Six home wins in a row might look like promotion form but in a tight National League division two Harrogate need more points away from Claro Road.

They have clocked up wins at Kendal and Lydney but the rest of their travels have ended in defeat.

Although it is not quite as bad as last year, when after early wins at Birmingham and Blackheath they had to wait to January for another away-day boost, Harrogate need to show better away form - starting on Saturday with a trip to Preston Grasshoppers.

They lost two out of three games with Preston last year, going down in the league away and in the Tetley's Bitter Cup at home. But their rivals are in the bottom half of the table and a win should not be beyond 'Gate to set them up for the tough encounter with Wharfedale.

Coach Ralph Zoing accepts his side's away form is not all it should be but can't put his finger on the reason. "We prepare the same whether we are at home or away and go out to play the game our way. We seek to win every game but, yes, we do need to get into the winning habit on our travels."

He delays final selection against a team he considered one of the best in the league last season, waiting for a late fitness check on Richard Wade who missed most of the second half against Nottingham after taking a knock.

sport@ycp.co.uk