There has been plenty of comparing notes at West Suffolk College this week among two of the region’s non-league bosses.

Needham Market’s Richard Wilkins and Bury Town’s Ben Chenery, who work together at the College, face big clashes this weekend – and both managers have been able to help each other out with the other one’s preparations.

On Saturday, Bostik North Bury Town travel to Premier Division Billericay, while Premier Division Needham Market travel to North Division, Brentwood Town – both in FA Trophy clashes.

In recent weeks, Bury and Needham have played each other’s opposition in league clashes and Wilkins and Chenery have been swapping thoughts.

“Yes, it’s strange that Bury are playing Billericay this weekend – we played them the other week,” Wilkins said.

“And Bury played Brentwood last week, so Ben has helped me with a few ideas on how we can get at them on Saturday.

“Obviously for both teams the Trophy is a big competition.

“Bury certainly couldn’t have had a more lucrative draw, away at Billericay.

“For us too, Saturday is a massive game.

“We have got to be favourites, Brentwood are a Step below us, but we know it will be tricky.

“I’ll certainly be disappointed if we don’t progress.”

Needham Market had a fine 4-2 win at Lowestoft on Tuesday night in a Premier Division match, Wilkins was not only pleased to get the result from, but also with the way the team played.

“Our equalising goal had about six passes, cutting them open, it was a great goal. We had a bit of fortune too with a couple of goals, but I’m not complaining about that, we haven’t had much luck so far this season.”

Wilkins was full of praise for Luke Ingram, who was back on the scoresheet at Crown Meadow.

“I was really pleased for Luke,” Wilkins said.

“He had a great scoring season last year, but this season it has taken time to get on the scoresheet.

“He’s a confidence player and I’m really hoping he kicks on now and gets more and more goals for us.”

Brentwood Town are just above the relegation spots in Bostik North and have won four of their 14 league games.