Preston Grasshoppers welcome Harrogate to Lightfoot Green on Saturday afternoon for what promises to be an exciting early-season National 2 North encounter.

Both sides have made an unbeaten start to the new campaign, with plenty of attacking intent on display in their opening two fixtures. Preston sit fourth in the early table with nine points, while Harrogate are third with 10.

Victory at Fylde was particularly encouraging for Hoppers building on the narrow opening-day success to claim a convincing away win against our fierce local rivals with braces from Jacob Browne and Sam Kyle-Clay paired with try saving tackles from Sammy Russell and Mark Jennings ensuring all the points returned to Preston.

Harrogate, managed by Jake Brady, arrive in Lancashire with an equally impressive record. The Aces opened their return to National League 2 North with a 24-21 victory away at Otley before following it up with a 41-31 home win against Billingham last Saturday proving they will be no pushover this season.

Harrogate's strong start means Hoppers will have to be prepared for another high-tempo contest. The visitors have shown in their first two matches that they can score heavily, while Hoppers' own attacking numbers suggest a high-scoring affair.

Hoppers head coach Dan Orwin is not underestimating the newly promoted side.

He said: "Off the back of two good results, we welcome Harrogate to Lightfoot Green. They have also had a solid start to the season, beating Otley and Billingham, in their first two games back in N2N."

Orwin added: "It will be another tough test this afternoon, and we expect Harrogate to make life difficult for us. They are well organised, and well coached. We will need to be solid in defence again, and take our chances when we get the ball."

Congrats to to Hoppers Rory Brand who is set to make his 50th appearance for the club.

There is also an extra sense of occasion around the fixture, with the club hosting a Family Fun Day alongside the match and encouraging supporters to make an afternoon of it. There's lots on offer for kids and adults so make sure to get yourself down!