Woods back at Harrogate Town and looking to make an impact

Former Chelsea prodigy Michael Woods is back at Harrogate Town, four years after departing Wetherby Road and could make his second debut when Braintree Town visit tomorrow.
Michael Woods.Michael Woods.
Michael Woods.

The 28-year-old attacking midfielder and former Leeds United youth product, has joined boss Simon Weaver’s team from National League rivals Hartlepool United.

“I’m delighted to be back, I loved my time here four years ago,” Woods said.

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“The club was progressing then, and how far they’ve come in such a short space of time is incredible. This is a club on the rise and I’m really happy to be a part of things here.

“It was clear at Hartlepool that the time was right for me to move on and when this opportunity arose it was too good to turn down. I managed to chip in with a few goals in this league last year and I’m looking to contribute here as well, but the most important thing is to try and help the team win games.”

Weaver added: “Michael is an exciting player, he’s a genuine number 10 – an attacking midfielder who will add goals and something that little bit different to what we already have,” Weaver said.

“He’s so good on the half-turn and when he runs at defenders. I think he adds an element of what we’ve possibly been missing.

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“At 28 he’s right in his prime. I don’t think it’s a case of Michael needing to prove that he’s still got it, I think what we will actually see is him showing everyone that he has infact got even more to give.”

Elsewhere, FC Halifax Town boss Jamie Fullarton wants to harness the feel-good factor from the midweek cup win over Morecambe for tomorrow’s away trip to Ebbsfleet United.

He said: “We’ve got to harness that feeling from Tuesday, that confidence they’ve gained from it, and make sure we channel it and use it for Saturday, and make sure they’re focused for Saturday.”

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IN-FORM Farsley Celtic will be looking to cause a upset in the FA Trophy when they travel to Alfreton Town in the third qualifying round tomorrow.

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The Celts are up to third place in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division following last weekend’s 6-0 thumping of North Ferriby United and manager Adam Lakeland admits his side have no pressure on them going into the game.

“It’s a challenge,” said Lakeland. “All the pressure’s on them. We’re away from home and we’ll be going there trying to cause an upset.

“Alfreton are a good side from the league above us and Billy Heath is a very experienced manager.

“But we’re in good form and will try and cause an upset. If we don’t, we can put all our efforts into the league, if we do – then fantastic.”

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In the Evo-Stik East Division, Frickley Athletic could move level on points with Ossett United if they can claim victory in a derby encounter at the Ingfield Stadium tomorrow.

Ossett’s season started well, but they have gone five matches without a win while Athletic have lost their last three East Division games.

Frickley’s latest defeat came in disappointing fashion at home to Belper Town with the visitors going away with a 2-0 win to drop the Westfield Lane men down to 14th place.

Elsewhere, third-placed Tadcaster Albion travel to struggling Spalding, fourth-placed Brighouse Town entertain second-placed Lincoln United, while sixth-placed Pontefract Collieries host Carlton Town.

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Northern Counties East League leaders Yorkshire Amateur will look to extend their six-point lead over nearest rivals Penistone Church when they travel to Athersley Recreation tomorrow.

Third-placed Knaresborough Town play at Handsworth Paramore, fourth-placed Hemsworth MW travel to Eccleshill United, Garforth Town face a trip to Barton Town and Liversedge host Harrogate Railway.

In Division One, fourth-placed Nostell MW play at Shirebrook Town, fifth-placed Selby Town host basement-side FC Bolsover, Glasshoughton Welfare entertain Parkgate and AFC Emley travel to Dronfield Town.