Mick Mulhern explains challenge for Middlesbrough Women as unbeaten start continues
Mick Mulhern has challenged his Middlesbrough Women to maintain their unbeaten start to the season for as long as possible after their latest comprehensive victory.
Despite being forced into four changes due to injury, Boro's Women still maintained their incredibly high standards this season as goals from Millie Bell (two) and Leanna Giles sealed a 3-0 victory over Durham Cestria in Stockton. The victory ensured Boro stayed top of the National League Division One North.
Reacting after, Mulhern told the club website: “It was a very professional performance from start to finish. We controlled it, and that’s no disrespect to Durham, because they made a good game of it. But we were really good. The girls are learning every week and managing games well.
READ MORE: Middlesbrough Women grab cup upset win after overcoming lengthy delay test due to injury
SUBSCRIBE: Click here to subscribe to Teesside Live's Boro newsletter
"They don’t try and force anything. We made changes through the spine of the team but it was pretty seamless. It was a big one today because we want to just keep putting points on the board. We go into November still unbeaten, which is something to be really pleased about.
"We’ve got to keep that going as long as we can now though. Nothing happens by accident; it’s hard work, good work ethic and good structure and organisation. The girls were brilliant.”
As Boro Women stay top of the fourth tier table in their quest to win promotion in a division where only one side go up, Mulhern is keen for his side to not rest on their laurels at this early stage, despite their solid start. They're just one point ahead of second-placed Chorley.
“I’m not looking or thinking about the table at this stage," Mulhern insisted. "It’s too early. I know we’re top of the league, but I’m not thinking about it right now. We’re up there to be chased down and we have to ensure that doesn’t happen.
"We’ve got to have a positive mentality every week so that we don’t lower our standards because we become everyone’s target. It’s nice to be up there, but it’s where you are come next April that is important. I just want to keep winning.”