HARROGATE TOWN have claimed a place in the Football League for the first time in their 106-year history after celebrating a 3-1 win over Notts County in the National League play-off final at Wembley.

Goals from George Thomson and Connor Hall put the North Yorkshire side into a commanding lead during a first half in which they also hit the woodwork through Aaron Martin.

Callum Roberts gave Notts County hope early in the second half, but Sunderland loanee Jack Diamond settled the contest 20 minutes from time before veteran Jon Stead hit the post late on.

The victory means Harrogate have now won two promotions in the space of three seasons and can prepare for life in League Two when the new EFL season begins in September.

One of their first tasks will be to rip up the current 3G playing surface at their Wetherby Road ground and replace it with a grass pitch in order to be permitted entry into the EFL. The redevelopment work is due to begin later this week.

They were the better side throughout yesterday’s final, opening the scoring when Thomson poked home from close range.

Hall slid in their second goal from a free-kick, and while Roberts threatened to haul Notts County back into things, Diamond’ settled things when he scored Harrogate’s third goal in the closing stages.