Golcar United are counting down to the start of the new season and take on Huddersfield Town under-19s on Tuesday (July 25) in what’s become a regular fixture on the pre-season calendar.
It’s the third successive pre-season that Town have sent a team to the Skye Direct Stadium and last year over 700 fans turned out hoping to see some stars in the making.
It’s been a good pre-season for the Weavers who have won all their matches so far. They beat Nostell Miners Welfare 2-1 followed by a 1-0 win over Shelley and a 2-0 victory against Ashton Town.
Last Tuesday they beat Wortley 5-0 with two goals from Max Leonard and others from Leon Henry, Ollie Russon and Akram Lasalire.
Golcar have lost 30-goal top scorer Kayle Price but have strengthened the squad with several new signings. These include: goalkeeper Sam Kelly, central midfielder Ollie Russon, defender Alfie Gibbons and left-sided winger Jordan Spencer. Oliver Willitts also returns to the club after a season away.
On the pre-season so far joint manager Gav Connor said: “It’s been very good for us. We’ve signed a few new lads and it’s also given us a chance to look at a couple of lads that haven’t really had a chance before.
“The lads look after themselves anyway and they have come back pretty fit. It’s just a case of getting them all enough playing time to reach a decent match fitness level now.
Images by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
“As far as recruitment goes we wanted to strengthen in a couple of areas and also wanted to create competition for places which is what we now have.”
Looking ahead to Tuesday night, Connor said: “It’s fantastic to have a Huddersfield Town side visit us again. It makes a massive difference to the whole of pre-season and hopefully it will attract a few fans from both sides to the game.
“It’s our last pre-season game so we would like to think the squad won’t be far off what it will be next Saturday against Penistone in our first league match. It will also be a great opportunity for Town fans to see what the future might look like for them too.”
Brothers Gav and Ash Connor have been joint managers at Golcar United for a decade and Gav added: “I think it’s a great personal achievement for Ash and I to be at the club for our 10th season.
“We’ve had some fantastic success, and to help drive the whole club towards what we have now is a great achievement for all concerned.”
Golcar United v Huddersfield Town is on Tuesday July 25 (7.30pm ko) and tickets cost £6 adults, £4 for concessions and £1 for kids (under 16s). Tickets can be booked HERE.
Golcar’s first home game of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division season is against Penistone Church on Saturday July 29 (3pm).
