Harrogate Town have been one of the surprise packages in the National League this season as they currently sit third in the table, one point off leaders Salford City. After gaining promotion from the National League North last season, Town weren’t expected to be one of the contenders for the title in the 2018/19 campaign, however, on the evidence of 15 games, they are in the mix for the back-to-back promotions.
Here is a look at three reasons for Town’s terrific start to life in the National League:
Going Professional In 2017/18 Campaign
No side is better away from home than @HarrogateTown
Manager Simon Weavers believes he knows why they are the kings of the road!
👉 https://t.co/029bTfIHXi pic.twitter.com/d601sVDQ03
— The National League (@TheNationalLge) October 10, 2018
At the start of the 2017/18 season, Harrogate Town became a full-time football club for the first time in their history which was a huge step for the club. That move allowed Town to build a squad which set them up for promotion that season and it worked as they finished second in the National North which put them in prime position for the playoffs where they were victorious in the final against Brackley Town. In what is now their second season as a full-time football club, the players are clearly putting in the right amount of work on and off the pitch in the build-up to games and that is being reflected with positive results on the pitch. It doesn’t matter what level of football you play at, you can be Manchester City, who are the favourites in Betfair’s odds for the Premier League winner or a seventh tier football club, preparation is key for success and Town are now set up to be a Football League club in the near future.
Simon Weaver
Despite all the change at Harrogate over the last couple of years, the one thing that has stayed constant is Simon Weaver being in charge as the manager. The former defender has been with the club since 2009 as their boss and has seen them rise to the top flight of the non-league pyramid. One of the highlights of Weaver’s reign so far was Town’s FA Cup run in 2012 where they beat then League Two side Torquay United to reach the second round of the competition. Weaver has been able to inspire his players this season for another push for promotion and with his leadership, they are in with a big chance of achieving that success.
Jack Muldoon
Jack Muldoon celebrates after setting up Lee Angol for the opening goal of the game here at Southport pic.twitter.com/6VDRc4S4dR
— Lincoln City FC (@LincolnCity_FC) April 29, 2017
Town are the joint-highest goalscorers in the National League so far this season with 30 goals coming from their 15 games. One of the biggest reasons for their hot goalscoring streak is Jack Muldoon. The former Rochdale striker signed for the club in the summer from AFC Fylde. The 26-year-old has a fantastic record in this division and with six league goals in the campaign so far, he is well on his way to another strong campaign. If Muldoon continues to find the back of the net, Town will be one of the highest scorers in the division come the end of the season.
The Town take a break from National League action on the 20th October as they face Wrexham in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.