BOSTON UNITED joint-boss Paul Hurst expects tomorrow's opponents Harrogate Town to go from basement boys to play-off contenders this season.

The North Yorkshire side were the whipping boys of Blue Square Bet North last season, finishing at the foot of the table, but were spared relegation.

However, a summer overhaul of former Pilgrim Simon Weaver's squad thanks to an injection of cash means Town are expected to fare much better this season. Yesterday, they added former Lincoln City midfielder Ciaran Toner.

Hurst even believes they will be dark horses for the play-offs, making them a tough nut to crack for the Pilgrims, who will be aiming bounce back from Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Nuneaton Town, their first defeat of the season.

Hurst and Rob Scott have already watched Weaver's side and the pair were impressed with what they saw.

"They played against Droylsden, who played very well on the night (the match was a 3-3 draw), but Harrogate had a good game plan against them," explained Hurst.

"They worked very hard for each other. Confidence will be running through the team.

"They spent heavily in the summer and brought a lot of new players in, but they've also got some good, established players too. They'll be another really good test for us."

After Boston opened their campaign with three straight victories, Tuesday's defeat will not have set alarm bells ringing in the squad.

The Pilgrims made a habit of bouncing back from losses with victories during last season's promotion campaign.

"We need a reaction against Harrogate," declared Hurst, who has warned he and Scott have no cash to strengthen their squad in the wake of recent injuries.

Last season's top scorer Marc Newsham remains a doubt for tomorrow while the trip north will come too soon for defender Liam Parker and midfielder Gareth Davies, who both completed 90 minutes for the reserves last weekend.

"If we had any money to do that, that's probably what we would have done," added the former Rotherham defender.

"But the budget has gone, there's no getting away from that.

"The only way around that would be to move someone else out, but it's a little bit too early for that, especially with games coming up.

"We had a game Tuesday and we're playing Saturday and Monday (at home to Eastwood).

"Hopefully come next week, Liam and Gareth, provided they don't have any setbacks, should be part of the squad again."