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Harrogate Town win on opening day in front of record crowd

Monday, 10 August 2026 08:25

Harrogate Town played in front of a record-breaking opening day crowd. (Images: Matt Kirkham)

Harrogate Town kicked off the new National League season in style with a 5-2 victory over Solihull Moors in front of a record opening-day home support.

A total of 2,176 supporters watched Saturday’s game at the Marcy Fitness Stadium, including 122 travelling fans from Solihull.

It marked Town’s highest number of home supporters for an opening-day fixture.

Harrogate took the lead just before half-time when Archie Baptiste found the net in the 44th minute.

Bryn Morris doubled the advantage after the break, scoring in the 58th minute to put Simon Weaver’s side firmly in control.

Solihull then threatened a comeback as Jacob Wakeling and Tyler French struck to make it 2-2 with less than ten minutes remaining.

But Town responded emphatically.

Substitute Ciaran McGuckin restored Harrogate’s lead in the 84th minute before adding his second in the 90th minute.

Rohan Vaughan then rounded off an impressive afternoon with Town’s fifth deep into stoppage time.

Manager Simon Weaver was delighted with his side’s performance and praised their patience in front of goal.

He said:

"We dominated the majority of the game and created several chances before we did score and that was thing, it was good. The lads showed patience and perseverance."

Simon was also pleased to see a bumper home crowd turn out for the start of the new campaign.

He added:

"It’s excellent news knowing that’s the highest attendance at home for an opening day. It shows the faith the fans have got in us and it was important to repay that. It brings with it pressure but that’s the life we chose.

"We had to start fast and there were a few nerves in there but I thought there was some really clever football. The main message to them was really go and enjoy it."

The 5-2 victory gives Town the perfect start to the new National League season following their relegation from League Two.

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