The most recent fan piece by Dave Worton, a Harrogate Town supporter.
That was a week I’ll be thrilled to only experience once in a blue moon, and even then, by the time dark rolls around, I’ll be hiding under the covers.
Due to the most recent rail strikes, I had to miss the early high point of a 2-0 victory against Morecambe, but I returned to town anxious for the following Tuesday night’s “eagerly awaited clash” with Blackburn Rovers (as promoted in an email from the team).
After spending £20 for the pleasure and paying ticket fees that had more than quadrupled from the previous round, I was anticipating a traditional cup match played under the lights. Thus, it was as surprising as it was terrible to field a depleted squad.
Eight-nil wasn’t a true reflection of the game, of course, it should have been more. That’s how awful Town were. It got so bad at one stage in the first half that there were audible groans around the ground every time their big centre forward Sam Gallagher got the ball in front of goal. Even a trio of substitutions at half-time didn’t improve matters, if anything Town were worse after the break. And this was against a visiting team with TEN changes from Saturday, bringing on two teenagers for debuts late on, both of whom scored. I had to stomach the next day fielding sympathetic enquiries from friends who have never been to a game of football in their lives.
What a significant own goal. Here was an opportunity to lower rates, draw a sizable throng through the gates, field a potent squad and spook our higher-flying guests. Salford, Doncaster, and MK Dons were all able to accomplish this without using the class divide as a reason.
Yes, Blackburn’s second squad was great, and we were unable to compete with them, but in my opinion, the bigger issue was a difference in mindset. They just had the right attitude, worked well as a team, and believed they could control the game. On the night, we didn’t click any of those boxes.
Only six games into the season, I thought it was a little needless to rest players in preparation of a home game against Barrow. It also turned out to be a very bad decision.
If the players’ confidence wasn’t already compromised before the thrashing by Blackburn, it most definitely was after.
