‘Really proud’: Harborough Town boss Mitch Austin reveals ‘loads of pluses’ ahead of Morecambe clash
Mitch Austin is feeling positive ahead of Harborough Town’s first-ever home National League North fixture, against Morecambe at the Beehive this weekend.
The Bees’ head coach was thrilled with his side’s performance on the opening day of the season, with a point picked up in a 1-1 draw at King’s Lynn Town last Saturday.
Riley O’Sullivan’s 13th-minute strike, a composed volley after a clever flick over the goalkeeper from teammate Sam Osborne, set Harborough on their way.
But King’s Lynn shared the spoils thanks to Jesse Nwabueze’s equaliser in the second half – a blast into the roof of the net from an Aaron Jones through ball.
Although it was disappointing to lose out on the three points, Austin was content with how things went on such a momentous occasion for the club.
Austin told @HarbTownFC: “In reflection, it was a great game. It was end-to-end with great chances for both teams. We wanted to come here and at least make a mark for ourselves.
“There was no pressure and there won’t be any pressure on the lads throughout the season. We just want to have our own little internal belief.
“I’m really proud of them today, Step 2! I feel like even if that game slipped away from us, we still would’ve said we played really well. It puts us in good stead.”
On the current look of his squad, Austin continued: “There’s a reason why we kept certain lads and there’s a reason we added. The additions looked class.
“We’re getting there. If we were dull, boring and not having opportunities in front of goal, you’d probably be worried a bit. But we’re coming out with loads of pluses.”
Looking ahead to this week’s game, and it's a very tough prospect against one of the odds-on favourites to win the title this season.
Just like Harborough, Morecambe drew their opening game 1-1 but the Shrimps are expected to be amongst the division’s best and will be difficult to beat.
If the Bees are to secure a positive result, they will have to be at their peak, taking all the learnings from the King’s Lynn draw, pre-season and more.
That clash - one of the most highly anticipated in the club’s history - gets underway at the Beehive at 3pm on Saturday, August 15.