Harrogate Town AFC

Town complete their run of three consecutive home games in League Two this weekend when they entertain promotion chasing Mansfield Town to the Envirovent Stadium.

And Simon Weaver's side will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's 2-0 defeat at the hands of league leaders Leyton Orient.

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Our opponents

After defeat in the League Two playoff final at the end of last season the Stags entered the season as one of the favourites for automatic promotion.

They are currently in seventh position, occupying the final playoff position as a result of their 1-0 win at Rochdale last weekend, their third in succession in all competitions where they have also failed to concede.
Goals have not been a problem, netting 27 times so far but they have conceded 23 goals, the highest tally amongst sides in the top half of the table.

They have won five and lost four of their eight away games so far.

Previous meetings

In 2020/21 Town did the double in their first season as an EFL club with a pair of 1-0 wins. In November Calvin Miller's strike was enough to secure all three points whilst Aaron Martin's goal was the difference in the home fixture later in the season.

Last season Town triumphed 3-1 away from home thanks to goals from Luke Armstrong, Jack Muldoon and George Thomson in a game that saw Mansfield reduced to nine men. The return fixture in early February at The Envirovent Stadium ended goalless.



The man in charge

Nigel Clough is the man in charge at Field Mill. After a stellar playing career for Nottingham Forest and latterly Liverpool, Manchester City and Burton Albion, as well as earning 14 England caps.

After hanging up his boots he went into management taking Burton Albion through the divisions over the course of a decade before following his father's path by taking the Derby County job where he is in the hot seat for four years. A brief spell at Sheffield United then followed before a return to Burton Albion.

Clough took over at Mansfield midway through the 2020/21 season.

Ones to watch

Forward Will Swan, on loan from Nottingham Forest, leads the way with six goals so far. George Lapslie has five goals to go with three assists with a number of other players having netted twice to date.

Peterborough loanee Christie Pym will be between the sticks for Clough's side with youngster Riley Harbottle potentially paired with veteran James Perch in defence. Former Town left back Lewis Page may also feature after signing for the club on an initial one-month deal this week.

There are plenty of midfield options for the Stags with the likes of Anthony Hartigan, George Maris, Lucas Akins and Ollie Hawkins all in contention.

History

The Stags have spent all but one season of their long tenure in the Football League in the bottom two divisions, and apart from the 2003/04 season have spent the majority of time residing in the fourth tier since the turn of the century.

They also spent five seasons in the National League following relegation in 2008 before returning in 2013 where they have remained since. They have reached the League Two play-off final since their return, losing to Newport County on penalties in the 2018/19 season and to Port Vale last season.

Team news

Simon Weaver continues to be without Will Smith, Max Wright, Dior Angus and Stephen Dooley but may be boosted by the return of George Thomson to the matchday squad.

Mark Oxley will also miss out, with the extent of his injury to be confirmed.