Weaver wants his strikers to show more of a "ruthless edge"

Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver admits that his side under-performed in Tuesday night's FA Trophy first round replay exit at home to Gateshead.

Daryl Clare and Chris Swailes scored the goals in Gateshead's 2-0 win.

And, in front of just 160 fans at the CNG Stadium, Weaver said that it was a letdown after Saturday's 1-1 draw.

"It was disappointing after a fine performance at Gateshead on Saturday," Weaver told BBC York. "We didn't seem to have quite the same composure."

Blue Square North backmarkers Harrogate now face a critical run against fellow teams in the bottom half, starting with Saturday's home game against Gloucester.

Harrogate have won just three of their nine home league games this season.

And, with three of their next four at home, they know have to improve in front of their own fans.

Weaver added: "The pitch cut up a bit with the weather.

"But we feel a little bit under pressure with home support now, after a bad run at home.

"We feel we can play away from home with a bit more freedom but we've got to sort that out.

"I need men to stand up now, get hold of the ball, get it set up with the first touch, look up, see what's on and pass the ball.

"I want them to play with the kind of freedom that they did on Saturday."

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