MARK IS FINALLY BECK IN BUSINESS
HARROGATE Town manager Simon Weaver welcomed a change in fortune for match-winner Mark Beck as he netted a league goal for the first time since September 2019.
Substitute Beck ended his 27-game drought with a majestic header from Ryan Fallowfield’s right-wing cross to condemn Grimsby to a 1-0 defeat – the visitors’ seventh straight loss on the road.
Harrogate, meanwhile, have now won five of their last seven contests and a delighted Weaver said: “He’s a good centre forward with a lot of ability who just needed a bit of luck. He’s not just a big unit up front and he thoroughly deserved his goal.
“We had to graft throughout the game and I thought we were excellent in the first half.
“We switched the play well and caused them lots of problems, but did not have the bounce of the ball or a finishing edge.
“In the second half, we didn’t really hit the same heights, but we found a way in the end, with the one good delivery in an otherwise poor 45 minutes and a superb header.”
Weaver rested skipper Josh Falkingham and vice-captain Warren Burrell as he looks to contend with an unrelenting schedule and was also pleased with how his squad handled the reshuffle and the manner in which midfielder George Thomson responded to being handed the armband.
The first half was virtually one-way traffic with George Thomson, Josh March and Aaron Martin all forcing Grimsby goalkeeper Jake Eastwood into smart saves.
Simon Power’s cross also bounced off the top of the away bar, although the visitors had a great chance from their first attack of the match after 41 minutes only for Stefan Payne to shoot straight at James Belshaw as he charged clear through the left channel.
The second half deteriorated as a spectacle, but Beck settled matters when he met Ryan Fallowfield’s right-wing cross with a glancing header across goal that nestled in Eastwood’s top corner.
James Hanson squandered the visitors’ best chance of a reply, side-footing over an inviting net following Belshaw’s poor punch.
Grimsby boss Paul Hurst felt his team deserved at least a point following a spirited second-half display.
He said: “It was a game that you wouldn’t see in any other country with their keeper kicking it forward a mile, but I thought we looked the more likely winners in the second half. I thought they were running out of steam and felt we might be the team to nick it.
“But we gave the ball away and did not organise ourselves quickly enough from a throw-in. Then, it was a decent ball in and you have to give Beck credit for his excellent movement and good header.”
Best mate?
I probably get on with Matthew Platt the best. I meet up with him outside of football occasionally, and he’s done really well since he joined the team which makes it easier to like him! I’m in the same car pool as James Jones and
I’m close to him as well.
Last to buy dinner?
That is definitely Chris Taylor - he’s got to be the tightest man in football! He always forgets his wallet at convenient times, and when we’re out buying coffees, he’s always getting his phone out and stealing people’s loyalty points!
Worst dressed?
There are a few badly dressed boys in the squad. Josh Kay is either in a full tracksuit and looks like a referee, or he’s in a piece of fake clothing. Sam Hird can be thrown into the equation as well, but, to be fair, he’s 33 so he’s probably got more important things to think about than looking good.
Always late for training?
I’d have to say Josh Kay, again. He’s probably had to pay no less than 20 fines this year for being late for training. His excuses are awful – he’s got a brand-new Mercedes which seems to break down every week, and there’s always a lot of traffic on whichever route he’s taken!
Teacher’s pet?
I don’t think there’s anyone that’s ever really stood out as a teacher’s pet during my time at Barrow. Everyone’s generally well behaved, but I can’t really think of a time when anyone’s gone out of their way to suck up to a member of the coaching staff.
First on the dancefloor?
After a few beverages, there are a few players that like to head to the dancefloor. I think Lewis Hardcastle fancies himself and Josh Kay would be up there again, but on the nights out
I’ve been on with the team we’ve all got stuck in and had a good time together.
Most likely to disgrace themselves at the Christmas party?
I’d have to pick myself for that one. I float about when I’ve had a bit to drink and I’ll chat to anyone, probably talking a load of rubbish! I’m prone to a bit of embarrassment on a night out!
Best at FIFA?
I know that Brad Barry, Josh Kay and Callum Gribbin have a little Call of Duty tournament going. They stream online and play against fans, so I’d have to go with those three. I used to get stuck in, but I’ve got a little puppy now that takes up a lot of my time.
Worst tattoo?
That’s Jamie Devitt, and it’s tattoos plural rather than just one! He’s got the worst tattoos I’ve ever seen on a man. He’s got script-writing, quotes, and I think he’s got his own surname on him somewhere which is pretty desperate. He only joined the club in January, but he gets loads of stick for his tattoos!
Best future manager?
I’d say Sam Hird. He comes across as though he’s very intelligent, speaks well and definitely knows his stuff. He’s respected in the game, had a great career and I can definitely see him moving into the dugout.