BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small believes FA Vase semi-final opponents Morpeth Town are the favourites to lift the trophy come May time.

The Bowers manager is gearing up for the biggest game of his and Bowers’ life tomorrow, with northeast side Morpeth travelling to Essex for the first leg of the competition.

Bowers have exceeded their wildest expectations in booking their place in the last four, and are now dreaming of a final at Wembley and a pay-day that would be worth at least £23,000 to their coffers.

However, Small believes the challenge of the Northern Football League Division One team will be the toughest they have faced so far this season.

“People who say Morpeth are not favourites for this match don’t understand the football scene in the north of the country,” said Small. “Clubs that win their league can choose not to go up due to the strenuous travel requirements and Morpeth are a very good team in their league.

“That said we have had time to prepare for this match unlike the Kidlington game. That came so soon after the Ipswich tie that we were in the dark, but we’re prepared for this.

“We have had Morpeth watched and we know they are a good side. I would make them favourites as they beat last year’s winners and have gone almost unnoticed so far, with everyone focusing on (other semi-finalists) Hereford and Salisbury.”