Cambridge United 2 Harrogate Town 1: Advertiser player ratings

Josh McPake made his Harrogate Town debut against Cambridge United. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

Despite taking an early lead through Jack Muldoon's 10th goal of the season, Harrogate Town left Cambridge United empty-handed on Saturday afternoon.

Here's an assessment of how Simon Weaver's players performed during their 2-1 loss at a foggy Abbey Stadium.

James Belshaw 6 - Wasn't overly busy considering the amount of possession the hosts had. Organised from the back and commanded his area well, particularly in the first half. Not a lot he could do about Wes Hoolahan's winner.

Warren Burrell 7 - A very solid performance from Town's stand-in skipper. Made some important blocks and once again showed his versatility when switched from right-back to left-back after 53 minutes. Booked.

Ed Francis shone once again in the heart of the Harrogate midfield.

Jake Lawlor 6 - Looked solid and relatively untroubled in the first period, winning plenty in the air, but will be doubtless be disappointed to have let the lead slip

Connor Hall 7 - Made clearance after clearance in the second half as Cambridge pressed for an equaliser. Deserved something from the game based on his individual performance.

Mitchell Roberts 6 - The Birmingham City loanee looked like a good option at left-back in the 53 minutes he played before being forced off injured. Booked for a challenge in which he won the ball, but went into recklessly

Ed Francis 7 - ADVERTISER STAR MAN. Played extremely well before being substituted in the 65th minute. Impressive in both his attacking and defensive duties, making crucial tackles while also getting Town moving forwards with his passing game.

Striker Josh March marked his first appearance for the club with an assist.

George Thomson 6 - Seemed to pop up up everywhere and always be an option for a pass in the first half, but he had much less of an impact when Cambridge began to enjoy more of the ball.

Connor Kirby 7 - His ball forwards towards Josh March under a strong challenge led to the visitors breaking the deadlock. This was another energetic performance that was brought to an end when he was replaced in the 65th minute

Josh McPake 6 - The Glasgow Rangers youngster showed glimpses of his ability to beat a man in the number 10 role, but didn't look in tune with the rest of the side. Difficult to be too critical of his display given that he was unable to train with his new team-mates this week.

Jack Muldoon 7 - Another good finish gave Town the lead and his link-up play with new strike partner March was encouraging. Struggled to influence proceedings as much when he was shifted out wide in the second period.

Josh March 7 - A very promising debut from Harrogate's new striker. Looks to be a player in the Muldoon mould, who is full of energy and willingly runs the channels. Early signs suggest that he could be a very useful addition.

Substitutes:

Jay Williams 6 (on for Roberts 54) - Did okay after coming on at right-back.

Josh Falkingham 6 (on for Francis 65) - The club captain's arrival in the centre of the park failed to help stem the tide.

Lloyd Kerry 4 (on for Kirby 65) - Had already been booked before receiving a straight red card for raising his hand towards the face of an opponent. Had he stayed on the pitch, Town would have had a much better chance of leaving the Abbey Stadium with something to show for their efforts.

William Hondermarck N/A (on for McPake 82).

Jon Stead N/A (on for March 82).