NEEDHAM Market will be looking for compensation from Chelmsford City if the Blue Square South side take Ben Chenery from under their noses.The former Cambridge United and Canvey Island defender signed a one-year contract with Ridgeons League Needham on August 19 and this has been registered with the Football Association.

Elvin King

NEEDHAM Market will be looking for compensation from Chelmsford City if the Blue Square South side take Ben Chenery from under their noses.

The former Cambridge United and Canvey Island defender signed a one-year contract with Ridgeons League Needham on August 19 and this has been registered with the Football Association.

On the eve of making his Needham debut last Saturday, Chenery told manager Danny Laws that he was unavailable - with reports that one of his former clubs, Chelmsford, want him to join them in a coaching role.

Needham chairman David Bugg today confirmed that his club are in dialogue with Chelmsford and that the issue is being discussed by City at 'board level.'

“Ben's signing went through so smoothly and there was no hint of any problems,” said Bugg. “He is under contract with us until next summer and if he was to move to Chelmsford we would be looking for compensation. The situation is clear as far as we are concerned. He is our player until we agree otherwise.”

Needham could do with Chenery tomorrow as they look to gain 'revenge' from Soham. It was the Cambridgeshire-based club who beat them to the prize they treasured most last season - the Ridgeons League title.

Soham were able to move up to the next level while ambitious Needham, who reached the FA Vase semi-final and won the League Cup and Suffolk Premier Cup in 2007/08, must look to qualify for advancement to the British Gas Southern League this season.

The teams lock horns in the preliminary round of the FA Cup, with Bugg saying: “They beat us in the final league match of last season when we had a tired side. We lost to Lowestoft 5-0 at home on Tuesday and I am sure Danny Laws will make a few changes and have his side fired up.

“Soham pipped us to what we wanted most last season, and it is a game we are determined to win - not least for the £1,500 prize money for tomorrow's winners.”

Woodbridge Town reach pastures new with a trip to Northern Premier League Division One South Grantham Town, while Ipswich Wanderers entertain fellow Ridgeons League First Division Cornard.

Sleaford Town, from the Premier Division of the United Counties League, must find their way deep into the Suffolk countryside to play Walsham-le-Willows. For a village side to reach the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League is a remarkable achievement in itself and to play Lincolnshire opposition will be another big day for Walsham. Leiston have conceded home advantage to March Town because of a function at their Victory Road ground, but they are still expected to make progress.