Harrogate Town AFC

Watch the Gaffer's pre match press conference ahead of Saturday's match with Bolton Wanderers…
 

 
The Gaffer on the defeat to Port Vale on Monday…

I think he [Paul Thirlwell] was right (in his assessment). The first half we did everything bar scoring a goal. There was the same old Harrogate Town energy, aggressive intent to get on the front foot and put the team under pressure but it was a little disappointing after the break to concede a chance and then a goal just a minute later.

That chance was created through a free-kick which got down the side of us too easily. We were frustrated at that having been in the ascendency in the first half. Overall, if we take our chances we win the game.

On whether there's a lack of confidence in front of goal…

I think it's just human nature (to lose that confidence) after a few blanks and not finding the target or scoring a goal.

You see when players do get on a run of scoring goals, they can't fail not to. We've had several opportunities in the last few weeks that could have brought us home quite a few points but hasn't meant to be and we've got to bounce back now, show character and energy.

On visiting the University of Bolton Stadium…

It's always a shame that the fans have missed out on so many new experiences, new grounds and huge grounds this season.

We owe it to them again on Saturday to turn up and put in a 100% grafting performance and put Bolton under pressure and ask questions of them, like we did in the first game. Admittedly we lost narrowly but again we had the lion share of possession and chances.

On Bolton's season so far…

I think they changed it around in the January transfer window and brought in some fantastic signings for this level and really increased the depth in quantity of the squad and it took off. Credit to Ian Evatt, he changed it around and their fortunes changed. They have huge momentum going into the business end of the season.

On looking to return to winning ways on Saturday…

We're after a lift and it would be nice to have a little bit of luck in front of goal, whether it go in off someone's backside or something just to get us going again, not that I'm saying we have to rely on that.

We just need a bit of change in fortune in front of goal because the build up play has been pretty good and I thought both wide men have been in the game, especially in the first half against Pot Vale, we caused them problems. The two centre midfielders were as good as any on view on the day.

We have to remember to keep clean sheets when we're not quite so fluent up front scoring goals but we'll work on it in training. Overall it's a happy camp and we want to strive for that win and what better place to do it than at Bolton.

I suppose that's the problem they face in that everyone wants to turn up and beat them because they're such a huge club at this level. I think they can take it as a compliment, they're a big club so we'll be doing all we can.
 
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