Yorkshire | Harrogate maintain unbeaten start to the season

Harrogate Town 1 - 0 Barrow

Shawn McCoulsky’s first goal in the EFL since December 2017 secured Harrogate a win over Barrow and stretched the Sulphurites’ unbeaten start to the League Two season to four matches.

Author | Jay Dean

Stadium | Exercise Stadium

The striker, who has spent the past three and a half seasons in non-league with Maidenhead, ended a 53-game wait for a goal in the competition, having previously played for Colchester, Forest Green, Southend and Newport, as well as in his first three outings for Harrogate.

Simon Weaver’s side were on top throughout the opening half and broke through shortly before the half-hour. Stephen Duke-McKenna robbed Charlie Raglan near the halfway line and surged down the left before slipping in McCoulsky, who calmly beat Wyll Stanway with a low finish from 15 yards.

READ MORE | Football and Rugby League stories from across Yorkshire

READ MORE |  League Two news from your area and beyond

Ellis Taylor nearly doubled the lead before the interval, rattling the bar after another sharp Duke-McKenna break, while Reece Smith struck the post early in the second half after racing onto McCoulsky’s pass.

Barrow improved as the game wore on, but Tyler Walker fired over from close range and Rhys Healy’s powerful effort was deflected just wide, leaving the visitors with four defeats from their opening five matches in all competitions.

Which players stood out?

Ellis Taylor was electric for a spell at the end of the first half, when he struck the crossbar. He looks like a player who will be key for Harrogate this season.

Stephen Duke-McKenna was our man of the match. Whether delivering crosses or threading passes, he was bright and inventive until fatigue caught up with him later in the game. A fantastic performance.

Shawn McCoulsky held the ball up well and looked delighted to score his first goal for his new club.