After a torrid month of postponements, Harleston Town are finally back in competitive action tonight as they travel to high-flying Mulbarton Wanderers in the Thurlow Nunn Challenge Cup, with a place in the semi-finals on the line.

The tie was originally scheduled to take place at the Recreation Ground, but after repeated call-offs due to adverse weather, the league has reversed the fixture. The match will now be played at Mulbarton’s home, The Abode Arena at Mulberry Park.

Town manager Matt Halliday is eager to get his side back out on the pitch after weeks of frustration.

“It’s been a really stop-start period for us and the lads are desperate to get back out there,” said Halliday. “Training is one thing, but nothing replaces match minutes. We’re looking forward to it — even if it’s a tough place to go.”

He knows the size of the task ahead. Mulbarton have enjoyed a superb campaign and are firmly in the hunt for promotion to Step 4. They have also reached the final of the Norfolk Senior Cup for the second time in four years, overcoming Gorleston on penalties in the semi-final, and are chasing what could be a remarkable treble.

Halliday added:

“Mulbarton are a very good side — their league position and cup run tell you that. They’re well organised, dangerous going forward and full of confidence. We’ll need to be at our best, but cup football is about rising to the occasion and we’re going there to compete.”

Town will be hoping to channel the fighting spirit they showed in their last outing against Thetford Town. Despite trailing 4-0, they mounted a spirited comeback to pull it back to 4-3 — a performance full of character that Halliday will want to see replicated from the first whistle this time around.

“The reaction against Thetford showed the character in the dressing room,” he said. “If we can bring that intensity and belief from the start, we’ll give ourselves a real chance.”

Kick-off is at 7.45pm at The Abode Arena, Mulberry Park, The Common, Mulbarton, Norfolk NR14 8AE.