Simon Weaver admitted Harrogate Town failed to “lay a glove” on Crawley Town as they slipped to a third straight defeat in League Two.
The Sulphurites manager was disappointed with both the performance and the lack of cutting edge, as a first-half strike from Reece Brown handed the visitors their first win since relegation. It doesn’t bode well for the home side, who were widely tipped for the drop before a ball had been kicked in League Two.
Weaver’s Reaction
“I expected more,” said Weaver. “I was disappointed that we didn’t lay a glove in the first half and the quality in the final third was missing on the day.”
Harrogate rarely threatened in front of their own supporters and were undone by Brown’s curling effort from the edge of the box shortly before half-time. Weaver conceded his side struggled to cope with Crawley’s early intensity and paid the price for lapses in concentration.
Crawley Claim Breakthrough
The Red Devils had arrived in North Yorkshire with only two points from their opening six games, but made the most of their chances at the Exercise Stadium. Dion Pereira, Brown and Harry McKirdy all tested goalkeeper James Belshaw before the breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute. Brown found space on the left and guided a precise finish beyond Belshaw to settle the contest.
Harrogate’s best chance came shortly after the restart when Ellis Taylor struck the post, while Stephen Duke-McKenna forced a save from Harry Davies late on. Crawley’s task was made harder when debutant Ryan Loft was dismissed for two bookings in stoppage time, but they held out to secure a much-needed victory.
Troubling Run For Harrogate
The result leaves Harrogate still searching for momentum after a poor start to the campaign. Weaver’s men, beaten at Swindon and Carlisle before this latest setback, have now lost three consecutive league fixtures. With pressure building, the Harrogate boss knows his team must rediscover the resilience and attacking spark that carried them through previous seasons in the EFL.
Writer’s View
Harrogate’s lack of invention in attack is becoming a growing concern for Weaver, who has prided himself on his team’s ability to compete despite limited resources. The defeat to a Crawley side still adjusting to life back in League Two underlines the work that lies ahead.
With the league beginning to settle, Harrogate need to respond quickly to avoid being dragged into the kind of early-season struggles that can define a campaign.
