Harrogate will be hoping recent history repeats itself as they face the match of the day in National League Two.

The Claro Roaders, who lie second, entertain fourth-placed Nottingham (ko 2.15pm) bidding to complete an eighth straight win over the East Midlanders, but 'Gate spokesman Graham Siswick reckons it won't be easy, no matter the recent match-up.

"It's a big game," he said. "They're only a couple of points behind us. Last week they beat Doncaster, who were third, which was a good win and moved them up to fourth.

"They've been hovering around the relegation zone over the last few seasons but it seems they've got together their best side for a few years.

"We've beaten them in the last seven league games between the teams but they're a more formidable side now."

Harrogate have added three players to the squad that battled to beat lowly Esher 10-8 last week. New winger Matthew Callaghan, who has been signed from Wakefield, and scrum-half John Newton, who has impressed in the reserves, come in, while second-row Paul Clark returns after injury.

Updated: 12:10 Friday, December 05, 2003