Harrogate’s long trip to Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, ended in Town’s first away win over Gloucester City.
After Lewis Hogg’s early free kick had been saved by Craig MacGillivray, Gloucester were completely dominated by a rampant Town, in a one sided first half.
The recalled Matt Bloomer started the ball rolling in the 9th minute when the home defence failed to deal with his lob and Tom Platt hammered the ball past Mike Green.
Seven minutes later, Jack Harris fouled Danny Forrest and Dave Merris’s free kick saw Matt Coupe bring down Forrest in the penalty area.
Dom Knowles sent Green the wrong way with his spot kick, to make it two nil.
Gloucester’s Adam Mann shot inches wide of the far past as the Tigers briefly rallied, but it was Town who squandered several chances to take stretch their lead.
Green twice saved well from Michael Woods, who had been handed his first start by Simon Weaver, before Platt broke through,squared to Woods, who shot narrowly wide.
Town, orchestrated by the two Adams, Bolder and Nowakowski, mounted wave after wave of attacks,but tended to overelaborate in front of goal.
The Tigers tightened up after the break and chances were fewer, although Green had to dive at Platt’s feet after a Wood’s cross and Knowles lobbed wide after being sent clear by Nowakowski’s inch perfect through ball.
Gloucester’s raids were snuffed out by the Town defence,in which the skipper Shane Killock was outstanding.
Paul Bolland replaced Woods and had an excellent last 25 minutes, as Town climbed further up the table in their quest for a play off place.
Town
1 MacGillivray, 2 Samuels, 3 Merris, 4 Bolder, 5 Bloomer, 6 Killock (c), 7 Platt (Elam 90), 8 Nowakowski, 9 Knowles, 10 Woods ( Bolland 68), 11 Forrest (Youhill 88).
Unused subs 14 Chilaka, 17 Radcliffe.
Scores Platt 9, Knowles 16 pen. Bookings nil
Gloucester City 0 Harrogate Town 2 Attendance 242
By John Harrison
