They will be celebrating hard in a certain section of North Yorkshire this evening. As for the first time in their 106-year history Harrogate Town are in the English Football League.
They beat Notts County 3-1 in the 2019/20 Vanarama National League Play Off Final in an empty Wembley Stadium.
National League Promotion Play Off Final
A goal from George Thomson settled the nerves in the first five minutes.
Just before the half hour mark a good free kick was whipped in and headed home by defender Connor Hall made it 2-0.
Notts County made a great start to the second half. Callum Roberts curled a left footed free kick into the bottom corner from about 20 yards out. Giving his side a way back into the game.
However, the game would be put to bed with about 20 minutes to go. Striker and Sunderland loanee Jack Diamond pounced on some hesitant Notts County defending. Diamond clipped the ball into the County net to take Harrogate into the EFL.
Big Step Up
For Notts County they will have to try get back into the EFL on their second attempt next season.
As for Harrogate they will now join National league winners Barrow in League Two.
Harrogate finished 2nd in the league four points behind Barrow after the season was prematurely finished due to Covid-19. They would beat Boreham Wood in the Play Off semi-finals to progress to Wembley.
Delight for all involved with Harrogate Town. Especially their long serving manager Simon Weaver. He has been in the hotseat since 2009. Taking a club owned by his father Irving into the heights of League Two.
Attention will now turn to getting their 5,000-seater home Wetherby Road ready for life in League Two. Along with brining in any new faces if possible, to try and make it a lengthy stay rather than a flying visit.
Best of luck to them. Its always great to see a different team in the EFL. Hopefully, they can give their loyal fan base something to shout about during give in League Two.
