‘ECSTATIC’ Simon Weaver felt Harrogate were at their best to maintain their hold over City.

The 2-1 win at Wetherby Road yesterday was his seventh in 10 meetings between the clubs since the Sulphurites arrived in League Two.

Weaver had called for “payback” from his team after a dire 3-0 loss at Crewe the week before – and was thrilled with the response.

“I’m ecstatic,” he said. “It fills me with pride.

“It’s been a long old week but it’s probably the right fixture at the right time because we really wanted it.

“We all had passion to right the wrongs from last week. You’re going to lose games but I was dismayed with the manner of that defeat and only a win like this was going to make me feel a different emotion.

“We can enjoy the aftermath of this in the next couple of days.”

Graham Alexander accused City of looking “unrecognisable” at the start as Harrogate roared into an early two-goal lead.

Opposite number Weaver sensed straight away that his side were in the mood for more Yorkshire derby success.

“We were animalistic in terms of the desire to win the first balls, drop on the seconds and not allow them any time to settle.

“There was no flow in their game because of our players’ desire. We closed the spaces down, we were ratting everywhere.

“I like to think that it was a typical Harrogate Town performance at our best.”

Weaver gave Harrogate skipper Josh Falkingham his first league start of the season and felt the dimunitive midfielder delivered a commanding display.

He added: “Vocally we can be quiet as a team so to have him added that charisma we’ve had on this journey in the last few years and the rise of the club.

“There aren’t many like him around. He’s unique – he’s coaching our under-16s one minute and captaining us to victory over Bradford the next.

“We’re very proud to have him.

“So many lads these days are worried how people will take it ordering others around.

“It’s not just understanding your game but those around as well. He knows the game so well, that’s why he will be a great coach.

“He’s prickly when necessary but also passes on congratulations and encouragement when that’s needed. That makes him a great leader.”

A slip from Anthony O’Connor allowed Andy Cook to score City’s goal but Weaver praised the former Bantams defender for bouncing back to give as good as he got.

“If there’s going to be a player that makes a mistake, I’m almost glad it was Ant because I know he’s got the wherewithal and the resilience to respond.

“He’s got the belligerence within him as a professional to know that won’t happen again and that self-belief. That’s probably why he’s played at a higher level.

“Andy Cook will probably go home happy because he scored. We allowed him in on that occasion but, other than that, we didn’t allow him to breathe.”