Our finishing let us down, says Weaver
Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver felt his side were undone by two moments of quality in their defeat to Hull City on Tuesday night, to bring an end to their first ever EFL Trophy campaign. Grant Mccann’s much-changed Tigers had to wait until the 75th minute to break the deadlock at Wetherby Road, when
James Scott came off the bench to prod in Martin Samuelsen’s fine cross, before captain Callum Jones bagged his first City goal from the penalty spot five minutes from time to wrap up a first Group H victory.
City were dominant for long periods, and passed up good chances through Tom Eaves, Hakeeb Adelakun and Scott before he found the opener, though the League Two newcomers came roaring back after the late introduction of veteran front man Jon Stead.
Harrogate, having enjoyed a steady start to life in the Football League, gave a makeshift Tigers backline more problems than Fleetwood in the FA Cup last Saturday, with Weaver admitting the lack of cutting edge proved costly.
“It could well have been different if we’d have taken our chances. I thought there were some really good passages of play, everyone put in an honest display,” he said.
“We’ve got to learn to take the chances when they come, especially against good opposition.”
Mccann made 10 changes to his weekend line-up, with only Alfie Jones keeping his place, such is the strength in depth at his disposal, and trying to guess the visitors’ side was a challenge, admitted Weaver.
“I looked at their line-up all day long
wondering what it could possibly be and they’ve put in a really good line-up, with players that have played quite a bit of Championship football.
“Overall, it was a good display with just the finishing touch missing.”
In Joe Cracknell, City came up against one of their former youngsters in inspired form with his display coming in for particular praise from his manager.
“I thought he was ever so good. He was very safe and gave a very assured performance,” said Weaver.
“It was a good experience for the players, with the amount of appearances at a really good level that the Hull side had, they paid respect to us by picking that team.
“You couldn’t see a big difference in the levels, I have to say they had a ten minute spell and they showed their class in front of goal, so credit to them for that.
“There was enough in the game for us to take heart from and to build on.”