KEVIN Wilkin says that “last season counts for nothing” as Nuneaton Town prepare to face a team who they have certainly jinxed in recent games.
The Boro travel to Harrogate Town tomorrow, kick-off 3pm, hoping to carry on from last season, when they beat the Town home and away.
However, Wilkin’s side — who made the play-offs in May, but have struggled to match that this campaign — know only too well that form is transient.
He said: “I don’t think you can look at last season’s results, and they (Harrogate) have changed their side around a lot.
“We finished in the play-offs last season, but we’re finding out that last season counts for nothing.
“We’ve had to come together and had to take a look at ourselves.” A low point of Boro’s season came on Saturday, when they were knocked out of the FA Cup by lower league opponents Nantwich Town.
A goalkeeping error from Neil Collett saw Nuneaton lose 1-0, but Wilkin does not believe that there is any more pressure on him tomorrow than in any other game.
He said: “I think there’s always pressure and an expectation to achieve.
“I know we’re in a reasonable position at the moment, but people aren’t happy and I think the manner in which we went out of the FA Cup was most disappointing.
“Not the mistake (by Collett), but we didn’t dig deep enough and people didn’t do enough on the day.
“It’s important we go to Harrogate, roll our sleeves up and get a result.
“They are in a similar league position to us, but they’ve bought some high profile players to the club, so clearly they’re a threat.
“We’ve got injuries and suspensions to deal with, so it will be a tough game.” Those absentees include Gary Mills and Robbie Burns, who are long-term injuries, but the highest-profile absentee will be defender Gareth Dean, who is suspended.
And Wilkin has backed Mark Albrighton to step into the youngster’s shoes.
He said: “Mark has had to be patient and he’s got an opportunity now to try and impress.
“There’s a strong possibility that he’ll come into the side.” Midfielder Kevin Thornton is a doubt with a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Danny Alcock has a slight shoulder problem.
BORO FROM: Collett, Ward, Hadland, Forsdick, Noon, Walker, Armson, Glover, Nisevic, Mitchley, Pugh, Moore, Albrighton, Marsden, Baker, Alcock, Thornton.
HARROGATE announced earlier this week that Bill Fotherby has stepped down as chairman after more than a decade in charge at Wetherby Road.
Speaking to the Harrogate Advertiser, he said: “I decided the time was right to go, it was my decision,” he said.
“I’ve 12 great years in charge and achieved a lot in that time. It was the right decision to make.”
