HARROGATE Town face perhaps the toughest match of their season tomorrow as they travel to Accrington Stanley.

The legendary former Football League club are runaway leaders of the UniBond League premier division, 11 points clear of second-placed Stalybridge Celtic as they chase a Nationwide Conference spot for next year.

But Town have a decent record against them this season, having knocked them out of the FA Cup after a replay.

Harrogate manager John Reed, who is likely to be boosted by the return of captain Robbie Whellans from his hip injury, said: "We've played them three times this season, and it's one win apiece with the other game drawn.

"We lost the league game at our place 2-0 but beat them in the Cup 3-2 after holding them to 0-0 at their place.

"We've proved we're capable of doing something against them but, as in any football match, you have to perform."

"They're favourites to go up to the Conference and on their day they are a wonderful team, so we will have to be at our best to get anything from it."

Stanley have lost just four of their 30 League games this season and boast a fearsome strikeforce in the shape of Lutel James and Paul Mullin, who have netted 35 League goals between them this season.

James took his tally to 21 overall with two penalties in the 2-0 win at Runcorn Halton last Saturday while Town were beaten 1-0 at home by Ashton United.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Town or Halifax Town will entertain Bradford Park Avenue or Eccleshill United in the semi-finals of the West Riding County FA Cup, following the draw yesterday.

The quarter-final tie between Halifax and Harrogate on Tuesday was called off because of a frozen pitch at The Shay and has been rescheduled for next Tuesday.

Updated: 11:14 Friday, February 07, 2003