Tiptree United booked a place in the FA Carlsberg Vase semi-finals against Suffolk neighbours Sudbury Town with a sensational 2-1 extra-time win at Sussex League runaway leaders Burgess Hill Town.

And manager Neil Farlie has called on the residents of Tiptree and surrounding areas to get behind his side and cheer them all the way to the final at Villa Park.

A delighted Farlie said: "We have put the club on the map. We have now got to get the village behind us and give us support for the vital home leg of the two-legged semi-final.

Sensational win - Tiptree's Dave Barefield receives close attention during Tiptree's quarter final against Burgess Hill Town

"For a club of our size to achieve what we have is immense. The players have showed incredible passion to get us this far."

Despite Farlie's wish to avoid AFC Sudbury, today the sides were drawn against each other in the semi-finals.

Tiptree are one of two Jewson League clubs who have made it to the last four with AFC Sudbury, the league leaders, being the other.

The other teams left in the competition are both from the north east Whitley Bay will play Durham City in the other tie.

Farlie said of Sudbury: "They beat us for fun in the league, but we have proved in the Vase that we can compete with anyone. We have got great desire."

The semi-final is to be played on March 23 and 30 which presents problems for Farlie as one of his players, Kevin Ford, and his assistant manager Alan Bailey, currently have prior commitments.

Another problem looming is that Adam Gillespie's loan period from Heybridge Swifts is coming to an end.

"I hope Swifts' boss Dave Greene lets me keep hold of Adam a bit longer," added Farlie. "Dave did me a big favour in letting me have Adam on loan and obviously I'd like to keep him a bit longer if possible.

Published Monday, March 4, 2002