Harrogate Town's players have to 'grow up' after Crewe Alexandra loss if they are to bounce back against Stockport County

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver looks on from the sidelines during his side's 3-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

If Simon Weaver really did not “want to floor” his Harrogate Town players after they followed up an encouraging opening-day success with a dismal first defeat of their League Two campaign, he might not have gone about it the right way.

Given the home truths the league’s most experienced manager spelt out following a 3-0 reverse at Crewe Alexandra, he will certainly be looking for a response at home to Stockport County in the League Cup on Tuesday evening.

As he did an uncomfortable number of times last season in League Two, the Sulphurites manager came across as an angry man as the dust was settling at Gresty Road on Saturday afternoon.

“We lost the game in the 44th and 45th minute from two similar corners by not attacking the ball,” an unhappy Weaver said after watching his side concede twice in quick succession from set-pieces.

Matty Daly in action for Harrogate Town during Saturday's defeat to Crewe.

“It’s disappointing and we’ve got to grow up – the players need to keep with their men and attack the ball.

"Two free headers, that has to be sorted immediately. We weren't aggressive enough."

There is however chance for Town to make amends in midweek when they entertain newly-promoted League Two rivals Stockport in the first-ever League Cup tie to be played at Wetherby Road.

"It's one we are really looking forward to, a big competition which we hope to do well in," Weaver added.

"I'm glad we've got a game on Tuesday, so we can put Saturday to bed and quickly move on to the next league game.

"We lacked the relevant quality on Saturday. We have a lot of potential and a lot of ability in the squad, so I'm not going to be over-critical because of our first defeat of the season, but we have to learn.

"We're stung a bit. A 3-0 defeat doesn't look good, but at the same time, we got off the mark last week, we know that the team can reach good heights to be really competitive in this league.

"There will be disappointments along the way, but as long as we keep learning, and we do the set-pieces better than we did on Saturday, then we give ourselves an opportunity."

Centre-backs Rory McArdle and Will Smith and their midfield bodyguard Josh Falkingham all remain injured and will miss out against the Hatters, as will winger Max Wright, while midfielder Tyler Frost was absent at the weekend after rolling an ankle in training.

Kick-off at the EnviroVent Stadium on Tuesday is at 7.45pm.