THE last 32 of this season's FA Vase has paired together Lowestoft Town and Ipswich Wanderers.With the north Suffolk side at home, the tie possibly suits them more, but for local non-league fans it is disappointing that one side has to go out.

By Mike Bacon

THE last 32 of this season's FA Vase has paired together Lowestoft Town and Ipswich Wanderers.

With the north Suffolk side at home, the tie possibly suits them more, but for local non-league fans it is disappointing that one side has to go out.

Ady Gallagher, joint first-team manager at Lowestoft, sees things differently, however.

“At this stage of the competition you just want a home draw,” he said. “The last two seasons at this stage we have had to travel to Newcastle and Bristol and, quite honestly, as long as we are at home that is all that matters.

“At this stage of the competition you don't know too much about many clubs, but at least we know something about Wanderers.

“We beat them 4-1 a couple of weeks ago but we played well and they are still a very good side.”

Lowestoft have flattered to deceive in the FA Vase in recent years and although often many people's favourites to have a long run in the competition, they have never done so.

“I don't know why people think we have such a good chance in the Vase, because we have no pedigree at all in the competition,” Gallagher added.

“It's ludicrous for people to make us favourites. But, in saying that, we are very capable, although we haven't done it yet and it is about time we did so.”

Wanderers manager John Clarkson put on a brave face after the draw

He said: “Lowestoft will be thinking this is a good draw. But they might get a shock.

“We were hammered in the league, and it is not the best draw we could have got against a top side from the same division.

“But at this stage of a national competition you are not going to have anything easy. We will give them a game.”

And Clarkson says his side will be stronger than their previous game against the Trawlermen.

“I learned much from that match, when we were missing Neil Shade, Lee Owen, Danny Smy and Simon Hyde through injury.

“They are fit now, and I have since signed ex-Histon payer Louie Farrington from Mildenhall and Paul Betson from AFC Sudbury.”

Wanderers are at home to Woodbridge Town tonight in the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League.

Mildenhall also have a home draw with the winners of Hailsham or Sherborne Town coming to the Rec Way.

Hailsham are currently eighth in Sussex County One and Sherborne, a level below both Mildenhall and Hailsham - level six - are fourth in Western Division One.

Wroxham and Burnham Ramblers play their third round tie, postponed from Saturday, this weekend. The winners of that will be at home to either Chessington & Hook or Street.