A second half header from defender Anthony O’Connor proved to be decisive as Simon Weaver and his Harrogate Town side capped off their first week of pre-season with a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield B.
With match fitness being key, every member of the matchday squad featured in 45 minutes of the action as the squad now head for St Andrew’s for a pre-season training camp.
The first serious attack of the match came for the home side, a mazy run down the Harrogate right hand side found luck on the edge of the area. However, the Huddersfield attacking midfielder saw his shot blocked as it landed at the feet of Oxley.
With the 10 minute mark fast approaching a high press from Levi Sutton won back possession in the final third of the pitch. Matty Daly was quickest to react as he found Sam Folarin but his cutback was blocked for a corner which came to nothing.
Town were able to assert their dominance in possession as a lively Abraham Odoh raced through 1 v 1 with the Huddersfield goalkeeper on the 20 minute mark. However, the attack was called back for an offside in the build up as the scores remained level.
Odoh continued to be a torn in the side of The Terriers as he found Matty Daly on the edge of the area. However, his attempt to break the deadlock was thwarted by the ‘keeper who dealt with the effort with no issues.
With a fresh 11 at half-time, the opening exchanges were dominated by a Town side determined to take the game to the home side. Smart link-up play down the right hand side resulted in a low cross to Ilesanmi but the striker was unable to direct his effort goalward.
With an hour played, Toby Sims and James Daly combined well to find Brad WIilliams. However, the Town academy graduate was unable to convert as the ball went out for a goal kick.
James Daly, who was making his first appearance in the yellow & black, was next to test the Huddersfield backline but his shot from a tight angle clattered off the post and went out for a goal kick.
Daly then turned provider as Town eventually broke down the resolute defence of Huddersfield. A floated free-kick towards the back post found Anthony O’Connor who bulleted the ball beyond the diving ‘keeper.
Fellow defender and debutant Liam Gibson would go close to doubling the lead two minutes from time. However, he was denied by the feet of the Huddersfield ‘keeper
Town’s pre-season action continues next week as we make the trip North to face Darlington.
First half: Oxley, Mattock, Falkingham, Burrell, Odoh, M.Daly, Folarin, Sutton, Ramsay, Foulds and Armstrong
Second half: Thomas, J.Daly, Sims, O’Connor, McDonald, Horbury, Gibson, Ilesanmi, Williams, O’Boyle, Trialist
Goals: O’Connor (76’)