Harrow Borough boss Steve Baker insists his side’s flying start has only served to alleviate pressure, rather than putting greater expectation on the team.

After saving the Reds from dropping out of the Isthmian Premier Division last season, Baker has overseen an unbeaten league start which leaves Harrow sixth with a game in hand on most around them.

Their latest victory, 1-0 against tenants Hendon on Bank Holiday Monday, means they are just a point shy of the play-off places.

Yet Baker insists Boro’s spectacular start has not heightened expectations at Earlsmead. He said: “It has relieved pressure.

“I think we are realistic – we know we won’t win the league. Our target was to improve on last year and if we have a good start then come December or January if were are in a good position we will have to see what we can achieve.

“At some clubs it might be the case that the expectation rises but the club and the fans are very realistic at Harrow.”

He continued: "It is a good start and I don't mean this to sound like a cliche but that is all it is, a good start."

A Marc Charles-Smith spot-kick prior to the break separated the two sides but Baker was not entirely satisfied with Harrow's first-half showing.

He explained: "Hendon are one of, if not the strongest side in the division based on last season. They have had quite a lot of changes there this summer but they had made a strong start themselves until the last couple of games.

"One concern was it was our third game in three-and-a-half days and I was a little disappointed with the first half we we did not keep the ball very well. But we were much better in the second half and one thing with us is we always seem to create chances."

Harrow, who are at home to 15th-placed Kingstonian on Saturday, drew 1-1 with Tonbridge Angels two days earlier with Lewis Driver on target.