HARRISON NEAL'S HARROGATE TOWN ASSESSMENT

NEALY

We spoke to Harrison Neal following our draw with Harrogate.

Harrison began with his thoughts, saying: “It's better than last week, obviously last week wasn't good enough at all, so it's improved on then, we need to cut out the small things like conceding sloppy goals at sloppy times when we're on top and then we're giving ourselves a mountain to climb.

“It's just trying to find out how to break down teams when they're sat behind the ball, but you just have to keep working hard and eventually it should come.”

After being on top in the opening exchanges, the visitors found the breakthrough against the run of play, speaking on this, Neal said: “It's frustrating because I think for the first-half an hour or so there was only one team in it really and then they go and score, then they're happy just to sit behind the ball and you've just got to try and break them down, so yeah, frustrating.

“I thought we started well and I thought we were playing well up until they scored, but just when we have those moments we've got to try and take our chances so we don't give them a chance to get in the game."

Speaking on Luke Armstrong's leveller, the midfielder said: “Obviously it's good to score just before half-time because it gives you momentum for the second-half but we just couldn't seem to break them down in that second-half.

"[The coaches] said more of same really because obviously we thought we were the better team so we just said more of the same, try and get some more intensity into it and then hopefully eventually you score but it just wasn't to be.”

When asked about the new style of play under Mike Williamson, Harrison said: "I wouldn't say that's the reason we're conceding sloppy goals, that's just concentration, we've just got to cut out the silly moments. And that's what will help us make that next step and from being on the front-foot we'll actually pick up points from that as well.”

Speaking on the new coaching team in further detail, he stated: "They've been class since they've come in, they've tried to be positive and everything. Obviously we haven't got the wins to show for it but I think if we just keep working hard they'll eventually come."

The Blues travel to Walsall on Tuesday evening, aiming to return to winning ways against a side who are currently third place in Sky Bet League Two.

“It'll be a tough one because they're flying but we don't really fear anyone to be honest, like we've got to go and try and win it, we think we can win every game so hopefully we can play like we've played today but just stop the silly moments.

“If you keep a clean sheet you're not going to lose, so if we can keep a clean sheet and build on it I'm sure it'll be a good performance."

Over 8,000 United fans were in attendance on Saturday afternoon, speaking on their magnificent support, Neal added: “They've been brilliant from day dot to be honest. Obviously it's not going well at the moment but hopefully if they keep sticking with us it'll eventually change.

"To still keep turning out in their numbers, it's outstanding.”

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