Josh March praised by Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver for "clever" piece of attacking play which decided Carlisle United clash

The 23-year-old has proved an instant hit at Wetherby Road since joining on loan from Forest Green Rovers in early January, netting four times, providing two assists and winning two penalties in just five starts.

His latest key contribution saw him beat Carlisle left-back Nick Anderton for pace inside the visitors' box and draw a rash lunge from the United skipper.

March himself took responsibility for the resulting spot-kick and calmly sent visiting goalkeeper Paul Farman the wrong way to settle Tuesday night's contest.

"He's got the pace - and he's clever. He beat their lad for pace for the penalty. It was straightforward, uncomplicated," said Town boss Simon Weaver following his side's third win in four matches.

"He attacked the line, then delayed and sucked the defender into making the challenge, it was clever play by a clever player.

"He's full of running, but he runs in the right areas and he's always trying to get in-between the posts as well as trying to invite players on, then spinning them.

"His touch is good, he gets his body in line with the ball and is always thinking about how he can get on the end of things.

"He's been fantastic and we are enjoying him being at the club."

Despite only being at Harrogate a short time, with regular penalty-taker Jack Muldoon off the pitch during Town's recent victories over Crawley and Carlisle, March has not hesitated to assume responsibility for spot-kick duties.

And, he has done so with his manager's blessing.

"It's obvious to me that your out-and-out centre-forward who gets on the end of things should be taking your penalties," Weaver added.

"I had mentioned who I wanted to take them, but even if I hadn't, when someone like him grabs the ball to take the penalty, you are delighted because it shows that he believes in himself."

Having gone 25 League Two matches without being awarded a single spot-kick, Town have now had two in their last three outings.

And, after seeing a number of decent appeals ignored by referees over the past five months, Weaver has admitted that he was starting to fear that his side was destined never to get a chance from 12 yards.

"They've been blatant these two, so they were fully justified, those decisions," he continued.

"But it felt like we weren't going to get one all season, then two come along in the space of three games.

"This is great, but I think it's probably a sign of the pace and attacking intelligence that we've got in the line-up now. With Josh up front and Josh McPake and Simon Power out wide we've got that extra pace in the final third.

"It worries defenders and can cause them to commit to tackles near their own goal - that's what we've been seeing."