Harrogate's National League Two match against against West Hartlepool - their first at home for a month - looks set to be called off after the North East club claimed they could not raise a viable front row.

Harrogate have declined to talk about a mutually convenient new date and the National Clubs' Association has stepped in.

It has ordered bottom club West Hartlepool to turn up and play or forfeit two points - which as they have lost all their games would put them on a minus score. The game would still have to be played at a later date.

Harrogate secretary Ian Gair said: "I have told them we expect them tomorrow and if they don't turn up they have a clear indication from the NCA of the penalties. Officially the game is still on and we wait and see if they arrive."

If the game does go ahead Harrogate could go top of the table as their main rivals are involved in the Tetley's Bitter Cup.

Number eight Richard Wade, who has been struggling to shake off an ankle injury for three weeks, takes a rest as coach Ralph Zoing shuffles his back row again.

Lock Peter Taylor, who deputised for flanker Mike Worden when he missed three games with a neck injury, plays at number eight this time with Jim Houghton coming back into the second row. Rob Wilson gets the nod over Mark Bevan in the front row.