Harrogate end run of home defeats with victory over Cheltenham

Harrogate ended a run of three consecutive home defeats as two own goals secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Cheltenham.

A pair of own goals from corners wrapped up the points – with the first from visiting captain Luke Young and the second coming from the head of Scot Bennett.

Earlier, Jack Muldoon’s 20-yard volley forced an early flying save from away keeper Joe Day.

But Harrogate gained a deserved 34th-minute lead when the disorientated Young headed past a helpless Day at his near post from James Daly’s inswinging right-wing corner.

The advantage was doubled 11 minutes after the interval when Bennett inadvertently headed in Bryn Morris’ left-wing corner from five yards at the far post.

Day denied the hosts a third when he tipped Morris’ fierce free kick over and Ethon Archer’s shot lacked the power and direction to beat Harrogate keeper James Belshaw when he was played clear on goal by Matty Taylor for the visitors’ first on-target attempt in the 75th minute.

His effort was typical of a poor night for Cheltenham, who went into the game having won all three previous contests between the two teams.