KIRKLEY & Pakefield joint-manager Stuart Larter has got some inside information their FA Cup opponents today.

Stuart Watson

KIRKLEY & Pakefield joint-manager Stuart Larter says his side take inspiration from Leiston as they prepare to face Hinkley United in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup today.

Leiston became only the third side in the competition's history to progress from the extra preliminary round to the first round proper last season before ultimately losing in a replay to Fleetwood.

Carl Chenery's side have already exited the competition this season, leaving Kirkley, Mildenhall and Needham Market to carry the torch for the Ridgeons League.

The Royals travel to Leicestershire today to face a Hinckley United team that currently occupy eighth place in the Blue Square North, and Larter - who jointly manages the side with Jon Reynolds - is hopeful his side can be the east region's big giant-killers this time around.

“We want to keep progressing in this competition and look at Leiston's run last year as inspiration,” said Larter.

“With a little bit of luck and a fair wind, you never know.”

Kirkley have made a great start to the season since Larter and Reynolds took over in May. They have won five of their opening league games, the latest being an impressive 5-2 victory at Norwich United on Tuesday night.

“We want to put ourselves up against teams from a higher level,” said Larter, ahead of today's match.

“We're not going to change the way we play, it would be silly to do that because we are doing quite well at the moment.

“We've got some good information on them so we know what their strengths are and where our opportunities are.

“There are a few teenagers in our team and this will be a really, really good test for them.”

Last Saturday Hinckley played Ilkeston, Mildenhall Town's opponents today, with Hinckley coming out on top 1-0.

Needham Market visit Zamaretto League Division One Midlands side Sutton Coldfield Town after they beat AFC Sudbury, of the same division, in the previous round.

Danny Laws' side are hoping to reach the third qualifying round for the first time after they were beaten 3-1 at this stage by Dover Athletic 12 months ago.

Sutton are currently in 16th place with one win, three draws and two defeats. They have beaten Midland Alliance League sides Tipton Town (2-1) and Westfields (6-0) to get this far.