Harrogate Town came from behind to book their place in the West Riding County Cup semi-finals, with a hard won victory over F C Halifax.
The early exchanges saw Jon McReadie fire over the top for the Shaymen,while for Town, a good move between Liam Hardy and Dominic Rowe, ended with Rowe shooting straight at Phil Senior.
But it was Halifax who were looking the more dangerous and after nine minutes they took the lead.
Reece Gray’s ball down the right found McReadie and his cross to the near post was swept in by Joe Ironside.
Harrogate hit back strongly with both Craig Nelthorpe and skipper, Adam Bolder, firing over the top and Bolder hitting Nelthorpe’s free kick at Senior.
Halifax were playing accurate attacking football and once again Gray turned provider for Ironside,but this time his shot sailed wide.
Just before the break,the injured Rowe had to make way for Cleveland Taylor and this proved to be a shot in the arm for Town.
Harrogate,playing towards the hospital end took the game to the visitors.
The recalled, Michael Woods,instigated a move which saw Taylor and Hardy combine to create a chance for Brad Abbott who tested Senior, while seconds later the keeper tipped a dangerous Bolder corner over the top.
Harrogate were not to be denied,however,and on the hour,Liam Hardy broke down the left and his pinpoint cut back was driven home by Ashley Worsfold.
Halifax hit back strongly and sub Kevin Holsgrove broke through the Town defence to find himself one on one with Craig MacGillivray who brilliantly turned his shot over the top.
MacGillivray was soon called upon again to save Josh Wilson’s free kick after Bolder brought down Dan Gardener,but it was Harrogate who finished the stronger.
Abbott and Worsfold created an opening for Taylor and he brought out a good save from Senior, but on 82 minutes Town snatched the winner.
Halifax only half cleared Bolder’s corner and the ball was centred back in for sub Chris Hall to bundle in from close range.
A late cross shot by Paul Marshall was magnificently saved by MacGillivray,which helped to earn him the “Man of the Match”award,before Town safely negotiated three minutes added time, to earn themselves a home semi-final against,Ossett Albion or Albion Sports.
Harrogate Town, 1 MacGillivray, 2 Bloomer, 3 Nelthorpe, 4 Bolder (c), 5 Franks, 6 Nowakowski, 7 Hardy,8 Abbott, 9 Worsfold ( Hall 82 mins), 10 Woods, 11 Rowe ( Taylor 41).
Unused subs, 14 Samuels, 16 Merris, 17 Crook
Scorers, Worsfold 59, Hall 82. Bookings nil
