STANWAY ROVERS boss Angelo Harrop says he and his players will rise to the challenge of a tough FA Vase draw.

The Thurlow Nunn League club have been handed a trip to either Norwich United or Hullbridge Sports, in a tie to be played on December 12.

The third-round showdown - a last-64 tie - carries a prize pot of £1,300.

And after reaching the fifth round during a magical run last season, Harrop says his players are a match for anyone.

“I can’t lie and say it was the draw I would have picked,” said manager Harrop.

First and foremost, you always want to be at home, whereas this is obviously going to be a tough away match, whoever we play.

“However, it’s an exciting draw and I still fancy my team against anyone.

“It’s going to be a big ask but on our day we can beat anyone and I don’t think either of those sides will relish the thought of playing us.”

Thurlow Nunn League champions Norwich United and Essex Senior League side Hullbridge will play their second-round tie tonight, after it was postponed on Saturday.

The Norfolk side will start as firm favourites, being the reigning Thurlow Nunn League champions and currently 13 points clear at the top of the premier division, with 13 wins from their 15 games.

“Norwich are so well-organised but we got a draw up there in the league earlier this season, so that will give us confidence,” said Harrop.

“A lot of their players have come from Wroxham and 70 per cent of them could slot straight into a Ryman League side.

“They’ve got a lot of experience and are physical, disciplined and organised, but they’ve got to get past Hullbridge first.

“Whoever we play, we’ll expect to win.

“We’re in a good place at the moment.

“We’ve won our last five, signed some new players and are improving all the time.”

Stanway advanced into yesterday’s third-round draw thanks to a 2-1 victory at home to Mildenhall, on Saturday.

New signing Billy Hunt and Craig Hughes scored their goals at The Hawthorns.