WEAVER: DOUBLE IS NOW OUR PLATFORM
SIMON WEAVER says Harrogate Town can use FA Trophy glory as a springboard to becoming an established Football League club – as they finally signed off their 2019-20 season with a Non-League double.
Captain Josh Falkingham slammed in a 76th-minute winner as Town beat National League South Concord Rangers to claim a unique slice of history as the first EFL side to win the competition.
It was a second Wembley win for Weaver’s men having won the National League playoffs under the arch last August.
While Weaver knows they are enjoying the good times now, he says making this their NonLeague swan-song is all the motivation they need.
“I think the fear of that (their Non-League chapter) not being closed will drive us on this summer and building from strength,” he said. “Look at Grimsby, who have got relegated after five years in the Football League. We don’t want that huge disappointment they are suffering at the minute. We want to be an established Football League club and hopefully silverware helps it with the fanbase, which we need as much as anyone.
“I’m just delighted the club has raised its profile again and is one of those double winners. I saw, from afar on television, Gary Mills achieve it with York City – they are obviously close by – and I have to admit to being a little bit envious of that success and wanted it for ourselves.
“We’ve got it now. We’ve just got to keep it going and build on the progression.”
Harrogate deserved their win against a Concord side who haven’t played competitive football since February when the National League South season was shut down.
Had it not been for an outstanding performance from Beachboys’ keeper Chris Haigh, the breakthrough for the League Two side would have come much earlier.
Harrogate finished with 11 players on the pitch from their NonLeague success, while regular No.1 goalkeeper James Belshaw remained on the bench.
That continuity has been key for Weaver and also highlights the depth of talent in Non-League football with the majority of his squad having earned their way to League status the hard way.
“There are many examples of players turning the disappointment of being released into a successful career in the Football League and having the potential to go up the leagues,” Weaver said.
“There is no reason why cream doesn’t rise eventually with pure attitude and application. We are very proud of a lot of examples in our group.”