Thursday 12th & Saturday 14th September

[joethegill]

Squad news from the press conference yesterday is that Jonny Williams misses out this weekend thanks to the concussion protocols after heading a Donny player last weekend. Dack and McKenzie have trained this week but probably won't be involved this weekend. Ehmer returns from suspension and Euan Williams is back from International duty. Jake Turner, Tim Dieng and Conor Masterson still missing for a while yet.

Possible XI:

Morris
Hutton - Ehmer - Ogie - Clark
Coleman - Little
Nolan - Lapslie - Gbode
Nevitt

Ashby-Hammond, Hawkins, Webster, E.Williams, Andrews, Wakeling, Willie

Tranmere a tricky proposition who are absolutely due a good season. Hopefully we can make it 3 from 3 at Priestfield with a 2-0 success.

 

[Carver]

Still can’t beat the buggers, never mind we move on

You're not the only ones who never beat Harrogate.

 

[GTFCfish]

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You're not the only ones who never beat Harrogate.

 

[Mighty_Bantam]

Does anyone beat Harrogate?

How have they not been promoted?!

 

[valefan16]

Does anyone beat Harrogate?

How have they not been promoted?!

We've never lost to them in 4 meetings (2W, 2D) but chance for that to change end of the month!

 

[Coalite]

Does anyone beat Harrogate?

How have they not been promoted?!

I don’t think we ever did in the NL. Crafty little buggers.

 

[Si Robin]

Does anyone beat Harrogate?

How have they not been promoted?!

100% record against them.

 

[DearneValleyRover]

Does anyone beat Harrogate?

How have they not been promoted?!

Ours stands at played 5 won 0 drawn 1 lost 4

 

[hellogregory]

We’ve played Harrogate 9 times in all competitions. Won 1, drawn 2, lost 6.

The one win we had was in the trophy so it doesn’t really count. So as far as I’m concerned we’ve never beat them.

The last time we played them in the league we did manage to restrict them to no attempts on goal. Still lost.

 

[Carver]

The last time we played them in the league we did manage to restrict them to no attempts on goal. Still lost.

That was the typical bogey team defeat.

 

[Kauto Star]

Don’t get the hate for them, they could always take the easy option and follow Leeds or a Premier League club

There's quite a few Bradford Ciry fans living in Harrogate and neighbouring town Knaresborough. There are though loads of dirty Leeds fans.

Interesting though that when Harrogate owner took over they had 5 season ticket holders and they now have 800, fair play to them

 

[valefan16]

Caught the second half of Doncaster, surprising result but probably shows that its a close league this year when the team that's top has lost twice in 6.

Shows what we did wrong though as they barely had a sniff when trying to break Harrogate down, maybe if we didnt play with a line so high we'd have fared better!

 

[Boz]

Tranmere at home in another tricky game, they're unbeaten so far in the league although have played one fewer. Lord knows what sort of side we'll put out, at the moment we're getting a couple back each week and losing a couple at the same time. Without doing any homework at all it seems Tranmere are one of those sides that the home side tends to win in games between us, so obviously I'll take that if it came to pass again.

Good sides don't lose two in a row, so it's important to take something from this one and I'm relatively confident that we get at least a point, and depending on who we can call upon to play will massively dictate whether we have enough to win it.

With the week off due to Wimbledon's international call-ups, Rovers have at least been able to get some of the injured absentees back playing. Luke Norris and Regan Hendry both in contention and have a good chance of making the starting xi. Think we need Norris as one of only two out and out strikers in the squad, with the other, Dennis, seeming past his use by date. Would expect Rovers to line up with a primary aim of stifling the Gills and if that works become more involved in an attacking sense. It will be interesting to see how Nevitt fares against his former club, was a bit surprised at his move in the summer in terms of geography. Think Rovers can get something from this one, although home win the most likely outcome.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Vale (A) then. One of the first games I looked for on fixture release day after our return to the league as it’s always a proper game with a good atmosphere, and obviously in many Spireites minds we feel we probably owe them one after our last visit there virtually consigned us to our first ever relegation from the FL…

Team news for us is looking much, much more positive, with the only negative probably being that Oldaker is missing due to suspension after another shambolic refereeing decision last weekend (who’d have thought it?). On the flip side, Dunkley returns from his suspension, Fleck has signed and has apparently looked after himself well in the summer so could be involved a lot sooner than many would have expected (been in full training with us for roughly 2 weeks now too even tho he was only announced couple of days ago), and then you’ve got the injured duo Colclough & Madden who I’ve got a sneaky feeling at least one of those will be back on the bench tomorrow but we will see…

Predicted XI:

Boot
Tanton Dunkley Grimes Gordon
Naylor Banks
Markanday Dobra Berry
Grigg

Thompson (GK)
Daley-Campbell
Araujo
Metcalfe
Fleck
Jacobs
Colclough OR Madden (If neither, it’ll be Drummond)

Caught some highlights of the Vale vs Donny game, and noticed a disgustingly high line from Vale on an absolute monster of a pitch and I can’t help think we can capitalise on that if they play a similar way tomorrow with the pace we have in Berry, Markanday & Dobra.

Expecting Naylor to be pushed into the middle from CB where he’s played all season so far to replace Oldaker in the midfield, but he is an excellent midfielder and won our POTY last season & managed 11 goals from CM so it’s probably an upgrade BUT, does mean we lose him out of defence which hopefully won’t be too much of an issue with the return of Dunkley. I reckon Fleck will get at least 15 / 20 mins unless something mad happens like we get a red card or whatever.

I’m heading over with a car full in joining the potential 2,000+ strong away support and really looking forward to the game. Think it will be an entertaining one for sure, can definitely see goals for both sides. Would take a draw but no chance we’ll approach it that way and we’ll defo be coming to take the game to Vale.

 

[valefan16]

Vale (A) then. One of the first games I looked for on fixture release day after our return to the league as it’s always a proper game with a good atmosphere, and obviously in many Spireites minds we feel we probably owe them one after our last visit there virtually consigned us to our first ever relegation from the FL…

Team news for us is looking much, much more positive, with the only negative probably being that Oldaker is missing due to suspension after another shambolic refereeing decision last weekend (who’d have thought it?). On the flip side, Dunkley returns from his suspension, Fleck has signed and has apparently looked after himself well in the summer so could be involved a lot sooner than many would have expected (been in full training with us for roughly 2 weeks now too even tho he was only announced couple of days ago), and then you’ve got the injured duo Colclough & Madden who I’ve got a sneaky feeling at least one of those will be back on the bench tomorrow but we will see…

Predicted XI:

Boot
Tanton Dunkley Grimes Gordon
Naylor Banks
Markanday Dobra Berry
Grigg

Thompson (GK)
Daley-Campbell
Araujo
Metcalfe
Fleck
Jacobs
Colclough OR Madden (If neither, it’ll be Drummond)

Caught some highlights of the Vale vs Donny game, and noticed a disgustingly high line from Vale on an absolute monster of a pitch and I can’t help think we can capitalise on that if they play a similar way tomorrow with the pace we have in Berry, Markanday & Dobra.

Expecting Naylor to be pushed into the middle from CB where he’s played all season so far to replace Oldaker in the midfield, but he is an excellent midfielder and won our POTY last season & managed 11 goals from CM so it’s probably an upgrade BUT, does mean we lose him out of defence which hopefully won’t be too much of an issue with the return of Dunkley. I reckon Fleck will get at least 15 / 20 mins unless something mad happens like we get a red card or whatever.

I’m heading over with a car full in joining the potential 2,000+ strong away support and really looking forward to the game. Think it will be an entertaining one for sure, can definitely see goals for both sides. Would take a draw but no chance we’ll approach it that way and we’ll defo be coming to take the game to Vale.

Against Newport we reverted to a 4 at the back to try and sort that Donaster issue we had and had Debrah back with some pace, depends what mood Moore is in though as for many early season games we actually sat arguably far too deep.

If we play like we did against Newport and late on against Doncaster now we are scoring plenty of goals it could be quite entertaining and end to end though, especially with Triple B looking like he is fit after limping off last weekend.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Against Newport we reverted to a 4 at the back to try and sort that Donaster issue we had and had Debrah back with some pace, depends what mood Moore is in though as for many early season games we actually sat arguably far too deep.

If we play like we did against Newport and late on against Doncaster now we are scoring plenty of goals it could be quite entertaining and end to end though, especially with Triple B looking like he is fit after limping off last weekend.

Yeah it looked suicidal from those highlights against Donny so no wonder he changed it aha

 

[joethegill]

With the week off due to Wimbledon's international call-ups, Rovers have at least been able to get some of the injured absentees back playing. Luke Norris and Regan Hendry both in contention and have a good chance of making the starting xi. Think we need Norris as one of only two out and out strikers in the squad, with the other, Dennis, seeming past his use by date. Would expect Rovers to line up with a primary aim of stifling the Gills and if that works become more involved in an attacking sense. It will be interesting to see how Nevitt fares against his former club, was a bit surprised at his move in the summer in terms of geography. Think Rovers can get something from this one, although home win the most likely outcome.

Norris used to play for us - I wonder what the odds are of Nevitt and Norris scoring in a 1-1?

 

[leedsvaliant]

Yeah, we won't play that high line again. We've reverted to 4 at the back after playing 3 in the early games and it suits us so much better. Byers and Garrity vs your midfield should be a really good battle, both fine players.

Tolaj, Chislett, Bernicio and Stockley as a front 4 looked potent last week, with good options to come off the bench in Curtis and Paton.

Bernicio is a bit of a secret weapon at the moment. Small but strong and with a low centre of gravity. He's also quick and skillful. Got a bit of Saka about him. Hopefully opposition haven't picked up on him yet.

Your front 3/4 also look strong, so it could be a goal fest. It'll probably be 0-0!

I'm just hoping for once in about 3 years, we turn up for a big game at home. We've had to put up with a lot of flat performances, so it would be good to change that.

 

[valefan16]

Yeah, we won't play that high line again. We've reverted to 4 at the back after playing 3 in the early games and it suits us so much better. Byers and Garrity vs your midfield should be a really good battle, both fine players.

Tolaj, Chislett, Bernicio and Stockley as a front 4 looked potent last week, with good options to come off the bench in Curtis and Paton.

Bernicio is a bit of a secret weapon at the moment. Small but strong and with a low centre of gravity. He's also quick and skillful. Got a bit of Saka about him. Hopefully opposition haven't picked up on him yet.

Your front 3/4 also look strong, so it could be a goal fest. It'll probably be 0-0!

I'm just hoping for once in about 3 years, we turn up for a big game at home. We've had to put up with a lot of flat performances, so it would be good to change that.

To turn up in any home game would be nice! We got a lot out of our system against Newport and it seemed to finally click but we need a big performance at home now. That’s where the bread and butter is and need to get the fans going, we’ve somehow kept ourselves in a position to get 6-7000 home fans after last season dross but have to change the home form to keep them coming.

A statement performance against one of the sides expected to be up there like us would be massive but as we know with Vale, finally a buzz after last week, scoring for fun… big crowd… set up for a fall.

Think Wigan last December was the last real performance at home.

Be interesting to see how Ryan Boot does these days, broke through but had a howler at Crewe and never seen again, seems to have gone down to come back up and done well.

Wasn’t it Chesterfield where Mad Cov went on loan? Loved Covolan but he couldn’t stop getting sent off!

 

[Roger Stone]

We might be OKish at the back for Swindon. Matt Baker back from Wales U21duty and Seberry could return for his 1st game of the season after injury. If McLoughlin is fit then Cam Evans stays at CB but he was hobbling about after the Vale game so must be doubtful.

McLoughlin out for 6 weeks so we are v thin at the back. Take a point.

 

[OneDecentLester]

To turn up in any home game would be nice! We got a lot out of our system against Newport and it seemed to finally click but we need a big performance at home now. That’s where the bread and butter is and need to get the fans going, we’ve somehow kept ourselves in a position to get 6-7000 home fans after last season dross but have to change the home form to keep them coming.

A statement performance against one of the sides expected to be up there like us would be massive but as we know with Vale, finally a buzz after last week, scoring for fun… big crowd… set up for a fall.

Think Wigan last December was the last real performance at home.

Be interesting to see how Ryan Boot does these days, broke through but had a howler at Crewe and never seen again, seems to have gone down to come back up and done well.

Wasn’t it Chesterfield where Mad Cov went on loan? Loved Covolan but he couldn’t stop getting sent off!

Mad Cov did indeed come to us. Diabolical keeper, everything I hate in a man between the sticks… just so unpredictable and mental. Honestly just give me a calm, steady head that doesn’t want to be the main character in the sticks, every day of the week… thankfully we look like weve found that man in Boot.

 

[valefan16]

Mad Cov did indeed come to us. Diabolical keeper, everything I hate in a man between the sticks… just so unpredictable and mental. Honestly just give me a calm, steady head that doesn’t want to be the main character in the sticks, every day of the week… thankfully we look like weve found that man in Boot.

He got sent off in pre season, sure it was against you guys? Then first game of the season got sent off again, then half way through the season karate kicked Harry McKirdy and got sent off! Was mad, lovely bloke but mad on the pitch!

 

[GTFCfish]

Vale (A) then. One of the first games I looked for on fixture release day.

 

[OneDecentLester]

View attachment 20751

Do not forget…. these places have all of a sudden become far more appealing when you’ve been visiting gaffs like Damson Park for 6 years straight

 

[leedsvaliant]

View attachment 20751

I may be biased but I think it's a pretty good league 2 away game.

Decentish old school ground, reasonable support, right on the edge of a town with several pubs, not far from the A500.

Believe me, when you've been to glorified retail parks like Derby, where the best pub is a Frankie and Bennys, you appreciate a few decent pubs.

Yes, Burslem is a bit of a dump and some of the people can be a bit rough but it's much closer to an old school football match than some of the modern rubbish.

 

[Dan Phillips]

View attachment 20751

Speak for yourself, but I'm looking forward to our visit to you on 29th December.

 

[valefan16]

I may be biased but I think it's a pretty good league 2 away game.

Decentish old school ground, reasonable support, right on the edge of a town with several pubs, not far from the A500.

Believe me, when you've been to glorified retail parks like Derby, where the best pub is a Frankie and Bennys, you appreciate a few decent pubs.

Yes, Burslem is a bit of a dump and some of the people can be a bit rough but it's much closer to an old school football match than some of the modern rubbish.

Plenty of pubs, big away end, far worse places to visit. The Bycars isn’t the best facility wise but they do a fan zone and despite some of the concerns on the Chesterfield forum I saw mentioned on OVF you don’t really get any hassle at Vale Park these days, Carol and Kevin have made it more “family” orientated and the 1500-2000 more we get compared to 3-4 seasons back mostly seem to be families. We even pluck a kid out the away end to announce the away line up

Plus we will often throw in three points as well to top the day off for an away fan!

 

[GTFCfish]

Yeah I only jest I’ve only been to Vale Park once but it was our second season in the National League and I was pretty excited to be fair to get to see us play at a proper ground again.
The Wife wasn’t too happy though that she ended up in Stoke with our daughter shopping, not kidding about 20 minutes after I dropped her off to then take my lad to Vale Park she rang me - ‘We’re bored already there’s nothing to do here’.

 

[Tallow]

Fleetwood at home.
Guaranteed to see a more positive style of play than we had for the last 10 months.
A few injury concerns and late fitness tests so could be a reshuffle.
Us and Fleetwood are on a similar par squad wise, looking forward to it.

 

[leedsvaliant]

Yeah I only jest I’ve only been to Vale Park once but it was our second season in the National League and I was pretty excited to be fair to get to see us play at a proper ground again.
The Wife wasn’t too happy though that she ended up in Stoke with our daughter shopping, not kidding about 20 minutes after I dropped her off to then take my lad to Vale Park she rang me - ‘We’re bored already there’s nothing to do here’.

She's not wrong! If you dropped her off in Hanley then I sympathise!