WHILE Woodbridge Town have won two games to reach Wembley, Ipswich Wanderers begin their FA Vase challenge with a second round game at South Midlands League Royston Town.

Elvin King

WHILE Woodbridge Town have won two games to reach Wembley, Ipswich Wanderers begin their FA Vase challenge with a second round game at South Midlands League Royston Town.

Thanks to their exploits last season, when they reached the last 16, Wanderers have been exempt to this stage.

Tomorrow's team that new manager Steve Buckle will field will have no resemblance to the one that John Clarkson led in last season's Vase run.

They all departed the Humber Doucy Lane-based club in the summer when Clarkson moved to Cornwall to continue his managing career.

The draw has been kind to Wanderers, who are bottom of the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League. Royston are at the foot of the South Midlands First Division with eight points from 10 games.

“We watched them play on Tuesday and they are beatable,” said Buckle, a veteran of some epic Vase battles in his playing days, including a semi-final defeat for Sudbury Town against Colne Dynamoes

“Ultimately the league is more important to us in the position we are in, but I would like to gain momentum in the Vase and go as far as we can.

“It will not be easy tomorrow, but I am pleased with the progress we have made since I took over.”

Single goal defeats against Wroxham and Kirkley have followed since Buckle's appointment to replace Louis Newman.

“We are shoring things up and staying competitive for a full 90 minutes,” added Buckle. “And our supporters are coming back, with a good number making their way to Kirkley last Saturday.”

Buckle will be without striker Danny Smy, who is cup tied, and midfielder Alan Rachel, who fractured his sternum and subsequently spent two nights in hospital after a collision at Kirkley. He is likely to be out for two months.

Woodbridge's trip to Wembley takes them to Vale Farm, situated on Watford Road, and not the re-built national stadium which will stage the Vase final next May.

Wembley FC play in the Premier Division of the Combined Counties League where they are sixth with 28 points from 17 games.

It will be Glenn Read's first game after taking over as Woodbridge manager from Mick Stockwell.

Needham Market entertain Essex Senior League opposition when Eton Manor visit Bloomfields. Home manager Danny Laws said: “The Vase gives us a chance to play opposition from around the country. It's a competition we want to do well in.” Needham have only played Essex Senior League opposition once - the East Anglian Cup final last May when they beat Concord Rangers 2-1.

Eton Manor originate from the east end of London and ground share with Tilbury. Their average home attendance is a meagre 21.