Gainsborough manager Russ Wilcox expressed his pride in his team after their recent FA Cup match against Harrogate. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat, Wilcox commended his players for their efforts, especially since it was their first second-round tie in nearly 70 years. The winning goal came from Harrogate’s Dean Cornelius in the 57th minute, putting an end to Gainsborough’s impressive run in the competition.
Wilcox also highlighted the incredible support from Gainsborough’s fans, who traveled to the game in numbers. He mentioned that while his team didn’t play their best game and felt they should have been awarded a penalty, he acknowledged the challenge of facing a team three leagues above them with full-time professional players. Wilcox emphasized that their journey in the FA Cup has been remarkable, and he regretted not being able to score a goal for the loyal fans who backed them throughout the match.
On the other side, Harrogate manager Simon Weaver acknowledged the tough match his team faced against Gainsborough. He admitted that Gainsborough put up a strong fight, especially in the final 15 minutes when they pushed hard for an equalizer. Weaver praised Gainsborough’s resilience and expressed his hope for their success in the upcoming season.
Weaver also commented on the importance of scoring the first goal to build belief and momentum in the game. He noted that while the match was challenging, he was excited about the prospect of the upcoming draw and the unpredictability of the competition.
Overall, the match between Gainsborough and Harrogate showcased the dedication and talent of both teams, with Gainsborough’s historic FA Cup journey coming to an end. Despite the defeat, the players and managers from both sides displayed sportsmanship and respect for each other, reflecting the true spirit of the FA Cup competition.