Weaver Over the Moon As Harrogate Reach Highest Level

A 3-0 win against Brackley Town at the CNG Stadium ensured that the Yorkshire side would reach their highest ever level, writes Tom Feaheny.

The journey for Harrogate Town began for some at the start of the season, for others before that and for Simon Weaver it was on 21st May 2009, when he joined as a player-manager.

This club has certainly changed in that time with the 3G pitch, further plans are in place as well, they though always had the ambition that this would be their season.

While they missed out on top spot after pushing Salford City nearly all the way, they did it goals from Dom Knowles and Joe Leesley got the side promoted and they did it at home as well.

"I'm ecstatic, it is also a huge sigh of relief there are a lot of emotions with me right now," Weaver said after the victory.

"We wanted this so much for ourselves, friends and family, who were at the game."

Weaver had spoken of his pride in finishing 2nd that was their highest ever league finish before this game but he knew it would have meant little if they hadn't won this promotion final.

"We couldn't get ahead of ourselves, we knew how near we were I'm so proud of them all now.

"It has been quite the journey, we had a good week of training and the crowd were incredible."

Despite a game in which they had plenty of chances, they did see Mark Beck and Jake Wright both stretchered off during the game, Weaver said that would have affected some teams.

"We've had two players stretched off with nasty looking injuries, it showed the strength of depth of the team to keep going and their character."

So now promotion is secured Weaver had this message.

"The club has never been higher, I'm so proud and now we can plan further ahead, we have done it.

"I want to thank our support, the players and other staff, we will enjoy this that's for sure."

Picture by Town Pix