Harrogate Town delight at opening win

Paul Brayson's first goal came from the penalty spot

Harrogate Town got their season off to a winning start by beating Altrincham 3-2 at the CNG Stadium.

Paul Brayson put Harrogate 2-0 ahead at half-time before Altrincham came back with goals from Michael Twiss and Damien Reeves.

Town had Michael Tait sent off but a Laurie Wilson penalty in the final minute gave the home side the win.

Manager Simon Weaver told BBC Radio York: "It was last-ditch defending but we showed character to keep going."

He added: "What a dramatic game. For long periods it was one-way traffic against us.

"It was pretty hard work but we scored three goals at the end of the day."

Harrogate Town travel to Stalybridge on Tuesday for their next game.

Weaver continued: "I think it will give us confidence. I think we can play a lot better than today.

"We've been up against it against a good Altrincham side. We always knew they'd play some good football and we did.

"Two lads were struggling with knocks second half and we had a man sent off. It was always going to be difficult. I'm buzzing over three points."