HIGHWORTH Town have been rewarded for their FA Vase victory at Blackfields and Langley on Saturday with a home tie against Tunbridge Wells in the fourth round.

John Fisher’s side will welcome the Southern Counties East League outfit to The Elms on Saturday, January 17 as the competition opens up to a national draw in the last 32.

Tunbridge are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions and sit third in their division but Fisher is just grateful for a home draw.

“It’s a good enough draw. They are doing well in their league but they have lost a few games as well,” said Fisher.

“I think you take a home draw against whoever it is at this stage of the competition and I’m pleased that we’ve avoided the likes of Ascot, Flackwell (Heath), Melksham and Bradford, because it’s not quite the same playing a local side.

“I just hope we don’t draw the game because it would be a long way to go on for a replay. Getting this far makes me feel like we’re in Europe and if we have to go all the way to Kent on a Tuesday night it will be almost like we are.

“It’s not until January 17 and I know that’s not miles off but it’s far enough that it keeps your season going, and you’ve still got something to look forward to if you have a sticky spell in the league.”

A second-half effort from striker TJ Bohane secured Highworth their place in yesterday’s fourth-round draw as he got the only goal of the game on the trip to Southampton-based Blackfields.

Although the possibility of a Wembley final remains a big carrot, Fisher says Highworth have already exceeded expectations.

“Everyone that enters the Vase has got ambitions but no one really expected this,” added Fisher.

“We’ve gone further than we ever have done before and to get to the last 32 is great for the club. I think we’re five games from Wembley and if we win in the next round suddenly we’re all thinking it’s only four games.

“I know we’re not going to get there but someone’s got to and I’d rather be having a bash at it than not.”