Harrogate Town AFC
Harrogate Town AFC
Norman’s late double deepens Harrogate’s home woes
A dramatic cameo from Cameron Norman handed Tranmere Rovers a 2–0 win at Wetherby Road and left Harrogate Town searching for answers after another frustrating afternoon on home soil.
The decisive moments
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70’ Norman introduced after Jordan Turnbull limps off
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73’ Norman strides forward and thunders home from 25 yards
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90+1’ Curling free-kick seals it after a foul on the edge of the box
How it unfolded
Tranmere carried the greater threat early on, with James Belshaw spilling Ethan Bristow’s cross onto his own bar before recovering. Kristian Dennis later glanced a header goalwards from a Richie Smallwood corner, only for Turnbull to be flagged offside after tapping in.
After the break, Belshaw reacted sharply to deny Joe Ironside, but Harrogate’s best chance went begging when Jack Muldoon fired wide from seven yards. Within minutes, Norman punished the miss with his long-range opener.
Belshaw could only help Norman’s late free-kick into the bottom-left corner, and Josh Davison struck the post with almost the final kick as Tranmere underlined their control.
What it means for Harrogate
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14 games without a win
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7 straight home defeats
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6 consecutive home matches without scoring
A familiar story at Wetherby Road: promise, missed chances, and a costly lapse at the other end.
Why it matters locally
For Town supporters, the pressure is mounting as the home run worsens. For visiting fans, it was a reminder of football’s fine margins—and how one substitute can change a game in minutes.
Match reaction & fan views
In the stands
The mood around Wetherby Road at full time was one of resignation rather than anger. Supporters applauded the effort but the familiar sense of “what might have been” lingered after another scoreless home defeat.We stayed in the game, but one mistake and it’s over. That’s been the story all season.”
— Harrogate Town supporter, main stand
Turning-point talk
Fans were almost unanimous on the decisive moment:
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Muldoon’s miss at 0–0 changed the atmosphere
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Norman’s goal moments later felt like a punch to the gut
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Simon Weaver: Harrogate Town must find the balance to climb League Two
Simon Weaver has challenged Harrogate Town to sharpen their defensive mindset after another frustrating defeat in EFL League Two — insisting progress now depends on balance, not bravery alone.
Harrogate supporters saw plenty to admire at the weekend. Town played with confidence, dominated possession and created chances away at Fleetwood Town. Yet despite twice leading the game, they left with nothing after a 3–2 defeat.
For Weaver, the message is clear: attractive football must be matched by defensive awareness.
What went right at Fleetwood
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Fluent attacking football with sharp movement and confidence in possession
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Clear chances created, with Town capable of scoring “six or seven”
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Goals from key players, including Jack Muldoon’s fourth in five matches
What went wrong
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Defensive lapses at key moments
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Indecision at the back, punished ruthlessly
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Failure to stay switched on when possession was lost
Those mistakes proved costly, allowing Fleetwood to capitalise and turn Town’s dominance into defeat.
Weaver’s key message: mentality matters
Speaking to BBC Radio York, Weaver stressed that tactics alone are not the issue.We are enjoying the ball, but are we thinking ‘what if’ at the back? That’s the balance we have to get.”
The Harrogate boss wants his side to:
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Transition quicker from attack to defence
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Stay mentally sharp when moves break down
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Be “cute” and streetwise in defensive situations
Where Harrogate Town stand now
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League position: 17th
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Points: 14 from 12 matches
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Form: Back-to-back defeats despite strong performances
Weaver believes Town’s attacking identity is a strength — but insists it must be underpinned by defensive focus if Harrogate are to push up the table.
Why this matters for Harrogate fans
The performances show promise. The style is working. Now, Weaver wants the mentality to match it — because small defensive improvements could quickly turn encouraging displays into valuable points.
Keep exploring: follow Harrogate Town’s League Two campaign, match analysis, player form updates and manager insight — all in one place.
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Town FC are pleased to welcome Grant Horton as our first signing ahead of the January transfer window, joining on a permanent contract until the end of the season, with the option of an additional year.
The 24-year-old defender arrives from Waterford, where he was a key figure in the League of Ireland, making 67 appearances since February 2024.
Player profile: Grant Horton
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Position: Right-back / Centre-back / Right wing-back
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Age: 24
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Height & style: Strong, aggressive, mobile defender
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Previous clubs: Cheltenham Town, Worcester City, Bath City, Bohemians, Waterford
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Squad number: 26
What Grant Horton said
“I can’t wait to get started. After speaking with the Manager, it was clear the environment he’s building is something I want to be part of.
“I also spoke to Tom Bradbury, who I know from previous clubs, and he had nothing but positive things to say.
“I’ve just finished a full season and played plenty of games, so I’m ready to hit the ground running.”
Recruitment insight
Head of Recruitment Lloyd Kerry said:Grant is a big, strong and athletic defender who wants the opportunity to kick on with his career back in England.
He’s extremely versatile and can cover multiple positions across the back line, which is vital given the injury challenges we’ve faced.
He also comes with excellent references from Cheltenham Town, and his data really stood out despite playing in a struggling side. We’re delighted to bring him in.”
Career background
Born in Colchester, Horton progressed through the Cheltenham Town academy and made his League Two debut in 2019. He gained valuable first-team experience during spells with Worcester City and Bath City, before moving to Ireland.
He later enjoyed multiple loan spells with Bohemians and completed a permanent transfer to Waterford, where his consistency and durability caught the eye of Town’s recruitment team.
When can fans see him?
Grant Horton is expected to be available for selection against Swindon Town on Sunday 4 January, subject to international clearance and FA and EFL approval.
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Harrogate Town Fixtures – 2026
A month-by-month guide to every league match, with kick-off times and venues clearly laid out so you can plan ahead.
January 2026
Thu 1 Jan – 3:00pm
🆚 Tranmere Rovers
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Sun 4 Jan – 3:00pm
🆚 Swindon Town
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Sat 10 Jan – 3:00pm
🆚 Crewe Alexandra
📍 Mornflake Stadium (A)
Tue 13 Jan – 7:00pm
🆚 Stockport County
📍 Edgeley Park (A)
Sat 17 Jan – 3:00pm
🆚 Shrewsbury Town
📍 The Croud Meadow (A)
Sat 24 Jan – 3:00pm
🆚 Gillingham
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Tue 27 Jan – 7:45pm
🆚 Fleetwood Town
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Sat 31 Jan – 3:00pm
🆚 Crawley Town
📍 Broadfield Stadium (A)
February 2026
Sat 7 Feb – 3:00pm
🆚 Cambridge United
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Sat 14 Feb – 3:00pm
🆚 Chesterfield
📍 SMH Group Stadium (A)
Tue 17 Feb – 7:45pm
🆚 Barrow
📍 SO Legal Stadium (A)
Sat 21 Feb – 3:00pm
🆚 Bromley
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Fri 27 Feb – 7:45pm
🆚 Cheltenham Town
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
March 2026
Sat 7 Mar – 3:00pm
🆚 MK Dons
📍 Stadium MK (A)
Sat 14 Mar – 3:00pm
🆚 Salford City
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Tue 17 Mar – 7:45pm
🆚 Tranmere Rovers
📍 Prenton Park (A)
Sat 21 Mar – 3:00pm
🆚 Oldham Athletic
📍 Boundary Park (A)
Sat 28 Mar – 3:00pm
🆚 Notts County
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
April 2026
Fri 3 Apr – 3:00pm
🆚 Grimsby Town
📍 Blundell Park (A)
Mon 6 Apr – 3:00pm
🆚 Bristol Rovers
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Sat 11 Apr – 3:00pm
🆚 Newport County
📍 Rodney Parade (A)
Sat 18 Apr – 3:00pm
🆚 Colchester United
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
Sat 25 Apr – 3:00pm
🆚 Walsall
📍 Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium (A)
May 2026
Sat 2 May – 3:00pm
🆚 Barnet
📍 Exercise Stadium (H)
🎟️ Matchday planning
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(H) = Home fixture at Exercise Stadium
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(A) = Away fixture
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Midweek kick-offs highlighted for travel planning
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The report below has been compiled from online research and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. If you spot any errors, omissions, or updates, please let us know by emailing info@harrogateuk.co.uk and we will correct them promptly.
Harrogate Town were left frustrated on Boxing Day as a single moment decided a tightly fought contest at Salford City, Dan Udoh’s 75th-minute penalty handing the hosts a 1–0 victory.
In a game where Town had more than enough chances to take something, it was a cruel outcome for Simon Weaver’s side, who matched Salford for long spells and were undone only by a late spot kick.
Weaver rang the changes with Tom Bradbury, Kyle Jameson and Tom Cursons all drafted into the starting XI, while Salford handed a first start to former AC Milan and Italy forward Fabio Borini, despite manager Karl Robinson missing the match through illness.
Salford started brightly and tested James Belshaw early on, Kelly Nmai causing problems before the Town goalkeeper was called into action on 12 minutes to deny former loanee Josh Austerfield with a smart save.
Town, though, always looked dangerous on the break. Cursons nearly made the breakthrough after nicking possession high up the pitch, but his effort lacked the power to beat Matty Young.
The visitors’ best chances of the first half came from set pieces. Anthony O’Connor twice rose highest from Reece Smith corners, but on both occasions his headers just failed to dip under the crossbar.
Smith was a constant outlet and almost caught Young out just before the interval, his deflected cross looping goalwards before the Salford keeper reacted sharply to claw it away and keep the scores level at half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Salford pushed forward, but Belshaw stood tall, first watching Jorge Grant fire over before producing a fine save to beat away another fierce Nmai effort.
At the other end, Town came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. Ben Fox’s effort was kept out by Young, struck the post and then cleared off the line, leaving the travelling supporters wondering how the ball hadn’t found the net.
Belshaw continued to frustrate the hosts, denying Luke Garbutt with a low stop and then pulling off an excellent one-handed save to tip Matt Butcher’s goalbound strike over the bar.
The decisive moment came with just over 15 minutes remaining. Salford kept the ball alive in the area and Kyle Jameson’s challenge brought his man down, giving the referee little option but to point to the spot. Udoh stepped up and sent Belshaw the wrong way.
It felt harsh on Town, who had pushed and probed throughout, but despite Salford threatening on the counter in the closing stages, the single goal proved enough.
For Harrogate, it was one of those afternoons where effort and performance deserved more, but fine margins and one decision ultimately made the difference.
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Harrogate Town 0–4 MK Dons: What Went Wrong at Wetherby Road?
A tough afternoon for Harrogate Town saw them beaten 4–0 at home by Milton Keynes Dons, with clinical first-half finishing proving decisive despite a more encouraging second-half response.
Below is a quick-scan breakdown of the match, key moments, and talking points for Town supporters.
Match at a Glance
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Final score: Harrogate Town 0–4 MK Dons
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Competition: League Two
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Venue: Wetherby Road
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MK Dons scorers: Aaron Collins (15, 22), Alex Gilbey (30, 75)
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Key theme: Punished mistakes & ruthless finishing
Key Moments Timeline
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10 mins: Will Collar hits the post for MK Dons
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15 mins: Collins opens the scoring after a defensive error
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22 mins: Collins doubles the lead
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30 mins: Gilbey makes it 3–0
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HT: Town introduce Bradbury & debutant Jameson
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67 mins: Falkingham returns to action, crowd lifts
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75 mins: Gilbey seals the result
Talking Points for Town Fans
Costly First-Half Errors
Early defensive lapses were punished immediately, leaving Town chasing the game against a confident MK Dons side.Belshaw Kept It Respectable
Despite conceding four, James Belshaw made several important saves, including a stop that denied Collins a hat-trick.Signs of Life After the Break
Town showed more energy and intent:
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Ben Fox forced a fine save
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Shawn McCoulsky struck the crossbar
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Better tempo and movement overall
Falkingham’s Return
Josh Falkingham’s introduction brought composure and belief, lifting both teammates and supporters in the stands.
Squad & Selection Notes
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Change before kick-off: McCoulsky replaced injured Jack Muldoon
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Debut: Kyle Jameson made his first Town appearance
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First appearance since return: Josh Falkingham
These moments will interest fans tracking squad development and player fitness ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Full-Time Summary
Harrogate Town:
Belshaw, Asare, Slater, Evans, Burrell (Jameson 45), McCoulsky, McAleny (Cursons 60), O’Connor (Bradbury 45), Sutton (Barnes 90+4), Smith, Fox (Falkingham 67)
Milton Keynes Dons:
MacGillivray, Jones, Kelly, Gilbey, Collins, Paterson, Offord, Nemane, Collar, Ekpiteta, Mellish
What’s Next for Harrogate Town?
Town will look to:
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Tighten up defensively
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Build on the improved second-half performance
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Use Falkingham’s return to add leadership in midfield
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Harrogate Town: Stephen Duke-McKenna (16’)
Bookings:
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Gillingham: Clark (84’)
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Harrogate Town: Taylor (50’)
Referee: James Bell
Attendance: 7,406 (85 away fans)
Line-Ups
Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Clark, Smith (McCleary 61’), Andrews (Vokes 68’), Williams, McKenzie (Rowe 68’), Smith, Nevitt (Houlden 68’), Dack (Coleman 46’), Gale.
Harrogate Town: Belshaw, Slater, Evans, Burrell, Morris, Duke-McKenna, O’Connor, Muldoon (Bennett 65’), Faulkner, Taylor (McAleny 73’), Smith (Sutton 90’).
Harrogate Town AFC
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Harrogate Town AFC
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Harrogate Town AFC A full club history, written by Club Historian Phil Harrison, can be found here…
Harrogate Town AFC
Harrogate Town AFC
