Mixed fortunes for '˜Gate Men

The Ainsty Road side suffered a 5-0 loss to promotion-chasing City of York on Saturday, before dishing out some punishment of their own when they faced Chapeltown 24 hours later.

Despite an even opening 25 minutes of their clash with York, ‘Gate failed to take any of their early chances and after Alfie Weaver fired wide from a short-corner they found themselves behind.

In what became a scrappy affair, the visitors soon extended their lead thanks to some clinical finishing.

At 3-0, Harrogate were awarded further short-corners after some good work in the ‘D’ by Harry Henderson and Tom Harris, but were unable to capitalise.

The game was then ended as a contest when York added their fourth of the afternoon, before they wrapped things up with number five.

Sunday’s re-arranged fixtures versus Chapeltown saw ‘Gate bounce back in emphatic style, the hosts sweeping aside the team one place below them in the league with a flurry of second-half goals.

Two strikes from Sam Mackarell in the first period eased any nerves before the floodgates opened after half-time.

Harry Henderson and Toby Harris (2) netted to put the Granby club in control, Charles Edmondson then adding a quick-fire treble to seal an 8-0 triumph.

Victory eases Harrogate’s relegation fears, keeping them eighth in the league standings, nine points above the bottom-two.

They entertain local rivals Ben Rhydding on Saturday, weather permitting, and will be keen to avenge the defeat suffered away from home earlier in the season.