softfootball.com match preview
On Saturday, Harrogate Town will welcome Newport County to the Exercise Stadium, as both teams seek to return to winning ways in their ongoing League Two campaigns. Harrogate sits in 18th place with 11 points from 10 matches, while Newport finds itself in a similarly challenging position, looking to build on their recent performances.
Match Preview
Harrogate Town enters this fixture after a mixed start to the season, having achieved their highest-ever league finish last term. Currently, the Sulphurites sit 18th, struggling defensively with 16 goals conceded—only three teams have a worse record. Their last outing saw them suffer a heavy 5-1 defeat at home to MK Dons, which followed a promising victory over Bradford City. In their most recent match, Harrogate managed a goalless draw against Swindon Town, a performance that will have given them some confidence heading into this weekend.
Manager Simon Weaver is expected to revert to a familiar starting XI, aiming for a more solid defensive display. With a 4-2-3-1 formation in mind, key players like captain Josh Falkingham and striker Jack Muldoon, who is yet to score this season after a stellar previous campaign, will look to make an impact.
Newport County arrives in Yorkshire looking to halt a slide in form after a mixed start to their season. The Exiles have also conceded a league-high 20 goals, but they have shown glimpses of attacking prowess, scoring 16 goals. Following three consecutive losses in September, Nelson Jardim’s side secured back-to-back victories over Crewe Alexandra and Salford City but were dealt a setback in their recent 3-1 loss to Bradford City.
Defensively, Newport faces challenges, with Anthony Glennon suspended and other absentees affecting their lineup. James Clarke is expected to return to bolster the backline, while forward Kyle Hudlin will look to continue his scoring streak. The Exiles are determined to secure their sixth victory of the season, aiming to improve their away form, which has seen them struggle at times.
Team News
Harrogate Town:
Simon Weaver is likely to field a familiar lineup, with Anthony O’Connor returning to central defense alongside Jasper Moon. The midfield will feature Josh Falkingham and Dean Cornelius, while James Daly, Stephen Duke-McKenna, and Ellis Taylor provide support to Jack Muldoon up front.
Possible Starting XI:
Belshaw; Sims, O’Connor, Moon, Foulds; Falkingham, Cornelius; Taylor, Duke-McKenna, Daly; Muldoon
Newport County:
Newport will need to adapt due to several defensive absences. With Anthony Glennon suspended and Shane McLoughlin injured, James Clarke is expected to step in. The attacking trio supporting Kyle Hudlin could consist of Bobby Kamwa, Aaron Wildig, and Kieron Evans, who aim to provide the creativity needed to break down Harrogate’s defense.
Possible Starting XI:
Townsend; C. Evans, Brennan, Clarke, Jameson; Morris, Mawene; Kamwa, Wildig, K. Evans; Hudlin
Both teams are in search of vital points, making this a tightly contested match. Given their relatively even standings and shared struggles, a draw seems the most likely outcome, marking Newport County’s first league draw of the season.
Final score prediction: Harrogate Town 1-1 Newport County
