Mark Molesley to pick strongest side against newcomers Harrogate

Posted Friday, September 11, 2020 by PA

Southend manager Mark Molesley will revert to his strongest line-up for the visit of League Two newcomers Harrogate.

Molesley made eight changes for the midweek EFL Trophy defeat to West Ham Under-21s with only centre-back John White, left-back Richard Taylor and winger Terrell Egbri surviving from the weekend’s Carabao Cup tie with Gillingham.

Defender Nathan Ralph played 45 minutes in midweek, having been out since December after dislocating a shoulder, and could be included in the squad.

Striker Stephen Humphrys is also set to be involved despite interest from Rochdale.

Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw’s hopes of being fit for their League Two debut have been dashed.

Belshaw has been ruled out with the thumb injury sustained in pre-season and will not return to training for another couple of weeks.

Joe Cracknell will continue to deputise having started the first two matches of the campaign.

Manager Simon Weaver gave summer signings Kevin Lokko and Connor Kirby their debuts for the midweek EFL Trophy tie against Grimsby with Brendan Kiernan and Jon Stead also starting but he looks set to make more changes this weekend.