REPLAY FITS THE BILL FOR TOWN
HARROGATE manager Simon Weaver felt a draw was a fair result after watching an entertaing encounter between two of Non-League’s most exciting teams and ambitious clubs.
Speaking after his side’s 2-2 draw with Bostik Premier high-flyers Billericay, Weaver said: “We can have no complaints, I thought the scoreline probably reflected the game, it is a fair result for both teams.
“Credit to the opposition, they closed us down, harried all day and made it hard for us to get into our fluent best.”
After a fast start, goals always looked like being on the cards and in the 11th minute the fixture exploded into life. First, Jamie O’Hara’s cross was met by Rob Swaine, who had beaten Harrogate keeper James Belshaw in the air before heading into an empty net.
Just seconds later Town pulled level as Joe Leesley produced an almost exact replica of his goal against Telford the previous week, cutting in on his right foot and bending an effort into the top corner.
Billericay top-scorer Jake Robinson’s low volley in the closing minutes of the half forced a good save from James Belshaw as the sides entered the break level.
Harrogate found them- selves ahead after 64 minutes when Leesley produced another piece of magic on the left wing; beating Alan Julian from long range on his so weaker right foot.
Just as Town did in the first half, Billericay found a quick reply as Sam Deering’s shot bounced up off the turf and was flicked past Belshaw by Adam Cunnington.
Harrogate nearly booked their place in the last eight when Terry Kennedy prodded towards goal and clipped the inside of the upright in the dying stages, though the sides will now meet again on Tuesday.
Billericay head coach Harry Wheeler said: “I was really proud of the lads. I thought Harrogate would be the best side we would play against this season, and they have proved to be that.
“We tried to counter their quality, and that is something we will look to do in the replay, but it is a great result for us, to get them back to our place and we’ll go into that game knowing we need to apply ourselves in the same manner.”