top of page
Writer's pictureCameron Calvert

International Break Preview (League One and Two): Sulphurites Aim to Leapfrog Red Devils


Simon Weaver's Harrogate take on Crawley Town. (Credit: Getty Images)

Fresh off the back of their Papa John’s Trophy exit to Hull City, Harrogate Town host Crawley Town at Wetherby Road on Saturday in League Two.

Harrogate struggled to contain the Tigers on Tuesday night, before conceding two late goals.

Crawley Town had better luck against League One opposition in midweek, winning 2-0 at home to Ipswich Town.

Despite two goals from Brian Galach, it was not enough for the Red Devils to make it through to the next round of the competition.

The visitors have lost just one of their last 14 games when facing a side for the first time in the EFL (W8 D5) and remain unbeaten since a 4-0 defeat to Mansfield in September 2015 (P9 D6 D3 since).

This will be the first competitive meeting between the sides and with a win, the Sulphurites will jump above the Red Devils in the table.


Ben Richards-Everton battles for the ball.

Elsewhere in League Two, Bradford City host Exeter City at the Utilita Energy Stadium (Valley Parade).

The Bantams were knocked out of the Papa John’s Trophy by Oldham Athletic in midweek.

Will Sutton’s own goal gave City a lifeline after David Keillor-Dunn’s opener.

However, an Alfie McCalmont double late on gave Oldham the points and sealed Bradford’s fate.

Opponents, Exeter City, last played in the FA Cup, winning 2-1 against AFC Fylde.

Exeter did have to come from behind after Jordan Hulme put the visitors a goal up before Matt Jay hit a brilliant long-range strike into the bottom corner for the Grecians.

Alex Hartridge then turned the ball in from close range to complete the comeback and put the hosts through to the next round.

The Bantams will be feeling confident despite Exeter’s good start to the season with Saturday’s visitors losing four of their last five trips to Bradford in the league, winning the other 1-0 in November 2012.


James Scott celebrates his goal with his teammates.

Hull City have two important fixtures, the first on Saturday against Burton Albion in League One and the second on Tuesday versus Grimsby Town in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Saturday’s visitors, Burton Albion, beat Fulham u21s on penalties after 1-1 draw at the Pirelli Stadium in midweek.

Hull have won both of their previous league meetings with Burton, by an aggregate score of 9-1, with these matches coming in the 2017-18 Championship campaign.

Grant McCann’s men find themselves in fifth in the league and could climb into second with a win.

The Tigers cruised past Harrogate Town in the Papa John’s Trophy in midweek, to give themselves a fighting chance of qualifying for the next round.

One of Hull or Grimsby Town will qualify for the next round, with a win or a draw suiting the Tigers.

Only a win in 90 minutes will see the visitors climb into second place whilst Hull could go top of the group with a win.

Doncaster Rovers were also due to play this weekend, however the game has been postponed due to a number of international call-ups.

Comments


Subscribe

Home: GetSubscribers_Widget
Home: Contact
bottom of page