Ciaran McGuckin scores late double as Harrogate beat Solihull

Second-half substitute Ciaran McGuckin scored a late double on his debut as Harrogate began the new National League campaign with a thrilling 5-2 victory over Solihull.

Hosts Harrogate went close through Brad Dolaghan and his fellow new boy Ethan Bristow in the first half before Archie Baptiste opened the scoring with a fine strike from 12 yards just before the break.

Bryn Morris doubled Harrogate’s lead in the 58th minute before Jacob Wakeling pulled one back for Solihull 14 minutes later.

Tyler French found the equaliser in the 81st minute but Solihull’s celebrations were short-lived as debutant McGuckin tapped in to make it 3-2 three minutes later before getting his second in the 90th minute.

Rohan Vaughan added gloss to the scoreline in the sixth minute of added time as he made it 5-2.