Wrexham are intent on Emirates FA Cup progress this afternoon when they take on Harrogate Town at the Wetherby Road stadium.

The Dragons travel to Yorkshire aiming to earn a place in the first round, having earned a goalless draw against their Vanarama National League rivals earlier this season.

Harrogate include former Newport County striker Aaron Williams, who has scored in each of their last three matches.

Manager Simon Weaver and his team are looking to continue their impressive league form in the cup, having lost just one of their opening 16 games.

“An FA Cup run is massive for us,” said Weaver. “There is something magical about this competition and we really want to do well.

“When Wrexham came to play us in the league there were red shirts all over Harrogate, the stadium was full and it made for a great atmosphere.

“Saturday is another big game for us, and there could be an even bigger one waiting if we win.

“Wrexham are a good side on a decent run and are tough to break down. We need a bit more craft about us, but we just can’t wait for the game.”

Wrexham have earned three successive wins going into their clash with Harrogate and manager Sam Ricketts says: “It’s an opportunity to put a run together.

“This is a hard fixture. It doesn’t come much harder at this stage, but we believe we can make progress.”

Wrexham have failed to go beyond the FA Cup qualifying rounds in the last three seasons, losing against Gainsborough Trinity, Stamford and AFC Fylde.

Teenage defender Doug Tharme is likely to be involved with Manny Smith still ruled out by injury and Jake Lawlor suffering an ankle problem. Tharme played alongside captain Shaun Pearson during the 2-0 win at Aldershot

“I want to play every week, every game that I can,” says Tharme. 

“But I have to understand there is quality in every position at Wrexham. With us having as good a defence as we’ve got this season, you can’t really be thinking, I am going to play this game or that game.

“We are a driven squad, hard working and want to go as far as we can in every competition. We want to win the league and earn promotion and go as far as we can in the cup.”

Defender James Jennings and striker Chris Holroyd could be involved at Harrogate after recovering from injuries

“James and Chris have been back in full training, but Jake is not quite there,” said Ricketts.

“We will just keep assessing him and see where he is because I don’t want to start him and then he has to come off again.”

Brad Walker, who switched from midfield to centre-back when Lawlor went off at Victoria Road, or Tharme would partner captain Shaun Pearson in the heart of the defence if Lawlor doesn’t make it.

Wrexham drew 1-1 in their Youth Alliance under-18 fixture at Stansty Park.

Calum Huxley’s first goal of the season put the Reds ahead after 22 minutes in, while Keighran Kerr equalised with a superb chip over the head of goalkeeper Ben Tinkley five minutes later.

Some great build up play from the Dragons saw the ball presented to Huxley just inside the box and the 17-year old sent the ball flying into the bottom left hand corner.

The Cumbrians replied after a clever through ball to striker Kerr and the number nine held off a defender before chipping the ball into the back of the Wrexham net.

Wrexham: Tinkley, Butler, Perry, Cleworth, Beaumont, Thorn, Pilkington, Sargent (capt), Bickerstaff (Robinson-Murray 68), Jones, Huxley (Allshorn 82). Unused Subs: Parry.