By Georgia Cook

After achieving success to League two on their first ever trip to Wembley, newly promoted Harrogate Town beat Notts County 3-1 in order to land their place in the EFL after a 106 year wait. A trip to The Yorkshire Payments Stadium was in place for a friendly between the two sides.

Before the game BBC were interviewing both Harrogate and Brighouse as it was Harrogate’s first time playing in front of fans since the coronavirus pandemic which has sadly affected many. This was an interesting friendly as former Brighouse Town striker Aaron Martin was selected in the Harrogate team for today’s game starting as a sub.

‘Magic Martin’ scored the first goal of the Vill Powell era and finished top scorer, fans player and players player of the season during his time at Brighouse Town. In the last season he had at Brighouse Town Aaron grabbed himself 30 goals and 11 assists, a threat for todays game.

It was a cold, rainy day down at the stadium but for many spectators its been pleasurable to see some live football once again no matter what team you support. A chance for friends to reunite and passionate fans to fall in love with the game all over again and remind ourselves how important the game is in our lives.

It looked to be captain Kurt Harris to lead the home side out against the yellow and black army which were Harrogate Town.

The match got off to a strong start for Harrogate Town, within the first minute, the trialist who cannot be named played the ball down the right side overstepped multiple Brighouse Town players and played a ball into Kiernan who was unable to get the finish. Some strong play by the yellow and black army. Just five minutes later, some good midfield play by Emmet was able to play a ball into local lad Jon Stead who slid it to the trialist who appealed for a penalty but the referee waved it away and nothing was given.

Brighouse got their first chance of the game, in which a good run by midfielder Tom Haigh a good ball into the box but no one was there to finish the job as young academy graduate Javelle Clarke got there just a bit too late. Just moments later Kieta played an excellent ball into Grant who was unable to take a touch and fired it over the crossbar. Kieta was called into action just two minutes later when he played a ball down the left which Tinker was able to pick up, but on the attempt of a cross right back Warren Burrell defended it and Tinker made a good tackle on the Harrogate defender in the attempt to win the ball back.

Harrogate looked dangerous on the attack once again in the 33^rd minute as a good piece of play by Kiernan into the box but Tinker was able to put in a good tackle and leave the game at 0-0. A very controversial moment in the game as a foul on Tinker by a Harrogate trialist lead to the free kick being given against the Brighouse left back. Tinker demonstrated his frustration against the referee after punching the floor in a moment of rage.

Substitute Eddie Church created some good play in the attacking half and was able to play a ball into Haigh who had a shot 30 yards out but the ball landed in keeper Joe Cracknell’s hands after number one choice James Belshaw is out injured.

Another chance for Brighouse Town came in the 37^th minute when Brighouse’s Tom Haigh curled a ball past the keepers left-hand post going just wide. A huge chance for the home side to take the lead. Two minutes later Church showed off his beautiful touch and a quick turn on the ball encouraging Brighouse to get up the pitch. Playing outstanding since coming on as sub.

Half time 0-0. With the game looking quite even the away side were just getting the edge but their keeper has had to make some incredibly difficult saves. What a game to come back to after so long away!

Harrogate got off to the better start in the second half as a huge chance came for the travelling side after a deflected ball from one of the Brighouse players allowed Walker to take a touch and drive with the ball. But Wilkinson was able to get back and deal with the mistake to keep the score line at the draw. A good tackle from the centre back.

In the 50^th minute a good ball in by Eddie Church allowed striker Joe Jagger to get into the box but he was unable to take a touch and put it wide.

In the 54^th minute, it was Jagger’s first real chance to grab himself a goal after a ball by Haigh hit the side post and on a second attempt to hit the back of the net defender Ryan Fallowfield was able to block the shot. An excellent piece of defending by Harrogate Town.

After Jagger’s turn and shot was blocked again a second attempt by Church was blocked also, nobody was getting past this solid built defence manager Simon Weaver had created. Harrogate were quick to switch up play and be on the attack less than two minutes later when Fallowfield powered it over the bar in the 65^th minute. This game was tense.

In the 69^th minute a foul on Hay allowed Jagger to take a free kick on the edge of the box which was low but took a deflection going out for a corner, but nothing came from it.

Just six minutes later Emmett played a ball into Martin as Brighouse sub goalkeeper Clarke committed himself Aaron was able to get the cross leaving an open net but no one was there to finish the shot. Some excellent play from the away side.

Once again Harrogate had the chance to take the lead when a header from Beck went straight into the keeper’s hands who stood firmly on his line after the clearance of four corners that had previously took place.

In the 89^th minute Aaron Martin attempted to make a run down the right side but was quickly caught offside and just one minute later another brilliant header from Beck put keeper Clarke to the test but he was able to get his hands to it and push it out for a corner.

An excellent game to watch especially considering the difference in leagues, a fierce game and a pleasure to be back in the stadium. We wish Harrogate Town the best of luck with their 2020/21 campaign in the EFL, congratulations on your promotion.