Harrogate Town’s ‘last minute winners are no fluke’ - Weaver

Brendon Daniels slotted home an 89th minute penalty in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Gloucester to clinch Town’s fourth victory on the road this season and lift the club up to third in Vanarama National North.

Winger Jack Emmett’s skilful run earned the late opportunity, and Daniels kept a cool head to take his personal tally to 10 goals for the season.

It was the third time this season Town have scooped all three points in the closing stages of a match, and Weaver said the habit proved it was “no fluke.”

“You have to take a lot of confidence from scoring again in the dying moments,” he said.

“We have plenty of people that can beat a man and make things happen in the box.

“When people tire, there should be more chances to make things happen.

“It’s no fluke. Winning teams believe that it only takes one moment to win a game.

“Look at the teams that do win things. Look at how many times Manchester United scored in the dying minutes. They fight for every ball in that team. It only takes a second to score a goal.

“When you get a run of it, you start to believe it will happen for you.”

Weaver surprised Town supporters by selecting left winger Louie Swain in centre-midfield at Gloucester, as Town looked to cope with City’s giant presence across the field.

Gloucester were first to carve out an opportunity when Joe Hawks saw an early shot from 20 yards fly over Town’s crossbar, while Dom Knowles replied by heading a Daniels free kick just wide.

After 11 minutes, Danny Ellis brought down Jonte Smith as he raced clear,but referee Adam Ricketts decided a yellow card was sufficient punishment, much to the annoyance of Gloucester.

Town quickly recovered their composure and a brilliant turn and shot from Knowles brought a superb,one handed save from Jas Singh.

Clayton and Luke Shiels both had efforts blocked by the Tigers defence as Harrogate piled on the pressure, but the Tigers began to live up to their name by countering strongly.

Peter Crook did well to collect George Miller’s low drive then soon afterwards he was at full stretch to tip Smith’s header from Lewis Hall’s centre over the bar.

Both sides created chances as the action flowed from end to end after the restart.

A cut back from Joe Colbeck found Knowles but James Bowen was on hand to clear off the line while at the other end a miscued clearance from Cecil Nyoni almost let in Hanks but he placed his shot wide of the far post.

Jack Emmett and Jordan Thewlis replaced Colbeck and Knowles and Town began to threaten down the right flank.

Emmett rode a tackle from Bowen and advanced to shoot across goal,before Gloucester were given a portent of things to come when Singh had to make a flying full length save,to keep out a Daniels free kick,after a foul on Clayton.

With only seconds remaining of normal time, Thewlis again sent Emmett down the right.

He advanced into the penalty area where he was upended by a desperate Tigers defence.

Daniels stepped up to the plate and beat Singh with a low shot just inside the post.