Harrogate Town host seventh-tier Gainsborough Trinity in the opening second round tie of 2024-25 FA Cup.
Victory would see Harrogate reach the third round for only the second time in their history, having last done so in 2021-22 season
Gainsborough look to end 138 years of hurt since their sole third round appearance, which came in 1886-87 edition.
Team News
Harrogate have no fresh injury issues following their 2-1 League Two win at Gillingham.
Liam Gibson (hamstring), Ellis Taylor (muscle) and George Thomson (Achilles) remain sidelined.
Gainsborough have no fresh injury issues with their last three fixtures having been postponed.
When is Kick-Off?
Harrogate host Gainsborough Trinity at Wetherby Road on Friday 29 November at 7:45pm GMT, live on BBC Two in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Harrogate’s first FA Cup proper meeting against Gainsborough Trinity, although Trinity won their Fourth Qualifying Round clash 2-1 in 2017-18 season.
- Gainsborough have won two of their last six trips to Harrogate (W2, D2, L2).
- Harrogate have won their last seven ties against lower league opposition (W7), since a R2 loss to Hastings United in Second Round Replay in 2012-13 edition.
- Declan Howe has scored four goals in Gainsborough’s last two FA Cup matches.
Prediction
Sat pretty comfortable in mid-table in League Two, Harrogate have found some well-timed momentum with two wins but their defence remains vulnerable, which will be a concern given that they won just one game from behind all season.
Gainsborough meanwhile have luckily had their recent fixtures postponed and are on a nine-game unbeaten streak, so fans shouldn’t underestimate them if they can bring their top game and pressure Harrogate’s defence.
Gainsborough though haven’t played in nearly two weeks which could well tell towards the end, which could be enough for Harrogate to avoid a cupset if can keep their non-league opposition within sight.
Prediction: Harrogate 2-1 Gainsborough
Result: Harrogate 1-0 Gainsborough
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