Ellis Taylor fires Harrogate to priceless victory at relegation rivals Barrow

Ellis Taylor’s first-half goal gave Harrogate a priceless 1-0 win at Sky Bet League Two relegation rivals Barrow.

Taylor picked off Joe Thompson’s poor backpass and with goalkeeper Wyll Stanway way off his line, netted from a tight angle after seven minutes.

Despite clinching a second win in three games and seven points from a possible nine, the Sulphurites remain in the bottom two.

But they are only two points behind the next three teams above them including Barrow, who failed to build on new boss Dino Maamria’s opening win against Colchester last Saturday.

Harrogate were good value for their lead in the first half with Taylor forcing Stanway into a good save in addition to his matchwinner.

Barrow improved after half-time and went close to salvaging a point.

Charlie McCann’s 20-yard free-kick hit the crossbar and Elliot Newby slashed the rebound over the bar.

Local boy Newby then fired wide as the pressure increased on Harrogate. However, Simon Weaver’s side held on to claim a first away win since last September.