Simon Weaver expects Shawn McCoulsky to keep scoring after ending EFL drought

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver is backing Shawn McCoulsky to hit the goal trail after the striker ended his 53-game EFL drought to secure a 1-0 home win over Barrow.

McCoulsky has spent the past three-and-a-half seasons at National League Maidenhead, where he plundered 16 goals last term to earn a summer move to the Sulphurites.

But his 29th-minute strike still represented his first EFL effort since December 2017 – a barren run encompassing spells at Colchester, Forest Green, Southend and Newport, as well as the first three outings of his Harrogate career.

Weaver is not expecting to wait another half-century of appearances before the all-action forward nets again, though.

“He’s been immense for us so far and deserved that goal for his relentless running, hold-up play and sharpness on the ball,” Weaver said.

“He was quick, full of effort and he’s a great athlete. He took his goal well and I’m sure it will be the first of many more to come.”

Angry away boss Andy Whing labelled his side’s display as “absolute rubbish” and conceded that McCoulsky had bullied his players.

“It was absolute rubbish,” he said. “For the first 55 minutes, it was probably the worst team performance I’ve seen since being here as manager and I can’t fathom that.

“They let the supporters down and everyone associated with this football club down. It was nowhere near good enough and the performance reflects badly on me, so I was embarrassed.

“Their number nine was outstanding and bullied our back three, just as their centre-halves bullied our players at the other end. The second half was a bit better, but it couldn’t really get any worse and we still lacked quality and belief in the final third.

“It was a disastrous night all round for us, because we’ve also picked up a couple more injuries and are down to 14 fit players.”

Weaver, meanwhile, added he was pleased with the “different sides” to the game his players showed to dig in and protect their slender lead after failing to make their dominance of the opening hour count in terms of further goals.

He said: “It was a performance that had a bit of everything. We started well, looked physically strong and were good in possession for the first hour, but we couldn’t quite put the game to bed.

“They then threw everything at us and had a really good go for the last 20 minutes, so we had to show a different side to our game and keep a clean sheet, which gave me immense pride.

“We showed strength in the box, won so many first and second balls and showed all the different sides you need to win games of football.”