Harrogate Town make history this weekend as they feature in their first ever EFL match against Southend United.
They visit Roots Hall and will be full of confidence after two great seasons in the National League, and facing them is a very young Shrimpers side that’ll be determined to start the campaign right after two dreadful seasons in the third division.
Mark Molesley’s Southend have suffered two defeats since the return from a prolonged summer break, putting up a valiant attempt against a strong Gillingham side and later losing late on in the leasing.com trophy to West Ham’s under 21 side.
But blues fans are not disheartened by the results and both games showed positives that can be drawn upon looking into the coming season.
Long-serving manager Simon Weaver has led his side to two draws so far this campaign, winning on penalties in the EFL Cup whilst missing out via another shootout to a youthful Grimsby Town side in the leasing.com trophy. These results will give Town fans confidence that they can hit the ground running in the football league.
Not long ago these two clubs were separated by two divisions; they will meet for the first time in their history this weekend and it is difficult to predict how the action will unfold.
TEAM NEWS
ONES TO WATCH
BOOKIES ODDS
Southend win – 29/20
Draw – 23/10
Harrogate win – 17/10
Daniel Pugsley has helped to give an insight into the Harrogate Town camp in the lead up to the opening day of the league two season.
Harrogate Town were very impressive last season in the National League. With it being the club’s first ever season in the EFL what are the expectations for this side?
There's no reason why the club shouldn't be approaching the season with positive intent. It is a journey into the unknown being their first season at this level but they showed their quality last season in both the league, prior to the suspension, and then in the playoffs. They were certainly deserving of promotion. History also shows that teams who have been promoted have fared well so hopefully that is a good indicator too. The club have long term ambitions to be an established league side so the immediate aim I guess is to ensure the first steps to achieve this are taken.
Has there been any new signings which stand out as particularly impressive for Harrogate?
Four players have arrived so far - defenders Jake Lawlor and Kevin Lokko and midfielders Tom Walker and Connor Kirby. It's early days into the season so far but all look to have the ability to play a part and make an impact in the starting line-up.
Is there a particular style of play that Simon Weaver has implemented which Southend should be prepared to face?
The manager has always strived for a high quality passing game that is 'pleasing on the eye'. There is pace and attacking intent in the side, which suits their passing game and can catch opponents off guard as it allows them to seize the initiative early in games.
Who would you say are ‘ones to watch’ for Southend on Saturday?
The beauty of this side is that they are not reliant on any one individual. Year on year they have continued to add to the squad, improving the overall quality but maintaining a real team ethic. I'd expect Southend to come away from Saturday's game impressed with a number of players.
Lastly, what do you think will be the outcome of the match?
Both cup games so far this season have gone to penalties and have been close over the 90 minutes. It is a difficult game first up in the league of course but I'm going to remain positive and predict a 2-1 win for Town.
They visit Roots Hall and will be full of confidence after two great seasons in the National League, and facing them is a very young Shrimpers side that’ll be determined to start the campaign right after two dreadful seasons in the third division.
Mark Molesley’s Southend have suffered two defeats since the return from a prolonged summer break, putting up a valiant attempt against a strong Gillingham side and later losing late on in the leasing.com trophy to West Ham’s under 21 side.
But blues fans are not disheartened by the results and both games showed positives that can be drawn upon looking into the coming season.
Long-serving manager Simon Weaver has led his side to two draws so far this campaign, winning on penalties in the EFL Cup whilst missing out via another shootout to a youthful Grimsby Town side in the leasing.com trophy. These results will give Town fans confidence that they can hit the ground running in the football league.
Not long ago these two clubs were separated by two divisions; they will meet for the first time in their history this weekend and it is difficult to predict how the action will unfold.
TEAM NEWS
- Southend United will be without Harry Lennon, Tom Clifford and Jason Demetriou as they work towards recovering from pre-season injuries.
- Jordan Green and Shaun Hobson look set to make their first league appearances for Southend after being allowed registration for the club despite the ongoing transfer embargo.
- Nathan Ralph successfully completed 45 minutes against West Ham United’s U21’s and could be in contention for a starting spot at left-back.
ONES TO WATCH
- Jordan Green looked very energetic and influential against Gillingham in the EFL Cup and could well be a major threat against Harrogate Town. His pace is frightening for any defender and he looked to be a good creative outlet with his final ball as well.
- Charlie Kelman was Southend’s top scorer last season and the 18-year-old has shown he has mature striker instincts and ability with some of the goals he has scored for the blues.
BOOKIES ODDS
Southend win – 29/20
Draw – 23/10
Harrogate win – 17/10
Daniel Pugsley has helped to give an insight into the Harrogate Town camp in the lead up to the opening day of the league two season.
Harrogate Town were very impressive last season in the National League. With it being the club’s first ever season in the EFL what are the expectations for this side?
There's no reason why the club shouldn't be approaching the season with positive intent. It is a journey into the unknown being their first season at this level but they showed their quality last season in both the league, prior to the suspension, and then in the playoffs. They were certainly deserving of promotion. History also shows that teams who have been promoted have fared well so hopefully that is a good indicator too. The club have long term ambitions to be an established league side so the immediate aim I guess is to ensure the first steps to achieve this are taken.
Has there been any new signings which stand out as particularly impressive for Harrogate?
Four players have arrived so far - defenders Jake Lawlor and Kevin Lokko and midfielders Tom Walker and Connor Kirby. It's early days into the season so far but all look to have the ability to play a part and make an impact in the starting line-up.
Is there a particular style of play that Simon Weaver has implemented which Southend should be prepared to face?
The manager has always strived for a high quality passing game that is 'pleasing on the eye'. There is pace and attacking intent in the side, which suits their passing game and can catch opponents off guard as it allows them to seize the initiative early in games.
Who would you say are ‘ones to watch’ for Southend on Saturday?
The beauty of this side is that they are not reliant on any one individual. Year on year they have continued to add to the squad, improving the overall quality but maintaining a real team ethic. I'd expect Southend to come away from Saturday's game impressed with a number of players.
Lastly, what do you think will be the outcome of the match?
Both cup games so far this season have gone to penalties and have been close over the 90 minutes. It is a difficult game first up in the league of course but I'm going to remain positive and predict a 2-1 win for Town.