Harrogate Town’s dream of a Wembley appearance is over for another season as they went down 3-2 to Billericay, in an FA Trophy, replay.
The final score was Billericay Town 3 – 2 Harrogate Town.
Town made one change from Saturday’s line up, with Liam Kitching replacing Terry Kennedy in defence.
Town made a bright start to the contest with Joe Leesley heading just wide from George Thomson’s cross.
However, it was Billericay who took a two goal lead in the space of eleven first half minutes.
On twentytwo minutes,Ricky Modeste lashed an unstoppable shot past James Belshaw in the Town goal, and although Ricay’s, Rob Swaine had to divert a Leesley free kick over his own bar to prevent an immediate Harrogate equaliser,it was the host’s, Jake Robinson, who doubled the lead with a low shot into the corner.
With seven minutes left in the half,Harrogate reduced the arrears from the penalty spot, when Simon Ainge blasted high into the net after he had been brought down inside the area.
Harrogate finished the half on the front foot and Thomson’s powerful left footed strike flew inches over the crossbar.
Unfortunately for the visitors, Ricay restored their two goal advantage nine minutes into the half as Adam Cunnington hit a fine strike into the top corner.
As the game entered the last twenty minutes,Harrogate were given fresh hope as the Blue’s,Callum Butcher,was given a red card for a second bookable offence.
Harrogate began to apply all the pressure and Thomson was played in on goal, but saw his effort blocked by keeper, Alan Julian.
Mark Beck,who had earlier replaced Jack Emmett,headed home a Thomson corner with two minutes left,but it was too little too late,so the Blues progress in the F A Trophy,while Town now have no distractions in their quest for the National North title.
Harrogate
Belshaw, Middleton, Parker,Falkingham, Kitching, Morrell, Thomson, Emmett(Beck 79), Ainge, Knowles(Thewlis 64),Leesley.
Unused subs, Swain, Cracknell, Agnew. Booked Thomson
Scorers,Ainge(p)38, Beck 88
Billericay
Julian, Kizzi, Urquhart, Inman.Swaine, Deering(Paine74), Modeste, O’Hara(Waldren 64), Butcher, Robinson(Evans 90), Cunnington.
Unused subs, Bricknell, Wheeler. Sent off Butcher. Booked O’Hara
Scorers, Modeste 22,Robinson 33,Cunnington 54.
Referee, A Quelch
By John Harrison
