Simon Weaver feels Harrogate Town 'sleepwalked' to Scunthorpe United loss due to lack of energy

Harrogate Town's Lloyd Kerry challenges Scunthorpe United captain Alex Gilliead. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

The Sulphurites produced their worst performance since they were promoted to the Football League on their way to a 5-2 loss at the hands of an Iron team who kicked-off the game second-from-bottom of the League Two standings.

Weaver conceded post-match that the visitors were better in all areas and deserved to win by such a convincing margin, blaming tiredness for his own side's poor showing.

"Too many looked leggy and not quite on their game tonight and you can't afford that because of the relentless nature of this league," he said.

"If you drop your energy levels you can be exposed and we certainly were against a refreshed Scunthorpe team who didn't play at the weekend.

"The same players have been playing week in, week out, twice a week at a higher standard in a new competition. I have sympathy when the tanks are low in terms of energy and it can play tricks on the mind. It certainly did in the second half because there were some really uncharacteristic individual errors.

"The atmosphere on the pitch was the same after five minutes as it was an hour later when you're 4-1 down. It felt like we were resigned to losing and sleepwalking to a defeat without really putting up an energetic fight, which is our trademark.

"We can't just succumb to that, we have to be braver. I'm disappointed."

Despite admitting that he felt somewhat "let down" by what he saw from his charges against the Iron, Weaver opted not to cancel their day off on Wednesday as he feels that some time for reflection will be most beneficial.

"Nine out of 10 clubs probably would have them in on Wednesday for a de-brief but I've given them the day off," he added.

"I think they need to go for a walk and chill out and get away from football. It's not a case of being a school teacher and saying 'see you first thing in the morning.' These are all good lads and they'll all be disappointed with their display tonight.

"Sometimes, you've just got to go home, get away from the game, clear the minds and, as hard as it is, find a perspective. Don't forget the lessons we've learned, but at the same time, get better at forgetting the disappointments."

Town return to action on Saturday when they host high-flying Forest Green Rovers.