A place in the quarter-finals beckons for the winning team, who will then be just two wins away from a dream final at the home of English football – Wembley Stadium.

Needham team manager Danny Laws has a full squad to choose from with strikers Andy Jones and Glenn Snell both returning to the set-up following work and family commitments respectively.

"Each new round we reach in this competition becomes the biggest game of the season," said Laws. "The FA Vase is the FA Cup of our level and we are desperate to progress as far as we possibly can."

Victory for the Bloomfields-based outfit – currently on a formidable run of 21 games unbeaten in all competitions – would cap a fine week. The Reds recorded a 1-0 Ridgeons League Premier Division victory at King's Lynn Reserves on Saturday (report on page 67), before progressing into the Ridgeons League Cup semi-finals, courtesy of a 5-2 home victory against Division One side Thetford Town on Wednesday.

Central defensive partners Rhys Barber and Richard Butler both bagged two goals apiece in the midweek triumph, after James Evans had netted his 15th goal of the campaign.

"It was the perfect preparation for the game against St Ives because Thetford produced a very resolute and physical performance," said Laws.

"This is the kind of tough test my players will face tomorrow," he added.

In the previous round, Needham had to go to extra-time to eventually overcome Kent-based VCD Athletic to take a place among the final 16 teams in the competition.

St Ives are expected to provide another stern test for the Reds. Placed sixth in the United Counties League Premier Division with games in hand over all the sides above them, the Westwood Road outfit have lost only one league game at home this season.

Needham will be led out by experienced captain Mark Bailey and Laws stressed the importance of the former Woodbridge Town midfielder.

"Everyone has a role to play but the heartbeat of our play is generated by Mark. He passes well, heads well and leads like a true skipper.

"I am looking for him to do all these things tomorrow and for all the other, younger players to respond," said Laws.

A coach departs Bloomfields at 11.45am. For further details, telephone David Bugg on 07784981847.