Nature of Chesterfield success 'sends a statement' to Harrogate Town's rivals, says Will Smith

Harrogate Town defender Will Smith believes that Tuesday night’s dramatic victory over Chesterfield will send a message to the club’s National League promotion rivals.
Will Smith in action during Harrogate Town's 4-3 win at Chesterfield. Picture: Matt KirkhamWill Smith in action during Harrogate Town's 4-3 win at Chesterfield. Picture: Matt Kirkham
Will Smith in action during Harrogate Town's 4-3 win at Chesterfield. Picture: Matt Kirkham

Having taken an early lead, the Wetherby Road outfit fought back from 2-1 down to re-claim the ascendancy, then recovered from the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser to go on and win the game 4-3 in stoppage-time.

“I think it’s a massive result and it sends a statement that we’ll not be easily beaten and we will stand up to teams,” Smith said.

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“Whether it’s the 93rd minute or whenever, we can still get wins. We can concede goals, but we’ll still come out on top.

“It was nerve-racking, though overall, I thought that we were the better team.

“We all did our jobs right and stuck together as a team.”

The result means that Town have narrowed the gap between themselves and leaders Barrow to just five points, while they now sit seven clear of third-placed FC Halifax Town.

“It was absolutely mental in the dressing room after the game,” revealed Smith, who insisted that the significance of their midweek success was not lost on his team-mates.

“All the boys are buzzing.Spirits are very high.

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“We can beat anybody on our day and we’re still chasing that top spot.”

Beating the Spireites capped a good week for the 21-year-old centre-half , who played his part in Saturday’s FA Trophy quarter-final success over AFC Fylde and has also been called up to the England ‘C’ squad for this month’s fixture against Wales.

“I’ve been buzzing since I found out. It gives me loads of confidence,” added Smith, the first Town player to be brought into the England ‘C’ setup since Brendon Daniels and Peter Crook were selected during the 2015/16 season.