Three big games coming up for Harleston Town in their pursuit of Thurlow Nunn League First Division North glory

Harleston Town manager Adam Gusterson is not shying away from the significance of his side’s three matches over the festive period.

His men have dropped points in their last two outings – a 3-1 defeat at Ipswich Wanderers followed by a 1-1 draw at Lakenheath on Saturday.

Nevertheless, they still sit seven points clear of Mulbarton Wanderers at the top of the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North table, with the second-placed side set to visit Wilderness Lane on Boxing Day (11am).

A trip to Norwich CBS – currently third – is next on December 29 (3pm), with the trio being completed by a swift reverse fixture with seventh-placed Lakenheath on January 5 (1.30pm).

While there will still be plenty of points left to play for after those encounters, Gusterson has conceded they could have a lasting impact on his team’s season.

“We have reached the stage of the season where each game is big and a win for one side can change the whole picture,” he said.

“The next three games are massive, but I feel that we go into them in a good position, both in terms of points and recent performances.

“There is always pressure on us and a level of expectation, especially at home, but there is probably more pressure on Mulbarton to win when we play them.

“They can cut the gap of course, but if we win it goes to 10 points and they will be left wondering how they are going to make that up.

“We want to win every game we play, but it is three tough games. If we can take seven points that will put us in a very strong position for the next cluster of matches.”

After losing last time out on the road at Ipswich Wanderers, an equalising goal from Sam Borrer at Lakenheath ensured it would not be back-to-back league defeats for Harleston for the first time this season.

Gusterson, who missed the game, said: “There are some mixed feelings about the result.

“On the one hand Lakenheath is a tough place to go so any point you get there is a positive.

“But from what I heard we created some good chances, hit the crossbar three times as well, so there is that tinge of disappointment we did not win the game.

“It is two without a win, but the worry comes when you are not performing well and are not creating chances.

“We have no concerns on that front. December was always going to be a tough month but we are looking good.”

Charlie Roe will miss all three of Harleston’s upcoming games through suspension, while forward Nathan Stone is banned for the visit of Mulbarton.

However, Gusterson is hopeful of having experienced centre-back Matt Howard available for selection after a recent stint out with a knee injury.