Harrogate Town made it three National League wins in succession with a 3-0 victory over Hornchurch at the Marcy Fitness Stadium, with Morgan Williams’ long-range free-kick followed by second-half goals from Will McGowan and Lewis Cass.
Simon Weaver’s side had the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot in the 27th minute, but Hornchurch goalkeeper Arthur Nasta denied Brad Dolaghan to keep the game goalless.
Harrogate did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough. Nine minutes after the missed penalty, Williams stepped up to a free-kick around 25 yards from goal and beat Nasta directly to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Hornchurch reached the interval only one goal behind and had an opportunity to draw level early in the second half. George Alexander met a delivery with his head but was unable to direct his effort on target as Daryl McMahon’s side searched for an equaliser.
Instead, Harrogate doubled their advantage on the hour. Ethan Bristow supplied a low delivery into the penalty area and McGowan converted from inside the box to give the second-placed Sulphurites breathing space.
Bristow was the provider again just five minutes later. His cross reached Cass at the back post and the defender turned the ball beyond Nasta to make it 3-0 and effectively settle the contest with 25 minutes remaining.
Hornchurch had made their first change at half-time when Jack Baldwin replaced Frankie Edwards, before Angelo Balanta, Josh Walker and Myles Weston were introduced during the second half. Harrogate later made four changes of their own, with George Thomson, Ellis Taylor, Ciaran McGuckin and Shawn McCoulsky all coming on after the third goal, while Michael Craig was introduced in the closing stages.
Harrogate saw out the remainder of the game to record a second successive clean sheet following their 1-0 midweek victory at Hartlepool. The win was also their third in succession after a 4-1 home success against Eastleigh started the current run.
Weaver’s side have scored in each of their opening 12 National League matches and remain second with 25 points, seven behind unbeaten leaders Boreham Wood and one ahead of third-placed Southend United.
Hornchurch, who had beaten Aldershot Town 2-1 in their previous league outing, ended Saturday 12th with 18 points from 12 matches. The defeat was their sixth of the campaign and left them with six wins and six losses, without a draw so far.
