FRAMLINGHAM Town will be out to maintain their excellent record in cup competitions this season by reaching the last eight of the Suffolk Senior Cup tomorrow.

The Kingsley Healthcare SIL side entertain Stanton having beaten Ridgeons League Stowmarket Town in the previous round.

And to prove that this giantkilling act was no fluke they had already won at Greens Meadow in the FA Vase.

Rob Allum, who runs the Framlingham team jointly with Sean Tynan, is not surprised that every one of tomorrow’s ties features an SIL side.

“This is a mark of the strength of the Senior Division,” said Allum.

“It is no secret that our main aim is to gain promotion and reach the Ridgeons League. It beckons in front of us with the facilities that we have got.

“But the SIL is a difficult league to get out of and although we haven’t given up hope by any means this season, it looks as though the cup offers our best bet of success.”

Framlingham went on to lose to Godmanchester Town in the Vase, but Allum is hoping that he has a lucky Senior Cup charm as his right hand man.

“Sean managed Capel Plough to the final at Portman Road last season before they lost to Team Bury and he’s been a wonderful addition this season.

“Stanton hit back to draw 1-1 when we met them in the league, and we know how tough it will be and that they will not lie down.”

With a number of youngsters in his side Allum says there is always going to be an inconsistency that currently sees his team off the pace in the SIL.

He also has another man with a tremendous cup pedigree in Neil Whatling, who played at Wembley Stadium for Earl Soham Victoria in the 2000 final of the Carlsberg Pub Cup.

“We are pleased to have Neil,” added Allum. “We would not be where we are without the Whatling family with mum Fiona secretary for many years and dad Keith another club stalwart.”

Framlingham will have to make do without regular keeper Simon Nunn who is unavailable tomorrow and Nathan Vincent who is suspended but James Ward could appear as a substitute as he recovers from injury.

“People queried why we entered the Vase,” said Allum. “But we pocketed �900 for beating Stowmarket and answered our critics doing - I think - ourselves and the SIL proud.

“Now we want to carry on our good cup work against Stanton.”

SIL leaders Ransomes Sports, having disposed of Team Bury in the previous round, take on Cambridgeshire County League leaders Lakenheath.

The Ridgeons League aspirants have not tasted league defeat this season and will be looking to avenge a 5-1 loss at Ransomes’ in last season’s quarter final.

Whitton United are the only Ridgeons League club left in the competition, and they’ll start favourites to win at bottom-placed SIL club Haughley.