Harrogate Town AFC

Town are back at home this weekend to face Carlisle United and will be seeking all three points against a side they are unbeaten against since entering the EFL.

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Our opponents

Carlisle come into the game sat in 12^th place, with nine points to date although they have played a game less than other sides in the division.

They have been defeated just once so far, winning two and drawing three of their other games, including an entertaining 3-3 draw against Rochdale a week ago.

After last season's 20^th placed finish there were a number of departures from the club, replacing the likes of Lewis Alessandra, Magnus Norman and Tristan Abrahams with Tomas Holy, Ryan Edmondson and Owen Moxon.

Previous meetings

Town came away with a 100% record against Carlisle last season. They posted two wins over the Cumbrian side on the road with George Thomson and Alex Pattison finding the target in a 2-0 league win in late November, before an early Luke Armstrong strike sealed Town's progression in the Papa John's Trophy in early January.

At home a Jack Diamond brace and a strike from Rory McArdle sealed a 3-0 win in late April.
In Town's debut campaign they triumphed 1-0 at home thanks to a Josh March strike before earning a 1-1 draw on the road on the final day of the 2020/21 season.



The man in charge

Paul Simpson was appointed in February earlier this year, replacing Keith Millen who in turn had taken over from Chris Beech part way through the season.

The club had struggled for the most part and were amongst the sides threatened by relegation before Simpson steered them to safety late in the season.

He previously had a spell at Brunton Park almost 20 years ago, also managing Preston, Shrewsbury and Stockport as well as coaching stints at Newcastle United and the England youth set-up.

Before embarking on a managerial career Simpson had a notable playing career, most prominently for Manchester City, Oxford and Derby.

Ones to watch

Kristian Dennis has started the season on fire, netting five goals in his opening six games. He is likely to partnered by either Ryan Edmondson, who joined from Leeds in the summer, or Omari Patrick, well known in lower league circles.

Both Jordan Gibson and summer recruit Owen Moxon have tallied three assists from midfield positions.
19 year-old Fin Back, on loan from Nottingham Forest, has settled well into the defence where Jon Mellish has again been an ever present. Another youngster, Jack Armer, has also played every minute so far.

History

Carlisle were officially formed in 1904 and have featured mainly in Third Division during their 117 year existence. The 1973-74 season saw the Cumbrians promoted to the First Division for the first time but they'd only stay there for a year before relegation. 

Successive relegations in the 80s then saw Carlisle drop to the Fourth Division and it's where they stayed until winning the league as champions in 1995. The club then yoyoed in out of the third and fourth division until in 2004, their 76 year stay in the Football League came to end.

It was, however, a brief end as the club returned the following the season and then won the League Two title the year after. Carlisle would continue to be a League One club for the next eight seasons, winning the Football League Trophy in 2011 before relegation to League Two in the 2013/14 season.

Team news

Simon Weaver continues to be without the Will Smith, Max Wright, Stephen Dooley and George Thomson whilst George Horbury is serving a suspension following his red card at Sutton last week. Late checks will also be made on Alex Pattison and Josh Falkingham.