Needham get early look at trophy

Needham players, officials and fans surround the Vase on its visit to Suffolk

Needham Market have been preparing for their FA Vase fifth round on Saturday by seeing the trophy at close quarters.

The Football Association took the Vase to Suffolk as part of a tour of some of the clubs left in the competition.

Needham were beaten by eventual winners Kirkham and Wesham last season but gained revenge over the Lancashire side in the fourth round this year.

Chairman David Bugg said: "I thought we beat the best side left in the Vase so hopefully we can carry it on."

Striker Danny Smy also hopes his side can make it all the way to Wembley.

He said: "It's something to aspire to. We hope to go one step further than last year and pick the trophy up."

Needham Market face Norfolk side Dereham Town in the fifth round on Saturday and assistant manager Kevin Horlock believes his players will try to avoid East Anglian rivalry, despite supporters relishing a Suffolk-Norfolk battle.

Horlock said: "It's just a game we want to win and progress in. Everyone here is hoping for a good result on our part and progress further in the competition."

Elsewhere in the fifth round, Lowestoft Town host Hungerford Town who beat Leiston in round four.