Desperate for points, Harrogate aims to escape relegation against promotion-chasing Notts County
Category: Sports
Harrogate Town AFC will host Notts County FC on March 28, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Exercise Stadium, in a match that could significantly impact both teams' seasons. Currently sitting second from bottom in League Two, Harrogate is fighting to avoid relegation, with only 30 points from 39 games, including just seven wins.
In stark comparison, Notts County is in the midst of a promotion push, currently ranked fourth in the league with 73 points, just two points behind the third automatic promotion spot held by Cambridge United. The Magpies have won 10 of their last 16 league fixtures in 2026, but they are coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to Oldham Athletic, where midfielder Ollie Norburn received a red card and will miss the match against Harrogate.
Harrogate's manager, Simon Weaver, emphasized the importance of the match, stating, "To aim for the three points and if we achieve that, getting out of the bottom two will be a psychological lift for us all." A victory would allow Harrogate to leapfrog Newport County and Crawley Town, moving them two places up the table and potentially out of the relegation zone.
Harrogate's recent form has been troubling, having lost three of their last four matches. They have only managed to collect 12 points from their 19 home matches this season, the lowest total in the division. In fact, they have only won once at home since September, which raises concerns ahead of facing a formidable opponent like Notts County. Weaver hopes to leverage the home advantage, where historical performances against higher-ranked teams have shown promise.
The upcoming match also holds significance for Notts County, as they look to bounce back from their midweek defeat. Manager Martin Paterson will be without Norburn but can count on key players like goalkeeper James Belshaw, who returns to familiar territory, and leading scorer Matthew Dennis, who is expected to start after recovering from injury. Dennis has scored 14 goals this season and will be a focal point in the attack.
As the match approaches, betting odds favor Notts County to win, with many analysts noting their strong attacking record, having scored 65 goals this season, second only to MK Dons. Harrogate, on the other hand, has struggled offensively, with only 29 goals to their name, making them the lowest scorers in League Two.
Weaver is aware of the stakes, stating, "It's good to hear that the attendance figures are good. We always prefer it when the so-called bigger clubs come to town, and we want all four sides of the ground full to create a great atmosphere." With the potential for a packed stadium, the pressure will be on both teams to deliver results that could shape their respective seasons.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, ensuring that fans can follow this high-stakes encounter. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both teams will prepare for a battle that could define their trajectories in this season's League Two campaign.