The Reds moved to within touching distance of Wembley following a 3-2 extra-time FA Vase quarter-final win against a strong Merstham side on Saturday.

And, four days later, Needham recorded a comfortable 4-1 victory against Felixstowe & Walton United to reach the League Cup final for the first time in the club's history.

"It has been another fantastic week for the club," said team manager Danny Laws.

"Merstham were the best offensive team we have come up against all season but the players battled for absolutely everything, and in the end I think we deserved to make the semi-finals."

Tomorrow, the Reds return their attention to league matters when they entertain sixth-placed Kirkley & Pakefield (ko 3pm).

It will be the first time Needham have played in front of their home crowd in almost a month after five straight away games and Laws is hoping his players receive the recognition they deserve.

Following the FA Vase semi-final draw at Soho Square in London on Monday, Needham were drawn against either Coventry Sphinx or Lancashire-based Kirkham & Wesham.

The two sides drew 2-2 on Saturday and will replay their tie tomorrow for the right to face Needham over a two legged semi-final on March 22 and March 29.

Crucially, the second leg, when all will be won and lost, will be at Bloomfields.

"We will be ready for whoever we come up against, " said Laws.

"At this stage of the competition, any match is going to be extremely tough, but we are capable of beating anybody if we apply ourselves in the right manner."

Needham secured their place in the League Cup final against Gorleston on May 5, following goals from Tommy Smith, Matt Buckle, Craig Parker and a 35-yard free kick by Danny Thrower.

While the Reds have enjoyed a fairytale cup run, league leaders Soham Town Rangers have taken full advantage by opening up a four-point gap at the top of the table.

However, Needham, have two games in hand and Laws insists there is everything still to play for.

"We have lost a bit of ground and it is vital we stay in touch with them, starting with a win against Kirkley."

Cup fever returns to the club on Wednesday, when the Reds take on Kirkley for the second time in five days in a Suffolk Premier Cup semi-final tie at Leiston FC (ko 7.45pm). The winners will meet either Leiston or Lowestoft Town in the Portman Road final.

"It is another big game with another final at stake. But I would like to think that we are geting used to high pressure games," added Laws.

Captain Mark Bailey and forward Glenn Snell both return from suspension.