National press hail Harrogate Town's heroes after 'fairytale' win at Wembley

Harrogate Town's fairytale promotion success at Wembley at the weekend has won them plaudits across the board - even from the national press.
Celebrating a Harrogate Town goal at Wembley Stadium in Sunday's win over Notts County. Pictures: GettyCelebrating a Harrogate Town goal at Wembley Stadium in Sunday's win over Notts County. Pictures: Getty
Celebrating a Harrogate Town goal at Wembley Stadium in Sunday's win over Notts County. Pictures: Getty

The club's triumphant manager Simon Weaver was interviewed on TV on BBC's Look North last night, Sunday after the historic victory over Notts County gained them promotion to the Football League for the very first time since the club was founded in 1919.

The impact of Weaver's players impact off the pitch as well as on has been such that by this morning the Daily Mail was hailing Harrogate itself as "League Two's family-friendly weekend away of choice when fans return to football grounds."

The Guardian

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Harrogate see off Notts County on ascension day for manager Weaver

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"A full year since the National League began, it has finally ended. Harrogate Town have reached the Football League for the first time in their history with a win against Notts County in the play-off final, sealed with goals from George Thomson, Connor Hall and Jack Diamond to complete a fine performance under weighty pressure.

“It’s unbelievable to actually hear [that],” Simon Weaver, the Harrogate manager, said.

“It’s a combination of a lot of hard work by a lot of the people behind the scenes as well as the people on the pitch, so I’m just delighted for everyone involved.”

BBC Sport

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National League promotion final: Harrogate Town beat Notts County 3-1 to secure place in League Two

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"Harrogate Town sealed promotion to the English Football League for the first time in their history with victory over Notts County at Wembley.

"Town had never played at the national stadium prior to their meeting with Ardley's side, but they looked unfazed by the occasion as they dominated the first half."

Daily Mail

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Harrogate Town 3-1 Notts County: Three-goal flourish at Wembley sees Yorkshire club promoted to Football League for first time EVER

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"Spa waters, tea at Bettys and strolls in the Yorkshire Dales. Harrogate has just become League Two's family-friendly weekend away of choice when fans return to football grounds.

"The town's football club are in the Football League for the first time in their history - the 144th different club to play there since it started in 1888 - and they achieved it at the expense of one of its founder members."

The Mirror

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Harrogate Town promoted to Football League for first time with play-off victory

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"Harrogate Town have reached the Football League for the very first time in their history with a 3-1 victory over Notts County in the National League playoff final at Wembley.

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"The North Yorkshire club - who only turned professional in 2017 - saw off the Magpies, who are one of the oldest football clubs in the world, to complete a fairytale story for father and son duo Irving and Simon Weaver."

The Independent

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Harrogate promoted to Football League for first time with play-off final win over Notts County

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"Harrogate Town defeated Notts County 3-1 in the National League play-off final on Sunday to claim a place in the Football League for the first time in their history.

"The victory marked a second promotion for Harrogate in three seasons."

talksport.com

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GOING UP Harrogate Town promoted to Football League for first time in their history with 3-1 play-off final win over Notts County

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"Harrogate Town beat Notts County 3-1 in the National League play-off final to claim a place in the Football League for the first time in their history on Sunday.

"It was delight for the victors but utter desolation for the defeated side, who were previously known as the oldest Football League club before their 2018-19 relegation.

Promotion meant everything to Harrogate Town."

As for the local newspaper of Sunday's losers, Notts County...

www.nottinghampost.com

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'Dreamland' - Harrogate Town captain revels in 'amazing' victory over Notts County at Wembley

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"Captain Josh Falkingham admits winning promotion to the Football League puts Harrogate Town firmly in dreamland.

"The North Yorkshire club deservedly overpowered the might of Notts County by three goals to one in Sunday’s National League play-off final at Wembley Stadium, to secure a first ever foray into the EFL."

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