Weaver stunned by Dragons
JAMES JENNINGS and JJ Hooper delivered the goods as much-improved Wrexham brought second-place Harrogate Town’s six-match winningstreak to an end at the CNG Stadium.
Jennings curled a beauty of a free-kick into the top corner after just ten minutes which set the tone for victory before livewire Hooper capped a fine individual display with a 73rd-minute clincher to take the Dragons four points clear of safety.
A resolute defensive display ensured Dean Keates’ side kept back-to-back clean sheets, leaving the Wrexham boss delighted.
“We really improved as the game went on, especially at the end of the first half, then in the second half I thought we looked comfortable.
“We knew what they were about and that they would put us under immense presdisplay.” sure, but I can’t speak highly enough of the players out there today.”
Simon Weaver’s Town were stunned by Jennings’ opener against the run of play, but soon settled and almost replied four minutes later, however Warren Burrell could only head Alex Bradley’s corner against the upright.
Jon Stead was next to try and level but found Dragons’ keeper Rob Lainton in fine form to make a low save to his right and keep his side in front.
Lainton’s opposite number James Belshaw had signed a new three-and-ahalf-year deal on Friday and was made to earn his money as the game entered first half stoppage time.
Belshaw kept out Hooper’s powerful long-range drive, then denied the visitors from point blank range to ensure his side only trailed by just one at the interval.
Wrexham were able to better manage Harrogate’s threat in the second half, with Stead’s back-post header that deflected wide the closest the hosts would come to levelling.
With just over a quarter of an hour remaining, Wrexham countered to great affect as Hooper sent a shot past Belshaw from outside the area that meant there would be no way back for Weaver’s side.
“For 45 minutes, I thought we were exceptional and just needed to add that finish or get that bit of luck in front of goal to get our rewards for what was up to then a fine said the Harrogate boss.
“We were dominant, had the territory and put together some great moves, but in the second half they made it harder for us, denied us space and we tried to uncharacteristically force a few balls.
“Good runs do come to an end eventually and we will lick our wounds and move on.”
Substitute Brendan Kiernan went closest for Town as they tried desperately to stage a late finale, but it was Wrexham who should have added a third goal, denied only by a poor miss from sub Jordan Ponticelli.