Harrogate boss Simon Weaver praised his team for showing the same passion levels they did at Leeds in the FA Cup during a convincing 2-0 League Two home win against Cheltenham.
Six days after pushing the Championship leaders close during a gutsy 1-0 third-round loss, the Sulphurites eased their relegation worries as a return to league action reaped maximum points thanks to two headed own goals by Robins pair Luke Young and Scot Bennett.
Both came from dangerously-delivered corners by James Daly and Bryn Morris respectively, with Weaver saying: “I was really happy with the overall performance.
“We looked like a strong, physical outfit and really up for it and we want to see that in all our remaining games, because it paid off for us again in this match.
“Our last two performances have been a one-in, all-in attitude and people were grafting for each other and we were a threat from set-plays, whilst our control from the middle of the park was really good.
“There was also real energy in abundance to get us over the line.
“We have lads who are serious about doing well here because we’ve refreshed the squad and added competition for places, so everyone knows they have to maintain their levels.
“It was a great game last week, but it was so important to come out of the blocks fast to show the fans that, while that was a great day out, we are here to get the bread and butter done and make sure that we show the same passion in front of our home support.”
Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn pulled no punches in his assessment of a “poor” evening for his team, who went into the game having only lost two of their previous 13 league games.
“It was a disappointing night and we were poor,” he admitted. “We scored two own goals which summed up our night because, aside from that, they played with more intensity than us and were stronger in the individual duels, so they deserved to win.
“We should have been awarded a foul and their player given a yellow card before their first goal, but I’m not making excuses – we were well below standard and only three or four players can hold their hands up and be satisfied with their performances. Too many had off days.
“We knew Harrogate would be a tough place to come and you can have all the ability but, if you’re not up for the fight and lose your battles or don’t make the right pass or break defensive lines, then you are going to be in trouble.
“We were well below anything required to win a football match at Harrogate or anywhere else.”
