Simon Weaver pinpoints key test Harrogate Town ‘passed’ in 4-0 National League rout of Altrincham
Simon Weaver reflects on Harrogate Town’s 4-0 National League win over Altrincham
Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver felt his players passed an important “test” with their 4-0 rout of Altrincham.
The Sulphurites have previously found it tough to break down 10-man opponents and lost to a nine-man Carlisle United less than three weeks ago.
When Altrincham lost on-loan Leeds United defender Reuben Lopata-White to a red card just 13 minutes in, the home supporters may have feared a repetition of history.
However, Harrogate cruised to victory courtesy of second-half goals from Will McGowan, Morgan Williams, Michael Craig and Rohan Vaughan.
Harrogate Town pass test
Weaver said: “I think that's one of the tests that have been passed today, putting it to bed really.
“The Carlisle situation where a man gets sent off, two at that time, but where we got distracted by the whole thing and the whole controversy of the occasion. Today it was karma and we kept passing the ball and probing and trying to wear them out, and eventually the gaps did open up for us to penetrate and hurt them.
“It was always natural to feel a little bit of apprehension because ‘oh, we're here again’. We're against a team with a man sent off, so we had to get over that hurdle.
“The lads really did work hard today. It's never an easy objective to beat the team down to 10 men.”
Beating a rival
Not only did second-placed Harrogate claim a valuable three points in their quest for promotion from the National League, they got the better of a side who share their League Two dream.
Weaver said: “It was important. It was important also because they're a very good team, talented players, and we know that we want to have a really good record against the top teams in the league.
“Recently we played against a couple and it's been tough, but it's about learning lessons as a young group, all learning lessons, and trying to get better.”