Tiptree United will attempt to prove last season was no fluke when they begin their quest to land the FA Vase tomorrow.
Their run in the major non-league competition surpassed all expectations as they eventually lost in the final at Villa Park to Whitley Bay.
No-one had given them a chance throughout the knockout rounds, but the Jam-makers silenced all critics when they beat Jewson League champions AFC Sudbury over two legs to book a place in the final.
This season, Tiptree have been given a tough start as they travel to Diss Town, a team managed by former Norwich City and Scotland international Robert Fleck.
Jam-makers boss Neil Farlie is not taking the game lightly. "It's going to be very tough," he said. "Last year showed how strong the Jewson League is with three teams reaching the quarter-finals.
"We played Diss on the opening day of the season and beat them 5-0 at their place, but they have come on a lot since then."
Published Friday November 8, 2002
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