Mark Boggis Lowestoft's Blue army will be invading Essex today to back the club's bid for an historic Carlsberg FA Vase semi-final spot at Essex Senior League outfit Concord.

Mark Boggis

Lowestoft's Blue army will be invading Essex today to back the club's bid for an historic Carlsberg FA Vase semi-final spot at Essex Senior League outfit Concord.

More than 200 fans will travel to Canvey Island for a tie joint boss Micky Chapman describes as “the biggest game of our season and the biggest game for years,” with the Ridgeons Premier outfit potentially two wins from Wembley.

“It's a cup game and we know anything can happen on the day,” he said. “But cup football is about passion and we'll be having that on the day. Get behind us, keep singing, make lots of noise - they can be like an extra man for us.

“It's great to make history, but now we've got this far we want to stay in the competition - and we'll be doing everything in our power to make it happen as we definitely want to progress. It's the biggest game of the season and the biggest game for us in years - and we'll be doing everything in our power to get into the semi-finals.”

Concord have also reached the quarter-final for the first time in their history on the back of a twin pronged strikeforce that has plundered 70 goals this season.

“They are a good side, they're at home and we're up against it, but we're capable of causing them problems,” Chapman said.

“It will be a tough game - we're under no illusions. They are favourites at the end of the day and have scored a lot of goals at home - and while we're the underdogs, we like being in that position. The lads are totally focused, up for it and we want it badly. We know we have got the quality, now we need to add in the work rate, attitude, commitment and get that bit of luck, which you need in the cup - as we do everything we can to be in the hat at the end of the game.”

The Trawlerboys take a 20-man squad. Darren Cockrill is suspended while Dale Smith is on county duty. The Blues warmed up for their high profile cup date with an impressive 3-1 Crown Meadow league win over Harwich & Parkeston.

“It was a fantastic all-round team performance,” said Chapman. “It was important to get three points and important to get back on track in the league.

“ Obviously after our last two league defeats and a draw we're well pleased to get a win - especially as we had a lot of players missing. We came through it though with flying colours against a hard-working Harwich side. We got on top early and went in at half time 3-0 up, after having a player sent off, which was disappointing.

“Despite having only ten men it was often us that looked like having the extra man - as we were always in control and that was very pleasing. It was important to get a win under our belts and take it into this weekend - to get the momentum - as we wanted to go there on the back of a win.”

A second Ridgeons League team will also be looking to make progress today, with high-flying Needham Market travelling to face Surrey outfit Merstham.