Harrogate Town vs Notts County - Match Report

The Exercise Stadium bids farewell to Josh Falkingham

A second half brace from Grant gave Notts county the three points to put an end to our 10 games unbeaten streak at The Exercise Stadium. An Abbot opener which was quickly cancelled out by Muldoon had the game poised for a tight affair. However, the quality of Grant shone through in the second 45 minutes which secured a play-off campaign for The Magpies.  

After securing League Two safety for a fifth consecutive season on Easter Monday with a 3-1 win against Fleetwood Town, we came into the final home game of the season searching to extend our recent record at the Exercise Stadium to 11 games unbeaten versus a high-flying Notts County. Sitting fifth in the table with two games remaining of the season, the visitors made the trip to North Yorkshire looking to secure their position in the play-off spots.

As for team news, three changes for Simon Weaver’s side saw club captain Josh Falkingham enter the starting lineup for a special send-off being his last game for Town in HG2. Gibson and Cursons also entered the fray hoping to be the difference against The Magpies.

After a fast start to the game being played at a quick tempo, it didn’t take long for the Town trio of Cursons, Taylor, and March to find their feet in front of goal as on the 9th minute, a well worked move down the right resulting in march trying his luck but couldn’t test the hands of Bass on his first attempt of the afternoon.

It didn’t take long for March to get the sold-out crowd on the edge of their seats again after a deflected free kick fell to the feet of our number 24 who stuck an effort on the half volley which Cursons couldn’t quite turn home on the angle.

Following a flurry of chances for both teams including the in-form Jatta testing the hands of Belshaw, on 16 minutes, O’Connor got in on the attacking action with a speculative effort 25 yards from goal which was heading goal bound if it wasn’t for the former Town defender McDonald who stood strong to divert the attempt away for a corner.

The chances kept coming for Simon Weaver’s side as Cursons’ constant pressing on the Notts County defensive paid dividends, winning the ball back high before delivering a low cross into the path of March who managed to test the hands of Bass. You could sense a goal was coming.

Whilst withstanding the Harrogate attack, the visitors certainly weren’t short of opportunities themselves as the best chance of the half fell their way. A wicked ball into the box from the right-back Gordon found the head of the experienced McGoldrick who diverted his attempt into the top corner, but as we’ve seen on many an occasion this season, Belshaw was there to make an outstanding stop, tipping the ball over the bar keeping the scores level.

However, it didn’t take long after for the deadlock to be broken and it wasn’t in Town’s favour. With the right flank seeming to be Notts County’s avenue of success, Gordon cut the ball back to McGoldrick on the edge for the Irishman to strike but after a vital block, the 19-year-old Abbott was there to pick up the pieces on fire beyond Belshaw into the bottom right corner.

The fight from Town in recent weeks came to fruition once again as five minutes later the scores were all square. A long ball from Belshaw picked out the run of Muldoon who cushioned the ball down onto his chest and into his path. Despite some hesitation because of the forward being surrounded by orange shirts, he picked his moment perfectly to fire beyond the reach of Bass taking us into the break at one a piece.

The second 45 minutes began in similar fashion to the first as on 50 minutes, Notts County restored their lead via Grant. A delivery from McGoldrick was met by the main talisman Jatta forcing Belshaw into a stellar reflex save, however there was nothing he could do to prevent Grant reacting quickest to slot the ball into the far corner from point blank range.

Town kept spirits high despite going a goal behind for the second time in the match. Searching for that instant response, March found a yard of space for himself on the edge of the 18-yard box and but couldn’t keep his shot down resulting in the volley finding the kop.

Just shy on 20 minutes left to play, Josh Falkingham left the field for the last time in replace of Dooley receiving a standing ovation for his services to the club. A moment that will forever be remembered with himself, family, and Harrogate Town fans.

Notts County upped the pressure in the final knockings of the game, asserting their dominance in terms of possession and on the scoreline, as on 77 minutes, Grant notched himself a brace with a composed touch and finish from close range diverting the ball past Belshaw and seeming to put an end to Town’s impressive run of form at The Exercise Stadium.

Town seemed to have earnt a glimmer of hope in the 84th minute as a whipped corner to the front post was met by the substitute J. Daly who flicked it to the back post for Muldoon to head home, but the lineman quickly raised his flag to rule the goal out for offside.

That brought an end to the final home game of the season which unfortunately couldn’t give the fans the season send-off that they’d hoped for. But a memorable day none the less knowing that Town have got another campaign of League Two football to look forward to and saying farewell to our captain Josh Falkingham.

Town: Belshaw, Asare, Falkingham (c) (Dooley 69’), Moon, O’Connor, Muldoon, Taylor, March, Cursons (J. Daly 69’), Fox (Morris 28’), Gibson (Bilongo 45+3’)

Substitutes not used: Oxley, Foulds, M. Daly, Dooley

Notts County: Bass, Gordon (Jarvis 85’), McDonald, Bedeau, Platt, Jones (Traore 80’), Grant, McGoldrick, Palmer (c), Jatta (Whitaker 80’), Abbott (Hinchy 88’)

Substitutes not used: Miller, Edwards, Macari

Goals: Abbott (33’), Muldoon (38’), Grant (51’, 77’)

Yellow cards: N/A

Referee: Richie Watkins