Billy Miller says Harrogate Railway must not Nathan Cartman’s departure cause their season to “fizzle out”
Harrogate Railway manager Billy Miller says his side must not let Nathan Cartman’s departure cause their magnificent Evo Stik Division One North campaign to “fizzle out”.
If their trip to Bamber Bridge in the Evo Stik Division One North goes ahead, Railway will make their first return to action since 36-goal hero Cartman’s sale to Darlington 1883 for an undisclosed fee.
Cartman’s form has helped catapult Rail’ into contention for the play-offs and on course for the highest finish in the club’s history.
Malachi Farquharson now leads the attack and Miller admits that Rail’ need to look to the future and focus on their targets.
“What we have to do is draw a line under it and move on as quick as we can,” he said.
“I don’t think we are a one-man team and Carts has been very honest in the interviews he’s given when he has said that we create a lot of chances.
“He has still got to be good enough to convert them chances and he has done that this season.
“We’ll still create them chances, we just need someone else to come to the forefront.
“That has to start at the weekend at Bamber Bridge.
“We’re still in with a chance of the play-offs, but we have to make sure we pick up the points at the right time.
“The last two seasons have massively fizzled out. It became difficult when we got to a stage where we hadn’t anything else to play for.
“This year that changes because potentially the club could finish the highest it has ever finished.”
Railway are developing a track record for developing young players.
Josh Windass (Accrington), Jake Lawlor (Guiseley) and Lamin Colley (Bradford Park Avenue) have all gone onto higher climbs.
Even more recently, Farquharson spent two days with St Mirren and then young goalkeeper Tom Goodwin was with Scottish Championship Alloa this week.
Goodwin attracted interest because of his recent performances and Miller said: “Tom was invited up to a trial match at Alloa by the chief scout over there.
“He spoke to him briefly last week and got it arranged quickly over the weekend.
“Tom played against Dundee and the trialist team won 2-0.
“They told him that they were impressed with his performance and they would keep an eye on him.
“He’s been great for us, absolutely superb.
“He’s a massive part of what we do and we look back to how it came about and how we took a chance on him and he took a chance on us.
“Tom has a great future in the game, but he’s only had 16 games at this level and he needs more.”
Goodwin is set to return to the Railway fold for the trip to Bamber.
Adam Baker remains injured, while club captain Jason Mycoe has a family commitment.
Harrrogate do still have plenty of options to accommodate for the loss of Cartman tomorrow.
Asked whether if he would keep the tried and trusted 4-4-2 formation, which helped them fly up the table, Miller said: “We started the season 4-2-3-1 so that is an option for us and we also play 4-3-3 which is another option by pushing Rob Youhill and Steve Bromley up alongside Malachi.
“I don’t think it would be a major drama for us. I have to look into.
“Bromers has sat patiently on the bench this year so it will be nice to see if get some pitch time.
“Jesus (Martin-Farina) is back in the country from Tenerife so he’s available and he’s an out and striker.”