Paddy Davitt King's Lynn's FA Vase finalist Steve Spriggs will relish a Norfolk non league cup derby this weekend at Ridgeons Premier Division pace setters Dereham.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn's FA Vase finalist Steve Spriggs will relish a Norfolk non league cup derby this weekend at Ridgeons Premier Division pace setters Dereham.

Spriggs was one of Wroxham's standout performers in their historic run to Wembley during last season's competition but the Linnets' wide player knows the Magpies present a stiff obstacle in his bid to repeat that feat.

“These are the games you want to win and be part of,” said Spriggs. “The FA Vase is certainly one of those competitions I think we would like to go a long way in because I know what an unbelievable experience it is, but you have to be careful not to get distracted.

“Our priority is the league and sometimes when you go on a great run you can become a cup team like Portsmouth have done in recent years.

“We want to get through to the next round and then whatever comes after that we can deal with then.

“To go all the way to Wembley with Wroxham was a special achievement but then to get beat 6-1 and play the way we did was a bit of a nightmare. It would be good to try and set the record straight, but there is a long way to go.”

Spriggs is pushing for a starting spot at Aldiss Park after making his seasonal re-appearance in Lynn's 2-0 weekend win at Peterborough Northern Star which moved the Linnets top of the UCL.

“I'm looking forward to it and it's an exciting game to be involved in,” he said. “I'm sure Lynn will take a good few fans across and, for me, it is enjoyable to play another Ridgeons team. I haven't been back that long so I'm still building up my fitness but I would say I am 70pc to 80pc there now and improving all the time.

“Dereham is a good club who play good football. They always seem to be able to attract decent players and it's a good pitch so we know it is a tough draw for us but I am confident we can get a result. These are the games I joined King's Lynn for - to be part of a club with a great following and to have that backing behind you.”

Spriggs admitted the Linnets' squad travel in buoyant mood after a fifth consecutive league win.

“It was brilliant for me to get out on the pitch on Saturday,” he said. “The lads have been doing really well after the setback on the opening day and I think we have been playing really good football as well. It's early days and we are a footballing side so when the winter comes and the pitches are not quite as good we will have to get with grips with that but the team spirit is excellent.”