When the draw was made, everyone connected with Town knew this would be a tough tie. Romford have been one of the strongest sides at this level over the last few seasons, so this was always going to be a huge test for Adam Gusterson and his players.

Town made a number of changes to the starting line-up, with Joel Wilson coming into the side, while new goalkeeper Joe Rose made his competitive debut. Rose, who was previously a professional with Norwich City, has also had loan spells at a younger age with Bury Town and Chesunt. Ryan Haylett also returned to the starting XI following injury.

There was also another welcome sight before kick-off — the Recreation Ground pitch looked absolutely fantastic.

After a long summer of hard work and maintenance, the much-needed recent rainfall had given the playing surface a new lease of life, and the efforts of everyone involved in keeping the pitch in such excellent condition certainly paid off.

With more than 250 supporters inside the Recreation Ground, there was a real cup atmosphere, and those in attendance were treated to an entertaining afternoon of football.

Having expressed his slight disappointment following the 1–1 draw with Great Yarmouth Town, manager Adam Gusterson had challenged his players to start games quicker. Town had been guilty of conceding early goals in recent matches, so this was the perfect opportunity to put that right.

And the players responded superbly.

The opening ten minutes were understandably cagey, with both sides going through something of a feeling-out process. But on ten minutes, Town took the lead.

Joel Wilson steered an effort towards goal, which took a touch off the knee of Jake Reed and found the net. The goal was initially credited to Wilson, but after confirmation that Reed had the final touch, it was awarded to the striker.

Whatever the official ruling, Town had their lead — and within two minutes they had doubled it.

Fantastic work down the left from George Barber created the opportunity, with his cross finding Jake Reed, who made no mistake from close range to score his second of the afternoon.

Reed has shown his class since arriving at the club and continues to lead by example. It feels like there have been very few Town goals this season where he hasn't been involved in some capacity, and once again he was at the heart of everything good Town were producing.

Town then found themselves three goals to the good inside 20 minutes.

Reed was clipped just outside the area before then being brought down inside the box, with the referee pointing to the spot and awarding Town a penalty.

Up stepped Josh Durham, who continued his excellent scoring form by confidently sending the Romford goalkeeper the wrong way.

At 3–0, Town were firmly in control and, in truth, could have been even further ahead before the interval.

Romford remained lively going forward, but they were superbly marshalled by Connor Deeks and captain Shane Cox, who stood firm at the back and ensured the visitors struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities.

Town had a wonderful chance to add a fourth when Durham beat the offside trap and delivered a dangerous cross, but Bertie Oliver was unable to find the target.

Then came perhaps the move of the half.

A superb one-two between Josh Durham and Jake Reed opened Romford up, with Reed finding himself in a great position to complete his hat-trick. His effort, however, was well saved, denying him what would have been a memorable first-half treble.

Half-time: Harleston Town 3–0 Romford Town

The second half, in all honesty, seemed to fly by.

With Town having a three-goal cushion, Romford knew they had to change things and came out much stronger after the break, making changes in an attempt to get themselves back into the contest.

Despite the increased pressure from the visitors, there were very few meaningful opportunities for Town goalkeeper Joe Rose to deal with.

However, on 68 minutes, Rose was finally beaten.

A Romford corner was flicked on at the near post, allowing a visiting substitute to arrive at the back post and finish from close range.

Suddenly, Romford had something to chase, and although they huffed and puffed for the remainder of the game, Town continued to defend their advantage superbly.

Indeed, it was Town who had the two best chances of the final five minutes.

Durham was once again at the centre of things, breaking forward on the counter-attack before putting Jake Reed through. Reed with only the keeper to beat saw his left foot effort go wide of the post.

Moments later, Town substitute Tyler Halliday went close himself, with his effort flashing just past the post.

And then came the final whistle.

Harleston Town 3–1 Romford Town.

History made.

In the cold light of day, Town could probably have walked away with a 6–1 or 7–1 victory given the number of chances created, but ultimately the scoreline is what matters.

Town are in the hat.

Harleston Town have progressed to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

It is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with the football club and another reward for the hard work that has gone into building something special at Harleston Town.

A huge thank you once again must go to our wonderful volunteers, who continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes to make afternoons like this possible. Their efforts, along with the fantastic support from everyone who came through the gates, helped create a brilliant atmosphere at the Recreation Ground.

And now the attention turns to the FA Vase.

Town make the trip to Ely City next weekend looking to continue their fantastic run and make it eight games unbeaten.