It's Cup fever deja vu all over again...

Last season, I found myself in an unexpected dream of footballing glory as plucky Needham Market FC made their way through the rounds of the FA Vase to the semi-finals, where they were eventually beaten by the eventual winners, Kirkham and Wesham FC, over two legs. It was a great dream whilst it lasted, but a small town with a population of less than 5,000 at Wembley? Unlikely, eh?

But the team won't lie down, and they're clearly up for another tilt this year. In November, the campaign started with a narrow 1-0 win over Northampton Spencer in front of 175 hardy souls. St Neots Town fell 4-3 in the third round in front of 219, before the draw everyone dreaded, AFC Fylde (formerly Kirkham and Wesham FC). At least it was at home, but the Lancastrians snatched a 0-0 draw in front of 320 spectators and an away game didn't look promising. And yet, and yet... with enthusiastic travelling support, and the game moved due to problems with the Fylde pitch, the gallant Reds stole away with a 2-1 victory to stun a crowd of 457, earning yet another home draw against Ridgeons League rivals Dereham Town.

At the second attempt, the match was played on something of a gluepot, but Needham Market were worthy 2-1 winners in front of 448 mostly happy fans. And so to the quarter-finals. Joy of joys, another home draw, this time against Chalfont St Peter on 28 February. 

Unfortunately, I won't be there, as I'll be at the South East/South Central joint Regional Conference, but my thoughts will stray towards Bloomfields at about 3 p.m...