One chant was sung loud and proud by Harrogate Town supporters at Valley Parade last night.
Inspired by a song sung by Liverpool fans, it describes how they have been there from the days of National League North, beating minnows Telford and Darlington along the way, and references past heroes Joe Leesley and Dom Knowles.
“We are the loyal supporters and we come from Harrogate!
“Allez Allez Allez!”
When Town fans entered Bradford City’s stadium, they sat down opposite the imposing JCT600 Stand. It wouldn’t look out of place in the Premier League, nevermind League Two of the English Football League.
It showed how far the club has come, and seemed to spur the record number of Town away supporters to sing the song about the journey up the divisions even louder.
Valley Parade’s imposing JCT600 Stand.
A memorable night
Four Stray Ferret reporters were among over 700 Harrogate fans who made the short trip to West Yorkshire for what was one of the most memorable nights in the club’s history.
They made more noise than the relatively docile 13,000 Bradford City fans, which promoted the playful Town faithful to goad them with: “Is this a library?” and “Shall we sing a song for you?”
But when the home side took the lead in the first half it threatened to dampen the party atmosphere in the away end.
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For a while it worked, until Warren Burrell scored in first-half injury time to change the direction of the game.
In the second half, Town took the lead thanks to a Beckham-esque free-kick from Lewis Page. A cooly-taken finish from Jack Diamond made it 3-1.
Jack Diamond’s goal sparked mass celebrations.
It prompted an evacuation of Bradford City fans towards the exit doors and full throttle singing among the Town fans.
Special moments
Covid has robbed Town fans of many special moments — Wembley trips, glamorous away days and seeing the club play league football at the revamped EnviroVent Stadium.
After the final whistle, the bond between the playing staff and fans was evident. The squad, led by manager Simon Weaver, applauded the travelling fans, signed shirts and took selfies with young supporters.
It was a proud day for Jordan Ford, who organises away day coach travel for fans on behalf of Harrogate Town Independent Supporters Club.
Yesterday there were over 200 fans on his coaches — a far cry from the 25 or so when he first started several years ago.
Town player Jack Muldoon took to Twitter after the match to pay tribute to the fans.
https://twitter.com/J_muldoon11/status/1496280985389912064?s=20&t=5SoSRoWdTANHtOYDUxzXbA
Harrogate Town plans for first match with fans
Harrogate Town are planning for their first match with fans after a surpise announcement from the government.
The club are currently working on safety measures that will inevitably reduce the number of spectators.
In tier two, which Harrogate will be in from next week, large events can go ahead with up to 2,000 spectators outdoors.
However, with smaller grounds like the EnviroVent Stadium it is unlikely that many fans will head through the turnstiles.
Town had been in talks with Scunthorpe United to move the fixture back by a day but it was too short notice for The Iron.
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It may not be a long wait for the first match with fans though. The club has an another home fixture with Forest Green Rovers next Saturday.
Whenever the first match with fans happens it will be a special occasion as the first time supporters will be able to watch their club play in the football league.
Garry Plant, the managing director at Harrogate Town, said:
“Allowing spectators into football grounds has taken everyone by surprise but what a boost.
“It has come with no notice and some clubs still have safety officers on furlough.
“We will release regular updates regarding our progress, ticket distributions and the organisation of matches when we have them.”
Harrogate Town will ultimately need permission from the North Yorkshire safety advisory group, the sports ground safety authority and Public Health England.
The club are working on their plans but said they will lose 1850 capacity immediately to separate the teams and match officials from spectators.
Further capacity reductions will come as a result of terracing and the egress pinch points.