Telford United, Swindon Town and Notts County. He was appointed Forest Green Rovers boss in May 2016 and led them to play-off success in his first season before establishing them as a League Two club, finishing 21st, 5th, 10th and 6th in the subsequent seasons.

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PLAYERS TO WATCH Paul Farman Age: 31

Mark Ellis Age: 32

DEF

Josh Gordon Age: 26

FWD

IN A PT A C

1 A regular during Carlisle United's 2020-21 campaign, experienced goalkeeper Farman turned down a new deal at Brunton Park to become a Bluebird this summer. His youth career started at Newcastle United before making his senior breakthrough at Blyth Spartans and then moving to Gateshead in 2009, where he spent three years. A loan spell at Lincoln City in 2012 resulted in a permanent move to Sincil Bank that summer. He went on to make 250 appearances for The Imps over a six year spell before moving on to Stevenage in 2018 and playing over 75 games at The Lamex Stadium before his switch to Carlisle.

Experienced centre-back Ellis joined Barrow in the summer following his release from Tranmere Rovers, jumping at the chance to reunite with Bluebirds boss Mark Cooper who he had previously played under at Forest Green Rovers. Immediately assuming the role of club captain, the former Bolton Wanderers youngster, has more than 400 senior games under his belt having previously played at Torquay United, FGR, Crewe Alexandra, Shrewsbury Town, Carlisle United and Leyton Orient before moving to Tranmere in July 2018. He spent the latter part of last season on loan at Notts County.

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Front man Josh Gordon clinched a move to Barrow during the summer following his departure from Walsall where he had netted 27 goals in 123 appearances during three seasons at The Banks’s Stadium. The Stoke-born star began his career on the books of hometown club Stoke City before moving into non-league with Newcastle Town, Nantwich Town and Rhyl. However, a prolific stint for Stafford Rangers earned him a big move to Premier League champions, Leicester City in April 2017. where he was a regular scorer in The Foxes’ Under-23 side before joining Walsall in August 2018.

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MEET THE BLUEBIRDS Josh Lillis

Mike Jones

Joe Grayson

Connor Brown

Offrande Zanzala

George Williams

Patrick Brough

Josh Kay

Remeao Hutton

Jason Taylor

Tom White

James Jones

Festus Arthur

Matty Platt

Dimitri Sea

Jamie Devitt

Tom Beadling

Ollie Banks

RECENT LINE-UP V EXETER CITY Kgosi Ntlhe

Luke James

ZANZALA

KAY BROUGH

WHITE

GORDON HUTTON

BANKS

GRAYSON

ELLIS

BROWN

FARMAN

HOW’S THEIR FORM

›

SOUTHPORT

L1-2

31 Jul (a) Friendly

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STEVENAGE

L0-1

7 Aug (a) League Two

SCUNTHORPE UNITED

HARTLEPOOL UNITED

EXETER CITY

10 Aug (h) Carabao Cup R1

14 Aug (h) League Two

17 Aug (h) League Two

W1-0

W3-2

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D0-0

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Proud to support Harrogate Town Football Club

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CLASSIC CAMPAIGNS

FOOTBALL HISTORIAN LEIGH EDWARDS PICKS TEN MEMORABLE CAMPAIGNS FOR BARROW DURING THE POST-WAR ERA...

1966-67

New signings Fred Else, Eric Harrison and Billy McAdams played a major part as Barrow won promotion for the first time in 1966-67. They were early pace-setters after losing just one of their opening 11 Fourth Division games, culminating in a 5-0 demolition of Exeter City. Don McEvoy’s side took top-flight Southampton to an FA Cup third round replay in front of 15,002 at Holker Street and remained in the promotion race throughout the season, clinching third place with a 1-0 victory at home to Brentford watched by 8,769 on the final day. Barrow also reached the Lancashire Cup final for the second year running but lost 2-0 to Oldham Athletic.

1967-68

Dave Storf was leading marksman as Barrow finished in their highest-ever League position in 1967-68. Colin Appleton replaced Don McEvoy as player-manager and Barrow lost only three of their opening 12 games. They never fell below halfway in the table, hammering Colchester 5-0 and blasting four goals past Northampton, Oldham and Scunthorpe, finishing seventh in the Third Division. Barrow also faced top-flight sides Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester in the third round of the League Cup and FA Cup respectively. They were Lancashire Cup finalists for the third successive season, but lost 1-0 at Burnley.

1989-90

1983-84

Barrow won the Northern Premier League title by a huge 20 point margin in 1983-84. New manager Vic Halom signed Peter McDonnell and Keith Kennedy, with Barrow regaining the Cambrian Cup and remaining unbeaten in their first 18 games. They went top in October after fighting back from 3-0 down to defeat Goole Town 4-3, then hammering Southport 5-1, remaining in pole position for the rest of the season. Barry Diamond was leading marksman with 35 goals, while Steve Brooks and Frank Gamble were also everpresent. Manchester United played at Barrow in the Kevin Thomas/ David Large testimonial match. Vic Halom left to manage Rochdale.

1988-89

Ray Wilkie guided Barrow to the Northern Premier League title in 1988-89. Peter McDonnell returned in goal and Neil Doherty was another notable summer signing. The Bluebirds lost just one of their opening 11 Northern Premier League games and were seven points clear at the top by the end of September. They reached the FA Cup first round for the first time in 12 years but lost 3-1 at Rotherham, then were expelled from the Northern Premier League Cup after playing the ineligible Peter Harrison against Mossley who were reinstated and went on to win it. Barrow clinched the title with a 1-0 win at Caernarfon and finished seven points ahead of Hyde.

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Barrow won the FA Trophy for the first time in 1989-90. Ray Wilkie’s side defeated Bangor City, Met Police, Yeovil Town, Kingstonian and Colne Dynamoes before two goals by Kenny Gordon and another from Colin Cowperthwaite secured a 3-0 victory over Leek Town in the Wembley final: Peter McDonnell, Steve Higgins, Tony Chilton, Glenn Skivington, Kenny Gordon, Kevin Proctor, Neil Doherty (Ian Burgess), Peter Farrell (Billy Gilmour), Colin Cowperthwaite, Kenny Lowe, Paul Ferris. Barrow lost only twice at home all season, drawing 1-1 with Darlington in front of 4,244 on New Year’s Day, but finished a disappointing 14th in the Conference.

1997-98

Barrow swept to the Northern Premier League title in 1997-98. Owen Brown’s side lost only two of their first 19 games with goalkeeper Steve Farrelly and top scorer Neil Morton both key figures. Barrow showed great consistency and also reached the FA Trophy quarter-finals before losing on penalties to Dover in the replay watched by 4,217 at Holker Street. Marc Coates was the chief source of goals during the second half of the season when Barrow’s lead was whittled down from 13 points in January to just four, but the Bluebirds finished seven ahead of runners-up Boston United after beating them 1-0 in their penultimate home match.

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2007-08

Barrow won the Conference North play-off final in 2007-08. The Bluebirds won just two of their opening 13 games before gradually improving. The arrival of Mark Boyd from Sligo Rovers in January coincided with a 17 match unbeaten run during which Barrow conceded just five goals and won 13 times including 5-0 against both Solihull and Redditch. Managed by Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan, Barrow finished fifth in the table and defeated Telford 2-0 in both legs of the play-off semi-final. Matt Henney scored to clinch a 1-0 victory over Stalybridge in the final. Tim Deasy and Lee Woodyatt were also ever-present, while Nick Rogan was top scorer.

2009-10

Joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan guided Barrow to FA Trophy final success in 2009-10. The Bluebirds defeated Kettering Town, Maidenhead United, Gateshead, York City and Salisbury en route to the

Wembley final where Lee McEvilly and Jason Walker scored in a 2-1 win over Stevenage Borough after extra-time: Stuart Tomlinson, Simon Spender, Paul Edwards, Paul Jones, Phil Bolland, Robin Hulbert, Andy Bond, Paul Rutherford (Mark Boyd), Jason Walker, Gregg Blundell (Lee McEvilly), Simon Wiles (Carlos Logan). Barrow also reached the FA Cup third round for the first time in 19 years, losing 3-0 at topflight Sunderland.

2014-15

Barrow won the Conference North title in 2014-15. Dallasbased businessman Paul Casson completed a takeover of the club. Barrow won 26 of their 42 Conference North games and lost just two matches at home all season as the title race quickly became a contest between them and AFC Fylde. Darren Edmondson’s side gained 87 points and clinched the title with a 3-2 win at Lowestoft on the final day, finishing two points ahead of runners-up AFC Fylde as they regained Conference

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Premier status after two years’ absence. The two clubs shared the best defensive record in the Conference North, losing only seven games each and conceding 43 goals.

2019-20

Barrow returned to the Football League as Conference champions in 2019-20. Ian Evatt’s side won only two of their opening nine games before soaring with seven straight wins. The Bluebirds went top for the first time with a 2-0 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge in late October. Top scorer Scott Quigley and John Rooney netted 37 goals between them as Barrow remained top until the Conference was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final table was decided on a points per game basis, with Barrow gaining 70 points. They were the first club to be promoted back to the Football League after having lost their place via the re-election process.

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For more details about the Community Foundation, please email community@harrogatetownafc.com or visit our website at www.htafccommunity.co.uk

Over the Summer our Community Programmes have been continuing, with a chance for the team to plan and get ready for a busy Autumn period. Over the next few weeks, our team will grow with new employees helping us to deliver our charity objectives.

WALKING FOOTBALL SEEKING NEW PLAYERS

We are close to confirming a four day football camp aimed at girls that are new to football aged 6-14 years old. Starting on Tuesday 31st August, the camp, delivered by Community Foundation staff, will develop new skills in a fun and enjoyable way. Booking will be taken via the Official Soccer Schools website.

Our Walking Football team are seeking new players in the 50+ age group to represent Town in their regular league fixtures in Leeds and other competitions. Anyone who might be interested in joining, or coming for a trial – please email us right away. Sessions are every Tuesday and Thursday evening at Rossett Sports Centre.

See it... Hear it...

REPORT IT!

Report any incident you see or hear

TEXT REPORT to

07763 933248

along with the Stand, Position and Exact Location of the offender plus the relevant

KEYWORD opposite

WILDCATS SUMMER CAMP

Help us eliminate Anti-Social Behaviour, Discrimination & Abuse

›

RACISM

Racist language or chanting

ANTI

Anti-social behaviour (smoking, drinking, pyrotechnics)

RELIG

DISAB

Religious discrimination or chanting

Disability abuse

GENDER

Gender discrimination or abuse

HARM

Safeguarding concerns against children or adults

HPH

Homophobic, transphobic or biphobic language or chanting

FOUL

Other abusive language or behaviour

matchday@harrogatetownafc.com Each text costs one standard message at your network rate Harrogate Town AFC may share your details with North Yorkshire Police if further information is required to assist with a criminal prosecution

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TO 5K TOWN Social Running Group

›› Qualified Run Leader ›› Friendly & Fun ›› New Runners Welcome

›› Every Thursday 5.30pm ›› Every other Saturday 9am ›› Meet at the Library

P star LUS Ne at 5 ts Tues w begi .30 day nne pm 21 st rs g from Sep rou Stra temb p y Re er in

Get active and start your FRTOEE fitness journey with us! JOIN

For more information please contact HTAFC Community Foundation on 07832 323324 or email community@harrogatetownafc.com #ProudToBeTown I www.harrogatetownafc.com

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LADIES

TOWN LADIES ENJOY IMPRESSIVE PRE-SEASON

As a manager you have a vision of what you want from your team. You have a philosophy, an ethos, a list of nonnegotiables. But to be able to execute that vision, you need the right players in your squad, you need them to buy into your every word and believe in you as a manager. Coming into a new team isn’t always easy, however I couldn’t have asked for a better set of girls to be working with. Our 2021-22 HTAFC Ladies squad consists of 10 new signings; Lauryn Colman, Abbey Smith, Erin White, Jenny Clark, Shannon Beal, Emma Elliot, Georgia Southby, Holly Sornat, Cassidy Lane (graduated from reserves) and Holly Mattison. These are fantastic additions to the club. These are all players who have good values, morals and footballing ability and I know what they will give me week in week out in a Town shirt. These players alongside our stalwarts of Lindsey Whitton, Nat Eustance, Beth Jennings, Becky Wilson, Grace Adams and Rachel McDonald form a close-knit, talented and ambitious squad filled with youth and experience. In just 52 days together, we have had three trials, 13 training sessions and seven matches which resulted in five wins, a draw and a defeat (to Durham in the league above). Our first pre-season game we should have won but only managed a 2-2 draw. We followed that up with a 6-2 win against Ilkley Town, and a 2-1 win against Huddersfield Town Dev’s. The most pleasing result, however, was a 3-2 win against Bradford City First Team who are in the league above us. We executed our game plan to perfection, and this is the moment when I knew we were building a special squad. A performance based on pure grit, determination, passion and togetherness where every player wore the Town shirt with pride. Less than 72 hours later we played a really strong Durham side who were just one week away from their league season starting so they were sharper and quicker in their transitions. By no means were we outclassed, but some tired legs and missing some clear cut

30 I HARROGATE TOWN AFC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Striker Emma Elliot holds up the ball in Town's 8-0 victory at Yorkshire Amateurs

chances saw us endure our first defeat of preseason, 2-0. I never want to lose a game, but I think it was an important learning experience and was possibly the reality check we needed. Last week we enjoyed an 8-0 away win at Yorkshire Amateurs. Once again, a different test – a much more physical and streetwise team. It took us a while to get going but once we did, we started to implement specific details from training into our game and we looked good. We then followed this up with a 5-1 win against Leeds United U23’s. A tremendous performance from the girls which showed how much they are gelling as a team and are improving game upon game. We are all 'Proud to be Town' so would love to have your support at our upcoming games, so please give our social media channels a follow to keep up to date with the latest news and fixtures. HarrogateTownLadiesOfficial @HTAFCLadies Wishing Simon and the boys all the very best against Barrow today.

Kez

Carey Huegett Ladies First Team Manager

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OFFICIAL BEER

BLACK SHEEP BEST BITTER AVAILABLE AT THE ENVIROVENT STADIUM VISIT THE BREWERY IN MASHAM, NORTH YORKSHIRE #ProudToBeTown @BLACKSHEEPBEER @BLACKSHEEPBREWERY @BLACKSHEEPBREWERY

BLACKSHEEPBREWERY.COM BLACK SHEEP BREWERY, WELLGARTH, MASHAM, RIPON, HG4 4EN HARROGATE TOWN AFC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME I

ACADEMY

ACADEMY PLAY FIRST COMPETITIVE FIXTURE & SEAL FIRST LEAGUE WIN

Town's central midfielder Ben Tweed runs at the Burton Albion defence

It was a proud day for everyone involved at Harrogate Town on Friday 6th August as our newly established Category 4 Academy played their first competitive fixture against the young charges of League One Burton Albion. The venue matched the occasion with St. George’s Park, the home of the England National side, hosting the match. In an entertaining game, Town grabbed the lead through George Horbury, the midfielder claiming his side’s first ever competitive goal with a stunning left footed effort into the top corner. A goal either side of half time put the Brewers ahead, but some fast feet and an accurate finish from Brad Williams levelled the scores.

Despite the late drama, Lead Coach Ross McKay was full of praise for his side… “As a group of staff and as a coach we are extremely proud of all the players today. The energy levels and attitude met the standards we set, and all the boys are gutted to not have got at least a point from the game." EFL YOUTH ALLIANCE (NORTH EAST) Burton Albion 3 (Langfield 40, Niven 49, 89) Harrogate Town 2 (Horbury 33, Williams 52) Town: Giles, J. Barker, Birmingham, Liddle (W. Barker 59), Attree, Wilson, Williams, Horbury, Ilesanmi (Dixon 56), Tweed, Kerr

Just seconds away from securing a first point, there was late heartache for Town as Burton struck a late winner as the clock ticked into injury time.

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ACADEMY FIXTURES 2021-22*

Immanuel Ilesanmi wins a header in the match against Burton Albion at St. George's Park

EFL Youth Alliance (North East) Fri 6 Aug

L 2-3 W 1-0

Burton Albion (A)

Sat 14 Aug Lincoln City (H) Sat 21 Aug Huddersfield Town (Cup) (H) Sat 28 Aug Grimsby Town (A) Sat 4 Sep

Doncaster Rovers (A)

Sat 11 Sep

Huddersfield Town (H)

Sat 18 Sep

Bradford City (A)

Sat 25 Sep Tranmere Rovers (Cup) (A) Sat 2 Oct

Rotherham United (H)

Sat 9 Oct

Salford City (Cup) (A)

Sat 23 Oct Mansfield Town (H) Sat 30 Oct Scunthorpe United (H) Sat 13 Nov

Doncaster Rovers (H)

Sat 27 Sep Huddersfield Town (A)

Last Saturday Immanuel Ilesanmi’s sixth minute header sealed a first ever win for our Academy as Lincoln City were defeated at York St John University. After last week’s late disappointment, Town's Academy side started impressively; a high and aggressive midfield press frustrating the visitors early on and placing them on the back foot. The early pressure resulted in Town being awarded a free kick out in the wide right-wing position. James Birmingham delivered an excellent ball into the box which was met with a powerful header by Emmanuel Ilesanmi to get the striker off the mark for the season. Despite a positive start, Town allowed Lincoln back into the game in terms of possession and struggled to retain the ball with any quality for the remainder of the first half. A good tactical structure off the ball and tireless work from Tom Liddle and George Horbury in central midfield kept it 1-0 to Town at the break. The second half started and Town slowly grew back into the game with a number of chances created for the home side. Town's central midfield battles were won and the back four proved difficult to break down, with Lincoln limited to any real clear chances. “Tactically off the ball we have improved again since last week and added more grit in terms of our commitment and desire to win the ball back.”

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Sat 4 Dec

Grimsby Town (H)

Sat 18 Dec

Burton Albion (H)

Sat 8 Jan

Lincoln City (A)

Sat 15 Jan

Bradford City (H)

Sat 12 Feb

Rotherham United (A)

Sat 19 Feb

Mansfield Town (A)

Added Ross McKay. “We will be working on the continual transition to improve in terms our quality on the ball and our decision making in the final third to ensure we can create more goal scoring opportunities and be more decisive. The group is growing in belief in such a short space of time and are buying into the academy and club philosophy.” EFL YOUTH ALLIANCE (NORTH EAST) Harrogate Town 1 (Ilesanmi 6) Lincoln City 0 Town: Giles, J. Barker (Dean 45), Birmingham, Liddle, Attree, Wilson, Williams (O’Boyle 45), Horbury, Ilesanmi (W. Barker 83), Tweed, Kerr (Dixon 55)

LEAGUE TABLE 2021/22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Rotherham United Burton Albion Grimsby Town Scunthorpe United Harrogate Town Doncaster Rovers Mansfield Town Lincoln City Bradford City Huddersfield Town

P 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2

W 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 1 2

F 6 9 3 2 3 3 2 2 0 2

A GD Pts 0 6 6 4 5 6 1 2 4 1 1 3 3 0 3 4 -1 3 3 -1 1 4 -2 0 2 -2 0 10 -8 0

*F ixtures subject to change. Please refer to the website for up to date fixture details including kick-off times. Table updated 18 August 2021.

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Date

I FIXTURES & RESULTS 2021-22

Opposition

Comp

Res

Att

Pts Pos

Starting XI

AUGUST

Sat 7

Rochdale

Sat 21

Barrow

Tue 24

Leyton Orient

19:45

Sat 28

Exeter City

15:00

Tue 31

Mansfield Town

19:45 15:00

3-2

1,841

Oxley

Fallowfield

Burrell ❚ f

McArdle

Hall

Falkingham

15:00

SEPTEMBER

Sat 4

Mansfield Town

Fri 10

Newport County

19:45

Sat 18

Port Vale

15:00

Tue 21

Crawley Town

19:45

Sat 25

Stevenage

15:00 15:00

OCTOBER

Sat 2

Oldham Athletic

Tue 5

Newcastle United U21s