It was a case of mixed emotions for joint-manager Nicky Howell after his Harleston Town side bowed out of the Norfolk Senior Cup with a 3-1 home defeat to Wroxham on Saturday.

On the one hand, Howell was proud of how his players had acquitted themselves against opposition from two leagues above.

However, there was also a tinge of disappointment at the manner in which they conceded two goals just before the break – moments that changed the whole complexion of the quarter-final tie.

Up until that point Harleston, who took an early lead through centre-back Jake Anema – had been well organised, a threat on the break and overall were good value for their lead.

But two goals at the end of the half put Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division Wroxham in command, and they made sure of their progress through to the semi-finals with a third late on.

“We had a plan and sat a little bit deeper than we normally would, almost playing a 4-5-1,” said Howell, who scored the last time Harleston beat Step 5 opposition in the same competition during 2016/17 season.

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25/01/2020. Harleston, UK. ..Football action from Harleston v Wroxham - Norfolk Senior Cup quarter-final - Anema ..Photo by Mark Bullimore. (27607493)

“If we had gone in 1-0 up at half-time, that could easily have changed the whole course of the game.

“Going in 2-1 down, that changed my entire team talk and it also changed the mood in the camp. At 1-0 or even 1-1, things would have been a lot more positive.

“Two goals as quick as that, especially right on half-time, is always going to affect the players.

“But I am proud of the players. They are looking leagues above and are flying as well. We have given them a very good game and the first half is probably some of the best football we have played all season.”