Boro eyeing keeper deal

Ben Simpson, who has kept three clean-sheets in his first three matches with the club, is struggling with a knee injury so he will be unavailable for the game.

Boro have a replacement in the shape of Rory Skelton, but they are also lining up a move for a young keeper from Bradford City.

Simpson joins Matty Bloor and Leigh Franks on the treatment table, while Boro are also waiting on Gary Bradshaw and Pete Davidson.

Hughes said: “Ben injured his knee against Farsley, but played through the pain to help us to the win on Saturday.

“He won’t be available tonight because we don’t want to lose him long term, so we have been working hard to find a replacement.

“We have Rory, who can come in and do a job, but we are also in talks with Bradford City about bringing in a young keeper on a short-term deal.

“We asked about Joe Cracknell, but he is needed by Bradford, the lad that we are looking at is very well thought of though.”

The last time Boro turned out at Harrogate Railway, it heralded the end of one era and the start of another.

Rudy Funk called time on his spell at the club after the 3-0 defeat last season, while Hughes and Foot were handed the reins.

Hughes added; “The last time we went there was Rudy’s last game and we were on a bad run at the time.

“There is a different mind-set now and the lads have to take credit for that.

“We are going out there to win every game we play in and we are being helped by how the lads manage things on the pitch.

“In our last two games against both Trafford and Farsley, our opponents have only really created one chance in the game, mainly because of the organisation and the fact that the players are listening to what we are telling them.

“It will still be another tough game tonight though because Harrogate, like any other side in this league, are very dangerous on their day.

“They will be up for it after their loss against Brighouse on Saturday, but at the same time we will be looking to continue our good start to the season.”