The Bees looked to be on course for their second league title in three seasons, only to be left reeling by a sixpoint deduction last month for fielding an ineligible player midfielder Connor Kennedy in wins against Gresley Rovers and Bedworth United.
It saw them drop to third in the NPL Midlands table and paved the way for Spalding United to grab the crown instead.
Some wondered whether the Leicestershire side would be able to recover from that setback when they ended up in the play-offs, but they showed their steel to win 2-0 at second-placed Anstey Nomads in the final, courtesy of goals from Kai Tonge and Luis Rose.
"The best way was to use it as motivation," said Austin, who took the reins in late 2020 and guided the Bees to the United Counties Premier Division South title in 202122.
This story is from the May 19, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 19, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCOTT'S GOT THE BAND BACK TO FRONT Ks BID
AFTER his unexpectedly brutal sacking by Walton & Hersham, Scott Harris admits he didn't know where his future lie.
THE BEST FOR WESTERN!
THE Western Football League have moved quickly to secure a main sponsor for the upcoming campaign in the form of long-term Non-League supporters Jewsons.
JAMIE MUST START AGAIN
Crellin forced to re-build Bridges
PENN PUSHING RIGHT BUTTONS
RUSS PENN says he can already feel the pulling power of Halesowen Town - and he wants the Yeltz to keep looking up.
SPINKS EYEING MORE SUCCESS
FA VASE winner Dan Spinks is eyeing more glory with Saffron Walden Town after calling time on his Romford reign.
GEORDIES GO LOOKING TO CREATE EVEN MOORE PAIN
Boss Chris ready to defy the odds again at Step 3
BOLD BOBBY GETTING UP AND AT EM
UPBEAT Hemel Hempstead Town boss Bobby Wilkinson believes his capture of highly-rated Ricardo German is proof that his early summer business policy bears dividends.
KIZZI'S BUSY PLANNING HIS WELCOME EFL RETURN
Joe has designs of glory at Bees
ADAM'S READY TO UP THE ANTE
Lakeland looking to steer Linnets
WE WANT TO CAPTURE THE HEARTS OF CORNISH PUBLIC
NEW Truro City manager John Askey is urging the whole of Cornwall to get behind the club's bright new era.
