JIM Harvey insisted Altrincham are heading in the right direction, despite their search for a first National League North win of the season continuing after a 1-0 defeat by Boston United at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Another improved performance, following on from the previous week's dramatic FA Cup win against Gainsborough, went unrewarded, as Boston cashed in on a string of narrow escapes with a late winner.

But Harvey remained upbeat, as he looked forward to Saturday's FA Cup third qualifying round tie at home to Morpeth Town.

The Robins boss said: "For sure I feel we are moving in the right direction, disappointing though it was not to make more of our opportunities against Boston.

"We have worked all week on trying to consolidate the sort of performance we put in against Gainsborough, and in that respect we did very well, in the way we got forward and created chances. We just needed to finish them off.

"Equally, we didn't very often look like conceding, so it was disappointing a gap should open up on our left-hand side for the goal that cost us the minimum we deserved, a 0-0.

"It's a fact that if things had broken for us at the other end, we'd have scored three or four, but we have to stop conceding.

"We've got great qualities going forward, but we need to sharpen up defensively.

"I'm still finding out about the players, and what they are capable of, but it does seem we have enough footballing ability going forward to create problems for any team.

"Greg Wilkinson was very much a positive for us. He has done well here before, and I know him from Stalybridge days, so I know what he has to offer.

"He hadn't played a full game for many months, so tired a bit near the end, but he did a good job for us and was unlucky not to pinch a goal or two with his shooting."

Tom Hannigan, Tim Deasy and Simon Richman should be fit to face Morpeth, while Charlie Joyce is available after suspension.