Harrogate Town 0-2 Colwyn Bay | Welshmen end winless run to down Town

Bay lifted themselves out of the Vanarama Conference North relegation zone with their first win in 15 games as mid-table Town faded towards the end of the game.

The Welsh side’s captain Marc Williams headed the visitors in front on the hour mark, before James Ellison sent a screamer past Peter Crook in injury-time.

The defeat left Town in 12th, with very little to play for in their remaining six fixtures.

Simon Weaver may choose to use the end of season as a chance to trial younger players with a view to forming his squad for next season.

Two such teenagers signed in mid-week, Niall Doran and Jake Rose, both formed a part of the match-day squad for a first time.

However, the Hull City Academy products were only on the bench as Weaver brought Cecil Nyoni back into the starting line-up after his recovery from illness.

With Louie Swain suspended, Lewis Turner reverted to left-wing back and Ryan Fallowfield was moved to the opposite flank in a 3-5-2 structure.

The opening 15 minutes saw little in the way of goalmouth action, with the referee called into action more than either goalkeeper.

Town controlled most of the possession but it took until 18 minutes for a first attempt on goal at either end. Jack Emmett skipped his way to the byline and stuck a cross perfectly for Paul Clayton to powerfully head against the crossbar.

Emmett was the star player on the pitch during the first half, with the Colywn defenders horrified at his silky skills. The young player was hauled to the ground on several occasions, while he swept one shot a metre over the bar.

Nyoni brought the first save out of Colwyn goalkeeper Chris Sanna as the former Sheffield Wednesday trainee hit a low shot from outside the area. Sanna spilled down to his right, but Emmett was caught offside following up.

Colwyn rarely threatened in the opening half with their best chance falling to James Ellison on the half hour as the midfielder shot straight at Peter Crook.

Emmett carried his trickery into the second half and looked the most threatening player on the pitch. His skill took him to the byline first but he crossed at Ganna, before he cut inside and struck straight at the keeper again.

Despite offering little in the attacking quarters, Colwyn found the breakthrough. Town gave away a soft free-kick down the right-hand side and James Ellison’s delivery was headed past Crook and into the bottom corner by Williams.

Colwyn’s attempts to kill the game were successful as Town were wasteful in possession in the late moments of the game. Mike Lee was forced to clear off the away line in Town’s only real scoring opportunity of the second 45.

And, Colwyn sealed the points in sensational style in injury time. Matt Bloomer’s half-clearance fell to Ellison, who curled into the top corner on the half turn, with the ball clipping the post on its way into the net.

Harrogate Town: Peter Crook, Ryan Fallowfield (Niall Doran 82), Lewis Turner, Leigh Franks, Lewis Turner, Luke Shiels (James Walshaw 66), Matt Bloomer, Cecil Nyoni, Paddy McLaughlin, Paul Clayton, Jordan Thewlis (Dom Rowe), Jack Emmett

Subs not used: David McGurk, Jake Rose

Colwyn Bay: Chris Sanna, Wesley Baynes, Michael Lea, Michael Wilson, Jonathan Royle, Kevin Holsgrove, Obi Anoruo, Chris Noone (Prince Haywood),Rob Hopley, Marc Williams, James Ellison.

Subs not used: Gareth Rees, Adam Hodgson, Moustapha Saiel, Danny Taylor.

Att: 427