Mitch Austin hits Harborough Town reset button during National League North break
Harborough Town manager Mitch Austin is going to use the Bees’ week off league fixtures to reflect on his side’s first-ever matches at Step 2 level.
Austin’s side sit 13th in the National League North table, on 12 points from nine games. The Bees have been perfectly symmetrical in winning three, drawing three and losing three.
It all started particularly well as Harboorugh claimed eight points in their opening four matches. There’s been a bit of a drop-off since, including defeats to Brackley Town and Hereford, but they have remained competitive throughout.
Albeit a third successive outing without a goal, Saturday’s 0-0 home draw against the in-form AFC Telford United got the Bees back on track.
“I’d rather three games without scoring than three games without winning or drawing. I’m glad we stopped the rot,” Austin said after the Telford draw.
“I was not quite soul searching for me, but we produced some really good standards since the start of the season and that started dropping off.
“We had a meeting (with the players) and I just clarified what we want to do as a football club and what we have been doing the last couple of games.
“I said it’s not been bad, but you’ve served us some really nice stuff and now it’s not as good. So we need to make sure the belief and performance levels are there.”
The get-together seemingly worked as Harborough did well to halt Telford from creating many opportunities. Although they didn’t muster up much themselves, it was seen as a good point.
On the challenge since promotion, Austin reflected: “At this level, there’s better defending and better teams to play against.
“They’ve got loads of details, there are loads of great coaches and managers with unbelievable players.”
On recovering some confidence, the boss added: “For us, we’ve stopped the rot. It sounds over the top but we need to live on the emotion threshold.
“I’m delighted that we haven’t lost. The defence was fantastic, Rory McAuley didn’t stop talking all game, Alex Morris… well, he’s Alex Morris, mate. What a player.
“We’ve got loads of great fundamentals.”
Despite there being no National League North fixture, Harborough are still in action this Saturday, September 19, as they host Rushall Olympic in the FA Cup second qualifying round.