Leon Moore hopeful win over Hashtag United can inspire Harleston Town on to clinch Thurlow Nunn League First Division North title

If they can replicate Tuesday night’s performance at Hashtag United during their final six matches of the season, boss Leon Moore is confident that Harleston Town can wrap up the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North title.

Harleston made the long trip to north London on Tuesday to take on the First Division South leaders in the semi-final of the First Division Knockout Cup, with goals from Lawrence Cheese and Nathan Stone sealing a 2-1 victory.

That has set up a final clash with either Swaffham Town or Holland FC, but of more immediate concern to Moore and his side is the race for the league’s main prize.

Ahead of hosting Cambridgeshire side Wisbech St Mary tomorrow (3pm) Harleston hold a four-point lead over second-placed Mulbarton Wanderers, who have also played a game more.

Assessing the last few weeks of the season, Moore said: “The lads put in a fantastic performance on Tuesday night.

“We were up against a side with players from Step 4 and 5 and we have more than matched them.

“If we can produce that type of performance each week I am confident we can get the job done.

“Of course a lot can change and while we are going for a double we could easily end up with nothing, so we have to remain focused.

“We showed good resilience to beat Hashtag when they put on some pressure late on and hopefully that will hold us in good stead.”

Saturday’s opponents Wisbech are bottom of the table and go into the encounter on the back of losing 15-0 to Lakenheath last time out, which is an Eastern Counties League record margin for an away victory.

Harleston have scored an impressive 95 goals themselves this term from just 30 league fixtures, but Moore has insisted the three points is all that matters.

“I do not really know what to predict when it comes to Wisbech,” added Moore, who saw his side draw 1-1 with Downham Town on Saturday.

“They have just appointed a new manager and he will have maybe made some signings so it could be a different side altogether.

“We just have to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we stay professional.

“It does not matter if it ends 1-0 with an 89th-minute winner off someone’s backside – it will still mean three points.”

Defender Mark Shadrack will miss the encounter as he serves the final game of his suspension.