Assistant manager Michael Molokwu has spoken of the mental toughness that was required to keep the side’s 100% league record in tact after defeating Newport Pagnell Town 4-3.

Harefield United faced a massive test of character on Saturday afternoon, overcoming a 3-1 deficit with the help of a Sam Shaw brace.

Two of the Hares’ quadruple of goals were grabbed in the last ten minutes, with Shaw sealing Pagnell’s fate with an exquisitely curled finish.

It’s such resilience that Molokwu and manager Jason Shaw believe will be a springboard in the development of this Harefield United team.

‘We’ve talked a lot about belief and trusting in what we do,’ stated Molokwu.

‘I think in the first half we were quite slow and slack, didn’t pass the ball well and didn’t believe in doing the right things, which is us trying to pass the ball and be creative.

‘We didn’t believe doing that would work. I think in the second half however we did, especially after the goal and that’s what gets us back into the game.’

Harry McCorkell fired home fifteen minutes in before a Josh Crawley brace and Elliot Dobbs own goal awarded the visitors the ultimate advantage in pursuit of three points.

Newport Pagnell’s influence rapidly faded after Sam Shaw’s penalty conversion, which was accompanied by another blistering strike and Richard Pacquette header in the closing ten minutes

Surely that would boost the psyche in the dressing room?

‘It just pushes us and encourages us a little more, so come Tuesday at Wembley we have a go at a ground that’s notoriously horrible ground for us.’

The Hares have just one win in their last six against Tuesday’s opposition, and have only walked away with one point in their last three visits to Vale Farm.

‘But the trust is there that if we move the ball like we can, we’ll get something from it,’ said the assistant manager.

‘The boys are buzzing!’

The importance of building on the momentum built in the last two wins was once again underlined by the management.

‘Me and the gaffer have already started looking back at some of the highlights and the bits that went well and obviously share that with the boys and maintain the positivity they have.

‘We know technically and tactically they work hard and know they’re good enough, but it’s that belief and mental approach and that’s the biggest thing we try and share with them.’

One concern amongst the fan base was the well being of striker Richard Pacquette, who in the process of scoring his first league goal of the season landed awkwardly after meeting Sam Shaw’s corner.

Molokwu was able to provide a positive update on Pacquette.

‘He’s still in one piece!

‘In his career and being an ex-pro, he’s had worse than that.

‘He’ll be sore tomorrow, but he’ll be fine.’

The aforementioned Wembley fixture takes place on Tuesday (29th) at 19:30 at Vale Farm, facing a side with one in each of the win, draw and loss column of the league table.