Needham Market manager Kevin Horlock sees their Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup semi-final clash with Ipswich Town's youngsters tonight as a ‘dangerous’ tie for his side.

The Marketmen face a Town XI in the first semi-final of this season’s competition at the Millfield, home of Hadleigh United FC, kick-off 7.45pm.

Needham, who sit top of Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central, will be favourites to reach the final when they take on Town's U18 side.

Horlock’s side, who needed a 90th minute winner to defeat Long Eaton United 2-1 at Bloomfields on Saturday, will be going in search of a fourth consecutive win in the competition.

Only Bury Town, who won the inaugural competition in the 1958-59 season and for the three seasons after that and Sudbury Town (1986-87 until 1989-90) have previously achieved the feat.

Horlock admitted he doesn’t know much about their opponents, who have knocked out both AFC Sudbury and Ipswich Wanderers, but is hoping his side’s experience will carry them through to the final.

“They use the competition to play their under-18s, so they are going to be talented footballers, although quite young, but sometimes they are fearless at that age.

“It is a dangerous game for us and we are going to have to use our nous and experience of playing at Step 3 and try and dominate them physically.

“Everyone will look at it and see it as a tight game, which it probably will be, but I am hoping that we have that added experience which will see us over the line,” he said.

Town U18s have already knocked out Step 3 AFC Sudbury 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw and Step 4 Ipswich Wanderers 2-1 to reach the final four of this season’s competition.

Coach Olly Lee said: “It’s a great opportunity for the boys to get to a final and hopefully lift some silverware early in their careers.

“It has been a long time since an Ipswich side has won this competition, so it would be a chance to leave their mark on the history of the tournament.”

Lee, who played for Luton Town, Gillingham, Herts and Birmingham City, added: “The boys have done excellently to get to this stage, and this will be another good test against a strong opposition.”