‘It felt like playing in front of a full house’ - Harrogate Town’s Josh Falkingham

“It’s only been nine months but it feels like a hell of a long time,” said Josh Falkingham after playing in front of supporters again.
Harrogate Town's Brendan Kiernan with Forest Green's Jordan Moore-Taylor in front of the Town fans. Pictures: Tony JohnsonHarrogate Town's Brendan Kiernan with Forest Green's Jordan Moore-Taylor in front of the Town fans. Pictures: Tony Johnson
Harrogate Town's Brendan Kiernan with Forest Green's Jordan Moore-Taylor in front of the Town fans. Pictures: Tony Johnson

“It probably feels even longer for the fans.”

You could really feel the difference supporters made on Harrogate Town and their League Two game against Forest Green Rovers in Yorkshire’s first league game with fans since March. Ultimately, though, there was only so far the 410 could push them.

They sang, stamped, shouted and applauded. They heckled, cheered ironically, oohed and groaned but they never celebrated a goal. These are difficult times for the Sulphurites, memories of their Football League honeymoon fading as temperatures drop.

Harrogate Town's Josh Falkingham with Forest Green's Carl Winchester.Harrogate Town's Josh Falkingham with Forest Green's Carl Winchester.
Harrogate Town's Josh Falkingham with Forest Green's Carl Winchester.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This was a test event with one side of the ground open to fans and the club only expect to be allowed around 850 into their 5,000 capacity home, but even such small numbers muffled behind masks made a difference.

“It felt like playing in front of a full house,” said Falkingham.

Staggered arrival times meant many were not in position but you could hear the effect as the players emerged to warm up.

“We spoke about it when we went back into the changing room because it was a real buzz,” said the captain. “Just seeing the faces – they were behind masks but it gave us a real lift.”

Harrogate Town's Jack Muldoon marshalled by the Rovers defence.Harrogate Town's Jack Muldoon marshalled by the Rovers defence.
Harrogate Town's Jack Muldoon marshalled by the Rovers defence.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The appeal to sing along to Sweet Caroline fell flat but “Let’s have plenty of cheering and really enjoy this match,” did not.

The chants had started in the terrace alongside the new seated main stand by the time the players returned to the dressing room. An open-top bus parade apart, it was the first chance to laud those who took Harrogate into the Football League for the first time.

The slightest encouragement was leapt on. A solid header to goalkeeper James Belshaw inside half a minute drew applause, a shanked kick into touch by his opposite number ironic cheers.

One fan was politely told by a steward not to return the ball.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The noise mixed anticipation then disappointment – excitement as Jack Muldoon robbed Jordan Moore-Taylor, stifled groans as it came to nothing.

Led by George Thomson, Town played the ball nicely in midfield and defended more solidly than a team that conceded nine goals the previous week might, but were unable to cash in. The constant threat of Brendan Kiernan’s pace never materialised.

When Forest Green attacked they always looked more likely.

“It’s a dive!” one fan yelled after Wayne Burrell’s foul on Jayden Richardson met with groans seconds after a penalty appeal waved away at the other end.

Forest Green’s Aaron Collins headed the chance of the half wide.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Harrogate were fourth on October 20, but have won just two of 12 matches since.

“We got off to a flier and maybe we got caught up in that,” admitted Falkingham. “We only had two games to win (to complete 2019-20) and we flew into another season not really thinking about who we were playing. If you split it into two periods of eight games it’s been chalk and cheese.”

It has been tougher without support.

“It’s definitely been an eye-opener to really appreciate them,” added Falkingham. “We want to get back to what we were used to in March.

“The parade showed to us players the support in the town. It’s a unique atmosphere, really tight to the pitch, and the fans make a big difference.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rovers started the second half strongly and when Nicky Cadden crossed for Jamille Matt there was a brief silence as the ball found the net.

With fans in the ground, you could feel the lack of belief in the now-subdued atmosphere.

“Come on, come on, energy!” screamed Belshaw as his team huffed and puffed without looking like blowing the house down. The fans grew agitated – “Make a change!” “Get Stead on!”

The back of the programme showed the disparity in squad sizes. Town had just six substitutes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I thought they were really struggling with Aaron Martin, Brendan Kiernan was giving them a torrid time and Jack Muldoon is our top goalscorer,” explained manager Simon Weaver, whose only change introduced Mark Beck in stoppage time.

Aaron Martin’s 82nd-minute shot was tipped over, Jack Lawlor headed wide, Thomson’s effort was saved. A string of corners met with the stamping of feet.

It was not enough.

The players appreciated the help, applauding the fans at full-time, who reciprocated before waiting to be told it was time for their row to leave. It was not the dream return, but encouraging.

“We didn’t get the result but it was a real positive,” commented Falkingham. “Fingers crossed we’ll turn this around and start getting the results we did at the start of the season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The more fans we can get it in it will give us even more of a buzz. Hopefully it can spark us into life.

“There has been a step-up in quality. We believe we can learn and match it so we can build into a well-established Football League side, like Forest Green.”

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.