Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver questions the desire of his players

The Wetherby Road outfit were humbled by struggling Sutton United last time out, serving up a performance in South London that their manager described as “disgraceful”.

And, with a victory this weekend the only way to guarantee that Town don’t drop out of the National League promotion picture, Weaver says he has had to deliver a few home truths.

“The display at Sutton really hurt, I had very little sleep at the weekend, wondering about that lack of application,” he revealed.

“We were lightweight, the focus wasn’t there. We didn’t defend well enough one-on-one or win enough first and second balls. Five-yard passes were going astray and, despite having the lion’s share of possession, we only managed one shot on goal.

“On Monday I showed them the video to illustrate just how bad it was. There were some home truths, because the players have to see that performance for what it was.”

Saturday’s 3-1 reverse at Sutton means that Town have won just one of their last six following a 10-match unbeaten run and has left Weaver questioning his players’ desire to achieve promotion.

“We managed to go on that brilliant run and get ourselves right up there and in with a legitimate chance of getting promoted, but now I’m wondering if we have the desire to go up,” he added.

“I’m looking at people now to see if they have that ambition and drive. Everyone has to show their mettle.”

Meanwhile, FC Halifax Town boss Pete Wild wants his side to match Yeovil’s intensity and aggression when they make the long trip south tomorrow.

“I think they are one of the better sides we’ve played this year, they were big, strong, aggressive, and they ran all over us,” said Wild.

“We’ve learned from that. They’ve had a lot of ins and outs, and they’re going through a sticky spell at the moment.

“It makes for an interesting contest, but first and foremost, we’re going to have to match their intensity and their aggression. If we do that, we’ve got a chance.”

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Pontefract Collieries will be looking for a little revenge when they travel to Brighouse Town in the BetVictor League North West Division tomorrow.

It will be the first meeting between the two West Yorkshire teams since Brighouse prevented Colls from gaining promotion last season when beating them in the play-off final. And with Pontefract sitting in eighth place and Town ninth, a derby-day a tight tussle is expected.

Elsewhere in the division, seventh-placed Tadcaster Albion host the team two places above them – Ramsbottom United – while third-from-bottom Ossett United entertain leaders Workington and rock-bottom Pickering Town travel to Prescot Cables.

In the South East Division, 10th-placed Frickley Athletic host Market Drayton Town.

In the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, second-placed Hemsworth MW host promotion rivals Bridlington Town while fifth-placed Liversedge play at bottom-side Athersley Recreation, seventh-placed Garforth Town make the trip to Barton Town and 17th-placed Knaresborough Town are in action at Maltby Main.

In Division One, seventh-placed Selby Town entertain North Ferriby, Nostell MW travel to Armthorpe Welfare, Glasshoughton Welfare play at Ollerton Town while Harrogate Railway are in action at Swallownest.