Harrogate Town 3 – 1 Worcester City

17 February 2013

Harrogate TownA sterling effort by the Harrogate ground staff, enabled the first match at the CNG Stadium since mid December to go ahead.

After an anxious half hour inspection, Referee Gary Beswick, was fully justified in his decision to allow the match to take place.

After early Town pressure in which Dave Merris and Paul Beesley had efforts blocked, Town took a 25th minute lead.

Dom Knowles cut in from the left and his blocked shot rebounded to Beesley, who curled a shot just inside the far corner.

Worcester hit back strongly, with Rob Elvins heading Tom Thorley’s free kick narrowly over the top.

City continued to press and Craig MacGillivray saved well from Danny Glover,before Shane Killock was on hand to head away a dangerous Thorley centre.

Two goals just prior to half time put Town on the victory path.

On 39 minutes Lee Ayres made a hash of a Merris cross and Chib Chilaka rifled home into the corner.

Four minutes later,Dom Knowles dispatched the excellent Dwayne Samuels down the right and his cross was brilliantly glanced home by Beesley, who injured himself in the process and took no further part in the match.

Lee Elam came on for the second half which Town started well,retaining possession for long periods

City keeper Glyn Thompson saved from Knowles and Adam Nowakowski headed over a Merris free kick as Town pressed forward.

City battled hard and a penetrative run by Matt Breeze ended with a shot straight at MacGillivray.

New signing Michael Woods replaced Chilaka on 73 minutes and immediately broke through,but unselfishly squared to Knowles giving Thompson time to make a brave block.

Dan Forrest set up Adam Bolder, who drove over from the edge of the area and Thompson made a fingertip save from Knowles.

However, it was City who grabbed the next goal,when sub Danny Edwards seized a weak Town clearance and scored a consolation from the edge of the area.

Worcester’s prolific scorer Mike Symons was sent on as a late substitute, but was well wide with a late header,as Town ran out comfortable winners.

Manager.Simon Weaver, praised his sides ruthless first half performance and Town eagerly await Tuesday’s visit by Droylsden.

Town 1 MacGillivray, 2 Samuels, 3 Merris, 4 Bolder, 5 White (c) 6 Killock, 7 Nowakowski,

8 Beesley (Elam 45) 9 Chilaka ( Woods 73) 10 Knowles, 11 Forrest.

Unused subs, 14 Bolland,15 Bloomer, 16 Dean,

Goals Beesley 25,43 Chilaka 39. Bookings Bolder,White.

Harrogate Town 3 Worcester City 1 Attendance 412

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