Ellis Taylor marked his return to Harrogate Town’s starting line-up with the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Woking, extending the Sulphurites’ winning run to four National League matches and securing a third successive clean sheet.
Harrogate created the first opportunity when Taylor tried his luck from distance, forcing Will Jääskeläinen into a save. Grant Horton then headed over from a Will McGowan free-kick, while Woking threatened in the 27th minute when Tariq Hinds sent a free-kick into the side-netting.
McGowan also tested Jääskeläinen before Harrogate broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Taylor advanced down the left and drove a powerful finish into the roof of the net, with Ethan Bristow credited with the assist.
Woking almost responded immediately. John Marquis flicked on a long ball and Aiden O’Brien met the resulting delivery with a half-volley that forced Luke Hutchinson into an acrobatic save. Marquis then tested the Harrogate goalkeeper with a low effort, but Hutchinson gathered comfortably to preserve the visitors’ lead at half-time.
The Cards threatened again after the restart. Roy Syla’s free-kick was saved by Hutchinson before Hinds had an effort blocked. Matt Ward later shot wide after Woking took a quick free-kick following a foul on Marquis.
Woking made changes as they searched for an equaliser, with Tunji Akinola replacing Chinwike Okoli at half-time and Anthony Georgiou coming on for Hinds in the 55th minute. Liam Dulson and Harrison Sohna were introduced shortly after the hour in place of O’Brien and Josh Kelly.
The hosts continued to create openings, but O’Brien headed over from a corner and Tim Akinola saw a long-range effort saved by Hutchinson. Akinola then miscued a half-volley before Marquis had a header blocked with around 15 minutes remaining.
Simon Weaver introduced George Thomson and Shawn McCoulsky in the 74th minute before replacing goalscorer Taylor with Ciaran McGuckin four minutes later. Harrogate had an opportunity to double their lead when Sam Dreyer headed narrowly over from a free-kick.
Woking’s final opportunity came in stoppage time when substitute Taylan Harris headed over the bar, leaving the Cards unable to find a way past Hutchinson. The victory gave Harrogate four consecutive league wins and three clean sheets in succession, following victories over Eastleigh, Hartlepool United and Hornchurch.
Weaver acknowledged afterwards that his side had been tested by Woking’s deliveries into the penalty area. Harrogate ended Saturday second in the National League with 28 points from 13 matches, while Woking remained 15th on 15 points after failing to build on their previous weekend’s 3-1 victory at Eastleigh.
