Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver has urged his side to maintain their recent form ahead of a major test against unbeaten National League leaders Boreham Wood this Saturday. The Sulphurites travel to Meadow Park looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat and close the gap on the summit.

Weaver spoke to BBC Radio York ahead of the fixture, delivering a clear message to his squad. "Keep doing what you've been doing in training because you are preparing well for games and performing tremendously well," the head coach said. He acknowledged the 2-1 home loss to AFC Fylde that ended a three-match winning streak but stressed the performance contained positive signs. Weaver pointed out that his attacking players lacked sharpness in front of goal but praised the team's decision-making and courage, qualities he believes will win games at this level.

The challenge of facing the leaders

The task awaiting Harrogate is formidable. Boreham Wood sit top of the table with 20 points from eight games, having won six and drawn two. They are three points clear of second-placed AFC Fylde and have the league's best recent form, unbeaten in their last five matches. Luke Garrard's side comes into the game off the back of a 2-1 away win at Scunthorpe, where Zak Brunt and Billy Whitfield scored the key goals. Their only dropped points recently came in a 1-1 draw at Eastleigh, a match in which Chris O'Connell was on target.

Weaver is under no illusions about the quality of the opposition. "We are looking forward to the next challenge, which is a big challenge with Boreham Wood," he stated. He warned that the Wood can hurt teams if allowed to play their game, emphasising that his side must be athletic, cover the ground effectively, and get their defensive organisation right. While Harrogate have shown a potent counter-attacking threat this season, scoring 19 goals, Weaver stressed the need for control in possession as well.

Context for the clash

Both teams have found the net 19 times this campaign, but Boreham Wood's defence has been tighter, conceding only 10 goals for a healthy +9 goal difference. Harrogate, who have brought in 18 new players this season, currently sit fifth, four points off the top. Their midweek setback was a disappointment, but Weaver wants his team to handle it and focus on the future with excitement.

For Boreham Wood, the match represents an opportunity to extend their unbeaten start and stays at the summit. Their home form has been strong, with victories in both of their matches at Meadow Park so far.

The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday in Hertfordshire. It is a classic top-of-the-table encounter, pitting the league's most consistent side against one of its most prolific attacks. Boreham Wood will be looking to players like Brunt and Whitfield, who secured the points at Scunthorpe, to deliver again. Following this fixture, Boreham Wood's next assignment will be another key league encounter as they look to defend their lead.

The original report is at Harrogate Advertiser