Simon Weaver hails Harrogate Town fans' role in resounding victory over Carlisle United

Simon Weaver signs an autograph for a young Harrogate Town fan during the club's 'Supporter Thank You' event, which took place before Saturday's 3-0 home win over Carlisle United. Pictures: Matthew Appleby

Simon Weaver felt that Harrogate Town's fans played a big part in Saturday's 3-0 League Two success over Carlisle United.

The Sulphurites headed into the fixture having failed to serve up a victory on home soil for two-and-a-half months and off the back of a run of eight defeats in 10 matches.

But, having spent time interacting with the Wetherby Road faithful before kick-off as part of the club's 'Supporter Thank You' event, Weaver said his players were visibly lifted by the positivity which radiated from the terraces.

And Town's manager believes that his team "fed off" that energy as they went out and delivered their most complete performance at the EnviroVent Stadium in some time.

Harrogate Town players celebrate after Rory McArdle, right, headed them into a two-goal lead against Carlisle United.

"It was a good atmosphere in the ground before the game," he said.

"We were trying to thank the fans for their continued support. It's not been an easy season by any stretch, particularly in recent months, but it was fantastic to hear the comments from the supporters and we know that their support is growing and it is resounding.

"It let us know that they're still with us and that's what we needed. I think the feel-good factor was here before kick-off and it filtered through to the players, that positivity, and then they've turned it on in style.

"Young and old, they all seemed to be really behind us and sometimes you don't realise that, you just go home not knowing. There's been a lot of pressure on us and a lot of things go wrong with injuries and big players out, so every hit has been hard to take, but today was a good day for the club with the camaraderie between the fans and the players.

"It made the place feel a lot more together. We fed off that positivity and you saw that in the performance. We could have scored seven or eight goals."

Given their recent poor run, which had seen them lose four games on the bounce prior to beating Carlisle, Weaver admitted that he was not sure how Town's fans would react to the 'Supporter Thank You' event.

But, the Sulphurites chief revealed that he was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception that he, his players and staff all received.