New recruits make Weaver a happy man
HARROGATE Town boss Simon Weaver deemed Tuesday night's 4-2 pre-season win over young Scunthorpe United XI as a 'good start' for his new-look squad,
Adam Nowakowski, Aidan Savory, Duncan Williams and Steven Ivanov were all on target against the visitors, with new signings Craig Dootson, Dominic Roma, Richard Pell, Steve Bowey, Graeme Armstrong, Liam Hardy and Wayne Phillips all featuring over the 90 minutes.
“It was a good start - they did what I asked, that they apply themselves and restore some pride,” said Weaver.
“The things we’d worked on in training were evident, trying to play expansive football with pace, and everyone acquitted themselves well particularly in the first half.
“We scored two terrific goals, played with a lot of width and we look a much more physical team this year.”
The coach is now eager to see what they can do when Blue Square Premier side Gateshead arrive at the CNG on Tuesday (7.30pm).
He is expecting a tougher test for his troops, but one that should go a long way towards indicating who will make the final cut.
“It’ll be a big step up for us and I’m keen to see how we deal with greater pressure,” said Weaver.
“It should be a good game to watch, and to see the progress of certain players.
“All the trialists did well against Scunthorpe, but I’ve got to cut it down to an 18-man squad and games against sides like Gateshead will show who’s staking a claim to make that squad.”
Weaver spoke of his delight at this week’s capture of Gateshead winger Phillips, who becomes the eighth new recruit.
After Phillips impressed in early sessions, Weaver admitted he has beaten off interest from other clubs to get his signature.
“Graeme Armstrong told me that in their promotion season, the season before last, Wayne unlocked a lot of doors for them during games,” the coach said.
“We had to act quickly because Workington and Blyth were after him.”
“He’s got a low centre of gravity isn’t knocked off the ball easily, and he set up the first goal from a set piece which was very pleasing.”
Town flew out of the blocks on Tuesday, Nowakowski putting them a goal up after just three minutes with a fine header from a Phillips free kick.
Striker Aidan Savory doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute with another header, courtesy of a fine cross in from Foster on the right wing.
But before then there were great scoring chances for central midfielder Bowey, who shaved the right post, centre forward Armstrong who just failed to tap in from close range, and Phillips with a free kick 20 yards out.
Scunthorpe barely got a look-in during the first half, but worked their way into the game in the second, as Weaver shuffled his pack.
The changes quickly reaped goals for Town, former Garforth man Duncan Williams netting the third of the evening in the 55th minute.
After picking Sam Comer's pocket, Williams embarked on a super mazy run before unleashing a super shot.
Comer enjoyed payback in the 70th minute with a perfectly-weighted free kick but Town increased their lead 14 minutes later through a stunning individual goal from Steven Ivanov.
His left-footed 30-yard drive into the top corner was possibly the goal of the night.
However, visitors Scunthorpe had the final say when Jamie Wooton outfoxed the defence and sub 'keeper Jordan Myers in the 87th minute.
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Weather for Harrogate
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
