Billy Miller (right) had good news for Harrogate Railway fans this week after goalkeeper Tom Goodwin signed a contract. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Billy Miller admits that Harrogate Railway cannot afford to underestimate their next two opponents in the Evo Stik Division One North.
If the snow clears, Railway are due to host Prescot Cables tomorrow and then visit doomed Padiham in seven days’ time.
Prescot are struggling at the bottom of the end of the table and Miller says his side have to treat them just the same as Salford and Northwich – two leading sides who have lost at Station View this season.
Miller said: “It is one of those games where in the last couple of seasons we have had 3-3 draws with them.
“I think they beat us here two years ago. They are a good club, who have probably the tightest budget in the league so what we have to do is give them the respect they deserve.
“In the last few weeks they have picked up some good results and we have to make sure we are on top of our game.
“Sometimes they are so hard to play against because they are so committed. We have been down there ourselves and we know how difficult it is when you are fighting for your lives.
“If we turn up expecting to win the game then both teams (Prescot and Padiham) are capable of beating us.”
Surprise package Harrogate are still deeply embroiled in the hunt for a play-offs spot.
Such a possibility seemed remote in October until the arrival of goalkeeper Tom Goodwin and experienced defender Matt Heath inspired Railway to greater climbs.
Railway flew up the table with win after win in November and December and they currently occupy fourth-place – even after the defeat at Farsley on New Year’s Day.
The loss of Nathan Cartman has questioned Railway’s capability of sustaining a challenge, but the wins over Bamber Bridge and Spennymoor have proven that they are.
Miller said: “The Farsley game to be 2-0 and then lose 4-2, you had to think is it just a blip or will the wheels come off? But, they have responded really well recently.
“We lost young Nathan to Darlington and I’ve said all along that this team has got goals in it because of what is going on behind the strikers.
“Carts did so well putting the ball in the back of the net, but you only have to look at the two games we have played without him and we have scored seven times.
“We’re enjoying the ride and realistically we probably need nine wins over the 13 games we have left.
“I do think the teams that will be in there are Salford, Darlington, Northwich, Spennymoor so it is the fifth-place spot that everyone is fighting for.
“There is some good teams fighting for it. Farsley are a good team with games in hand, Scarborough are in there and so are Droylsden.
“We’ll enjoy every game and if February and March if we’re still in it, we have probably given ourselves a chance.”