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25
Jul 2020
'We're off to Wembley!' Harrogate Town win historic play off semi
Jack Muldoon’s 65th-minute goal sent Harrogate Town to Wembley for a historic play off final next Sunday.
Town beat Boreham Wood 1-0 at the CNG Stadium this afternoon in the National League play off semi-final.
Despite not playing in the league since March 7, Town dominated the game and looked the much sharper of the two teams.
In the social distancing era it was a low key experience watching Town's biggest game in its 101-year history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOUXO85U6B4&feature=youtu.be
Walking up Wetherby Road, there was not the usual congregation of Town fans wearing yellow and black, discussing predictions for the game or excitedly planning which pub they might go to might go after the game.
But Town’s fans were here in spirit — with the supporters club organising a 20ft X 10ft flag covered with fan's faces. And there were over 100 cardboard cut out 'crowdies' sat in Town’s new family stand.
A lot has changed in the world since Town last played and both teams took a knee before kick-off in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Town started the game sharply and swarmed the opposition several times in the first twenty minutes.
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An impressive attacking move saw on-loan winger Jack Diamond, who was a threat all game, through on goal but his shot was saved comfortably by Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore.
After 25 minutes, Jack Muldoon drilled a shot low that was pushed wide for a corner.
Lloyd Kerry nearly put Town ahead five minutes later when his shot was again turned wide by Ashmore.
The physically imposing Boreham Wood began to put some pressure on Town towards the end of the first half, with two chances.
After half time, Boreham Wood came out strong and a Keiron Murtagh shot was well saved with his feet by Town keeper James Belshaw.
Boreham Wood almost took the lead when a Matt Rheed header led to desperate scramble before the ball was ultimately cleared off the line.
But it was Jack Muldoon on the 65th minute who sent Town fans watching at home into dreamland when he scored after a corner.
The final whistle sent Town players in ecstacy, cheering and embracing each other in an eerily quiet CNG.
Town players left the field to their makeshift changing rooms in the 1919 bar and could be heard singing “We’re off to Wembley” - almost making up for the lack of supporters.
They will play the winner of Notts County vs Barnet which kicks off later this afternoon.
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