Harrogate Town could only select three substitutes for their League Two match on Saturday.
Simon Weaver’s team traveled to Meadow Lane to face Notts County with a depleted roster.
Harrogate’s matchday squad consisted of 14 players out of a possible 18.
As a result, goalkeeper Mark Oxley was joined by only two outfield players on the bench.
Marcus Etherington and Shawn McCoulsky filled out Weaver’s options from the dugout.
His squad had been significantly weakened following a midweek EFL Trophy victory over Newcastle’s Under-21s.
Why did Harrogate use three substitutes?
Jack Evans’ fifth yellow card of the season came in that game, putting the midfielder sidelined for the weekend.
Harrogate confirmed the news on social media after announcing their lineup to face Notts County.
The club commented on X with the following statement: “Jack Evans misses out having accumulated five yellow cards, joining nine out injured and two on international duty unavailable for today.”
Stephen Duke-McKenna and Jacob Slater are currently on international duty for Guyana and the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, respectively.
Meanwhile, four players were forced off on Tuesday night due to injuries: Liam Gibson, Tom Hill, Conor McAleny, and Bobby Faulkner.
They joined George Thomson, Lucas Barnes, Lewis Cass, Mason Bennett, and Tom Bradbury on the treatment table, adding to their difficulties.
Despite having only three replacements, Harrogate made an excellent start against Notts County.
Tom Cursons scored in the first half to give the visitors the lead.
It was the forward’s third goal of the week, following his brace in the EFL Trophy.
Prior to their victory over the Magpies’ U21s, Harrogate had a six-game losing skid in all competitions.
Weaver’s side had also lost five successive league games since a September victory against Gillingham.
During that tenure, he secured Harrogate’s first promotion to the National League and League Two.
This is their sixth season in the EFL, with their best finish of 13th place in 2023/24.
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