Needham Market go into tonight’s game at Ryman Premier table-toppers Bognor Regis with no expectations, says manager Mark Morsley.

The Marketmen are second in the table, sandwiched in between tonight’s opponents and Havant & Waterlooville, who host Morsley’s men at the weekend.

The west Suffolk side are just one point off Bognor and they will go top tonight with a victory, which would set them up nicely for Saturday’s clash in Hampshire.

Needham arguably dropped two points at the weekend, drawing at home with Staines Town, 1-1 and Morsley said: “It’s a big week for us, we could not ask for anything much tougher.

“But that’s why we play at this level and we will see how we get on.

“We are not going there with ridiculously high expectations on our backs and if you offered me two draws from the next two games now, I would bite your arm off. There is no pressure on us.”

Tonight’s opponents boast a seven-game unbeaten league run and must be one of the favourites for promotion, according to Morsley.

“I think they are the best team in the league and no disrespect to Hampton & Richmond, but had Bognor not got to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy last season, I think they would have won the league then,” he added.

“The club is set up for Conference football, they have good facilities, a great pitch and while we would clearly like to be one of the teams going up ourselves, I would like to see Bognor get promoted as I think they deserve it.”

Despite taking the pressure of his side, ahead of a big five days, Morsley does, however, expect his players to give Bognor and Havant tough tests.

“The attacking flair the two sides have is huge and what you can’t do is go there and “park the bus”,” Morsley explained.

“I don’t believe in that philosophy, because if you then concede early does, it is then difficult to change the mindset of your players.

“Bot teams have got weaknesses and we are going to have a go at them.”

n In the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division tonight, it’s second versus third as Newmarket Town host Felixstowe & Walton United, whilst leaders Mildenhall are at home to lowly Ely City.

Mildenhall are 17 points clear at the top.