Simon Weaver said Harrogate’s “incredible” late winner against Colchester can rejuvenate their League Two survival bid.

The Sulphurites snatched a crucial victory in dramatic fashion as Jacob Slater struck in the very last seconds of nine minutes of stoppage time.

And although they remain bottom of the table on goal difference, victory leaves the North Yorkshire side just one point from safety with two games left to play.

“Hopefully that moment can prove to be a critical one for us,” a euphoric Weaver said.

Town's Jacob Slater scored a last-minute winner against Colchester. (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

placeholder image — Town's Jacob Slater scored a last-minute winner against Colchester. (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

“As a small club, we have been smacked in the face week after week this season. We’ve had so many injuries and been right up against it on every level.

“So to see Jacob’s strike go in, it was just an incredible moment when there was so much at stake.

“It certainly rejuvenates the spirit in the camp, because winning a game like that can only lift morale.”

Having been left staring down the barrel of a return to non-league football following last weekend’s dismal defeat to fellow strugglers Newport, Weaver opted to make no fewer than seven changes to his starting line-up for the visit of Colchester.

And the Harrogate chief felt his decision to freshen things up paid off.

“I’m certainly pleased with the impact made by the lads who came back in,” he added.

Harrogate Town: Oxley, Cass, Faulkner, Heffernan (Gibson 70), Slater, Morris, Evans, Hill (Duke-Mckenna 55), L Sutton (Brenan 55), Smith, Bennett (Acquah 55). Unused substitutes: Waller, Thomson, Burrell.

Colchester: Macey, Hunt, Tucker, Terry, Iandolo (Vincent-Young 27), Barbrook, Read, Anderson (Williams 77), Payne (Akachukwu 66), Edwards (K Lisbie 65), Goodwin (Tovide 66). Unused substitutes: Chamberlain, Flanagan.

Referee: M Coy (County Durham).