Harrogate Town 3 Sutton United 1: Sulphurites 'hit new levels' on way to fifth consecutive National League win

Harrogate Town found the back of the net three times in the space of five first-half minutes as they sank Sutton United to record a fifth consecutive National League victory.

Bailey Hobson’s fine opening goal on the half-hour mark was followed up almost immediately with a Josh Hmami tap-in, before George Thomson stroked home the Sulphurites’ third.

Simon Weaver’s free-flowing side looked set to go on and add to their tally after the interval, but after Ben Brookes pulled one back on 75 minutes, they ended up having to negotiate a closing quarter of an hour that ended up being far trickier than it ever should have been.

Yet, although it was Sutton who finished the stronger of the teams, the damage had already been done, and boss Weaver stated after the final whistle that he felt his players “hit new levels” during the opening period.

“We did the damage in the first half. We were very creative and dismantled Sutton.

“I thought that we were superb and, at times, hit new levels for us, which is good for the confidence.

“We were flowing in that first half. We got into that flow early and once we got the first goal, we added two quickly afterwards.

“It felt so refreshing that first half because after a trying cup game the other night, there were always going to be some tired bodies towards the end of the game.

“The second half was a professional job as we came into the latter stages. We wanted the clean sheet, and we always want to do better, but we are still happy with the temperament once we conceded.”

Hobson broke the deadlock when he received Thomson’s pass from the centre of the park and advanced down the left flank towards the edge of the Sutton penalty area.

Having skinned Dan Urpens, he then side-footed a clinical finish beyond Spike Brits and into the roof of the away net.

Almost straight from the restart, Hmami and Brad Dolaghan converged on the dithering Urpens deep in Sutton territory and managed to dispossess the U’s defender.

Dolaghan ran through one-on-one with Brits, and having drawn the visiting goalkeeper, slipped a pass to his left for Hmami to slide into the gaping net.

Just two minutes later, Town were at it again. The ball was worked from right to left, where Hmami’s delightful first-time pass over the top of the United defence sent Ethan Bristow racing into space.

He then passed inside to Thomson, who took a touch to get the ball out of his feet before sending a low left-footed effort across Brits and inside the far post.

Sutton’s consolation goal arrived in the 75th minute when a slick bit of play ended with ex-Harrogate forward Sam Folarin racing down the right wing and delivering an inviting low centre for Brookes to smash home at the back stick.

Saturday’s result leaves Town second in the National League standings, where they remain seven points behind leaders Boreham Wood, but three points ahead of third-placed Southend United.