Players return for Quakers at Harrogate tonight

By Ray Simpson

Players return for Quakers at Harrogate tonight

Quakers make the short journey southwards in order to play Harrogate RA in their second pre season f...

Nathan Cartman celebrates his goal(2-0) (1 of 1)

Quakers make the short journey southwards in order to play Harrogate RA in their second pre season friendly tonight.

Quakers started their pre-season programme with a 3-1 away win at Buxton last Saturday, and manager Martin Gray will be looking for another positive performance, in the same vein as the one at Silverlands.

MG said; “You can’t beat game situations to help fitness and other aspects.

“On Saturday we had enough chances, we controlled the game and there were plenty of encouraging signs. Tonight will be another chance for players to build their workrate, improve their decision-making with the ball and improve their fitness. We will be demanding a lot from them just like we did last Saturday. It’s all about increasing minutes for the players, especially for those who were missing.”

Several players return tonight. Certainly Nathan Cartman, who missed the first friendly at Buxton last Saturday, will make a sentimental return to his previous club where he was a prolific scorer, but defender Gary Brown will probably be missing because of the facial injury he sustained last Saturday at Buxton.

Triallist Ryan Winder, who impressed in the second half on Saturday, is also expected to play some part.

Harrogate, sadly, lost their place in the EvoStik First Division North last season, and will be playing the new season in the Northern Counties East League.

Quakers third friendly will be at Billingham Synthonia next Tuesday, July 12th.