Walsham and Diss are hungry for FA Vase run

Neither side is exactly booking their hotel in Wembley for the FA Vase final weekend, but both Walsham-le-Willows and Diss Town believe the next stage of the competition is within their grasp.

The two Thurlow Nunn League sides meet in a Friday evening First Round Qualifying clash of the Buildvase FA Vase (7.45pm) at The Willows’ Summer Road ground, with both teams targeting the win.

Diss Town know the taste of FA Vase success, having won the competition in the 1993/94 season, but are firm underdogs this time as they compete in a lower division to their Norfolk rivals.

The Thurlow Nunn First Division North side’s manager, Jason Cook, said this meant his side had ‘no pressure’ on their shoulders.

“We’re the underdogs in this, no one expects us to win it really,” he said. “And that means there’s no pressure, we can just go for it and see what happens.

“I’m not pretending we’re going all the way to Wembley; I think that would take some miracle,” he joked.

“But that doesn’t mean we can’t do well and go at least a few rounds; it’s great for the club and the supporters.

“It will be a great experience; we enjoy these cup competitions.”

The records back this up, with last season’s first round qualifying exit to Framlingham Town proving to be a rare blip.

“We definitely have some confidence after Saturday’s 5-0 win over Felixstowe (and Walton) Reserves, a clean sheet and some goals,” he said.

“So we’re looking forward to it.”

Walsham manager Trevor Newman said his side are also eager to play, with the local derby ‘adding spice’ to the fixture.

“It’s nice to play someone local and hopefully we’ll get a decent crowd for it,” he said.

“It’s a Friday night game, it’s local and it’s the FA Vase. I think there could be a great atmosphere. And, believe it or not, it’s going to be our first home game of the season (due to a ground share with the cricket club); we really can’t wait.

“It would be brilliant to get a bit of a cup run.”

Despite the side going into the game on the back of a 1-0 loss on the road at Wroxham, the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division club lie third in the league at an early stage.

Newman said: “I’m really pleased with how we have started this season, and so we do feel confident ahead of the game. But it’s all on us to play well and turn up.

“If we do that, then I fully expect to win, but we are not underestimating Diss Town – they are a good side and if we open the door, I’m sure they will run through it.”