Simon Weaver salutes new-look defensive pairing after Gillingham stalemate

Posted Sunday, March 05, 2023 by PA

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver hailed the defensive qualities of experienced duo Tom Eastman and Anthony O’Connor as his team kept only their second clean sheet in 18 League Two home contests.

Eastman and O’Connor, who boast more than 900 professional appearances between them, marshalled a strong rearguard action during a competitive 0-0 draw with Gillingham as both clubs continue to try and claw themselves away from the relegation zone.

The pair were recruited from Colchester on loan and Morecambe respectively during the January transfer window and Weaver said: “The two of them were awesome and I don’t think there will have been a better display from a centre-back pairing in our division today.

“I’m proud to have got them because they were important signings for us. They were hurting after conceding three goals against Swindon last weekend when the distances between them were not right but, during the last two games, the whole defence looks like they are trusting each other that bit more.”

On his team’s overall efforts, the Suplhurites’ chief added: “We went for the win and I felt we edged things in terms of possession, territory and chances created.

“At this stage of the season with so much at stake, I think we can be forgiven for nailing the basics first and then building up the confidence. That means keeping clean sheets, being solid as units and keeping the messages simple.

“Then hopefully the wins and goals will follow but, for me, this was a valuable point. We just didn’t have the composure to stick the ball away.”

Gills boss Neil Harris also reflected on a “point gained”, declaring: “I thought we were fantastic during the first 15 minutes and should have been in front but, for the rest of the first half, Harrogate were the better side playing down the slope and we turned possession over a bit cheaply.

“We were then the better side in the second half but were just missing a cutting edge and a bit more quality on the ball at times.

“But it was our third game in a week and I’m happy to come away with a clean sheet and am looking at it as a point gained. Both teams were playing 4-4-2 and getting the ball forward and I thought both sets of centre-halves stood up to the test pretty well.

“I was also delighted with the backing we got from our supporters, which was mega as usual. The important thing was for us not to get beaten and let Harrogate close the gap on us.

“I asked my players for character and the right mentality and I got that in abundance. We just didn’t get that one moment of quality to win the game.”