Tiptree manager Neil Farlie sends his team into tomorrow's FA Carlsberg Vase, semi-final first leg at AFC Sudbury with the message: 'You've got nothing to fear.'

Farlie has been nothing short of a revelation at Tiptree since taking over from Steve Parnell in October 2000.

The club was second from bottom, but Farlie turned them around and avoided relegation.

This season, he is the first to admit that the Jam-makers' league form has been disappointing after a promising start.

But in the Vase, they have been absolutely sensational and are now just two steps away from a place in the final to be played at Villa Park.

However, Jewson League leaders and champions AFC Sudbury stand in their way, but Farlie insists his team is a match for anybody on their day.

He said: "We have got nothing to fear. We are the underdogs, but we have got plenty of desire in the team. We have got players that are prepared to throw themselves in the way of the ball and we have not conceded many goals in the Vase."

Along the way, the Jam-makers have claimed some top scalps, including Vase holders Taunton Town.

Sudbury are sure to provide a stern test, but Farlie said: "Sometimes it's better the devil you know. We have played them three times this season and lost all three.

"But we are in the semi-finals of the Vase. We are here, let's enjoy it and let's do our best.

"We know we are going to have to be busy. We have to be prepared to work hard and we have to be on our game for 90 minutes."

As has happened in recent rounds, Farlie will take his side to a hotel on Friday night to build up team spirit ahead of the crucial match.

He plans to take the players ten pin bowling, and afterwards, it is back to the hotel for maybe a game of cards and an early night.

Farlie, though, will be keeping a close eye on his secret weapon. "There's a deck of cards we bought on the Isle of Wight Ferry. They've been used before every game since the win at Cowes Sports, and they'll get used on Friday night.

"Hopefully, we will use them on the coach to Villa Park as well."

Published Friday, March 22, 2002