The former Bury Town and AFC Sudbury striker won the competition four times as a player but, is yet to do so in his 10 years as manager at Summer Road.

Away from home on Tuesday, the Willows overcame a plucky FC Clacton outfit 2-1, following goals from experienced duo Simon Head and James Tatham and now look forward to the draw for the last four, this weekend.

"I would love to win the competition as manager of Walsham," said Smith. "We had to fight hard for the win against Clacton but the important thing is that we are in the hat for the last four.

"I enjoyed a lot of success in this cup as a player, winning it three times with Sudbury and once with Woodbridge Town."

Also in the hat are Kirkley & Pakefield, Newmarket Town and either Needham Market or Wroxham - who are yet to play their quarter-final tie.

Smith added: "They are all good teams but, I guess Newmarket would be our preferred option. Whoever we get will be tough opponents because they have reached a cup semi-final."

The final will be played at Diss Town's Brewers Green Lane.