The Reds began in fine fashion and took an early two goal advantage.

Jay Denniss scored his fourth goal of the competition when the midfielder planted a crisp shot past keeper Summerfield after five minutes.

Ten minutes later, fellow midfielder Craig Parker, who passed a late fitness test following a knee injury, fired home his 32nd goal of the campaign after Summerfield had spilled a Danny Thrower cross.

The Kirkham & Wesham goalkeeper redeemed himself though when he palmed over a powerful James Evans header.

And, how crucial that fine save proved to be.

On the stroke of half-time, and after spending much of the opening period on the backfoot, the hosts reduced the deficit when Smith headed home a Sheppard free-kick.

Suddenly, Kirkham had the momentum – wingers Patterson and Smith both went close to levelling the tie soon after the break.

The Suffolk side were rattled and Liam Jones was booked for time wasting.

Cheered on by the bulk of the 1,053-strong crowd, Kirkham equalised with three minutes remaining.

Young substitute Walwyn turned in the penalty area and drove hard and low into the bottom corner.

There was more punishment to come for the visitors when Wane scrambled in a late goal to snatch a 3-2 win and set up an exciting away leg at Bloomfields.

Kirkham & Wesham: Summerfield, Shaw (Walwyn), Keefe, Thompson, Moffat, Blackwell, Clark, Smith, Sheppard (Allen), Wane, Patterson.

Needham Market: Liam Jones, Lewis Pemberton, Ben Wake, Richard Butler, Rhys Barber, Jay Denniss, Mark Bailey, Craig Parker, James Evans (Glenn Snell), Danny Thrower, Tommy Smith (Mark Heath-Preston).