Another late goal spells FA Trophy heartache for Town

Simon Weaver’s men were just a couple of minutes away from dumping their high-flying Conference National hosts out of the competition, leading 2-1 with time almost up in Tuesday night’s first round replay.

But just as they did in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at the CNG Stadium, the Bluebirds netted a dramatic last-gasp equaliser to deny Town, before eventually going on to win 4-2 in extra-time.

Earlier, Barrow had taken a 16th-minute lead when Ross Hannah was sent clean through on goal and finished past Harrogate stopper Chris Elliott.

In another repeat of the weekend’s events, Town then recovered to get back on terms before half-time.

On this occasion, it was Chib Chilaka who drew Weaver’s men level, scrambling the ball home while on the ground after JP Pittman’s initial strike was not held by Tim Erlandsson.

Harrogate moved ahead nine minutes into the second period when Andi Thanoj won possession in midfield and slid a pass through to Pittman who curled home a left-footed effort.

Chilaka almost made it 3-1, but despite plenty of pressure from the hosts, it looked as if Town were going to hold out for a fine victory.

History was to repeat itself once again, however, and the Cumbrians snatched a late equaliser through Akil Wright’s 90th-minute goal, sending the game into the additional half-hour.

The first period of extra-time was barely a minute old when Lindon Meikle followed up to knock in the loose ball after Elliot’s initial save.

Wright then made sure of Barrow’s progress when he notched his second of the evening in the 109th minute as Town’s number one spilled Hannah’s cross.