Weaver bemoans ‘worst performance’ as Harrogate Town get up and running

Harrogate Town bagged three points for the first time this season, but boss Simon Weaver bemoaned their “worst performance” to date this term.
NADV 1408303AM15 Harrogate Town V Oxford.  No9Picture : Adrian Murray. (1408303AM15)NADV 1408303AM15 Harrogate Town V Oxford.  No9Picture : Adrian Murray. (1408303AM15)
NADV 1408303AM15 Harrogate Town V Oxford. No9Picture : Adrian Murray. (1408303AM15)

Having failed to get off the mark in their opening five matches, Town beat Oxford 1-0 at the CNG Stadium (report page 85)

On loan striker Jonathan Margetts netted the only goal of the game after half-time.

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“It was pleasing to get the first win but it wasn’t anywhere near at our best,” said Weaver.

“It was probably our worst performance but we got our first three points.

“That’s the way football goes. We played quite poorly but that was just being short of confidence.

“We haven’t set the world alight with our performances yet. That can come. It was about grinding a win out.”

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Following Anthony Griffith’s move to Shrewsbury Town, after only playing 45 minutes in a Town shirt, Weaver is still on the search for a midfield replacement.

Adam Nowakowski has returned from injury in the midfield, but the manager feels he is short of options in the middle of the park.

Weaver added: “With Anthony going we are still in the market for a distributor who can pick the ball up from the back four.”

Summer signing Jake Speight made his long-awaited first outing for Town against Oxford and the former Bradford City man will again be amongst the squad for Saturday’s trip south to Lowestoft.

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Weaver indicated the forward would be given half an hour of action as he continues to build match fitness.

Former North Ferriby United striker Ryan Kendall has also returned to fitness and could play apart.

“Both of them are integral to our plans,” said Weaver.

“Jake is a leader of men. He wants it in no uncertain terms. He will add that bite to the team.”

Lowerstoft were promoted from the Ryman Isthmian league last season after winning the play-offs.

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So far in Conference North the Trawler Boys are unbeaten on their home turf, and Town’s gaffer acknowledged a trip to the Crown Manor Stadium would be a tricky outing for every club this year.

Weaver had the Suffolk side watched during their 3-0 loss to Stockport County on Saturday, and described them as a ball-playing outfit.

He added: “It’s going to be a hard place to go for every team because it’s so far away. It’s five hours on the coach.

“People will win there though and we have to make sure we are mentally tough.

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“If we can look after ourselves and everyone is hungry for it, we will keep progressing.”

After the trip south, Stalybridge Celtic arrive at the CNG Stadium on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

“They are useful if we allow them to play on a big pitch. They can run rings around you,” added the boss.