Toolstation NCEL Division One
Mick O’Connell is confident the dark days are over for rejuvenated Harrogate Railway.
Railway’s stunning 3-0 opening day battering of Swallownest was by far their best display in several years.
The win was even sweeter as O’Connell has a number of established NCEL players sitting in the treatment room and the side which beat Swallownest contained several teenagers who were making their debuts in the league.
“The club has not been in a great place for a long time,” O’Connell told Non League Yorkshire.
“When we took over 15 months ago it was a very negative and dark place.
“We have worked tirelessly to try and turn things round and I hope from the outside looking in it is a brighter place now.
“Saturday was probably best day since we took charge.
“We have the players now.
“When we came in it took us a long time to get the players we wanted so we could play our style of play.
“It wasn’t a very attractive place for players to come.
“I think we’re going to get fitter and when we start getting some first teamers back from injury I think we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
Attention turns to the difficult trip to Parkgate this afternoon.
“Parkgate have a lovely pitch and it will suit how we play,” he said.
“First of all we have to earn the right to play.
“Nothing is a given in this league.
“Parkgate are a good side and they had a good result on the opening day.
“We have to out-work them and earn the right to play and if we do and get the ball down and play I think we’ll cause them a lot of problems.”