Harrogate Town showed type of 'ruthless streak' required for promotion push during Sutton United success

Simon Weaver said he was thrilled to see his Harrogate Town players “smell blood” and show a “ruthless streak” during Saturday’s 3-1 home success over Sutton United.

The Sulphurites netted three times in quick succession as they produced a devastating five-minute spell to take the game away from their visitors.

Bailey Hobson broke the deadlock after half an hour, with Josh Hmami then doubling the lead almost straight from the restart before George Thomson added number three in the 35th minute.

Sutton eventually pulled a goal back late on when Ben Brookes struck, however the damage had already been done in a manner which Weaver believes bodes well as far as his high-flying team’s promotion hopes are concerned.

“It is so important to have that ruthless streak as a characteristic of the team if we want to stay up there at the higher end of the league,” the Town boss told BBC Radio York.

“You have to smell blood. We knew that we had Sutton on the ropes, but to then go bang, bang, bang, it damages the confidence and self-esteem of the opposition, doing it like that.

“So, I was very pleased with that edge to our game.”

Saturday’s victory at Wetherby Road keeps Town second in the National League and saw them record five consecutive league wins for the first time since 2020.

On that fine run of recent form, Weaver said: “It means a lot and it means that the players are performing consistently to a high level.

“And that is what is needed if we really want to go on an exciting journey.”