Garry Kimble is expecting a warm reception for his Witham Town team when they head to Needham Market in the FA Cup tomorrow.

Relations were soured between the clubs last season when Witham played Lee Townrow in a Ryman League division one north play-off semi-final that Witham won on their way to promotion to the premier division.

Townrow had been on loan at Witham from Needham, but lined up against his parent club and that riled Marketmen manager Mark Morsley.

However, Witham said a verbal agreement not to play Townrow in meetings between them was only to cover league games – which they had honoured – but not for a play-off fixture.

So they felt they were within their rights to include him for the game, but boss Kimble is expecting the home fans to provide them with a bit of a reception for the third qualifying round clash.

He said: “I’ve heard that Mark (Morsley) has been forget and forgive, but I think it will be a hostile crowd because of what happened with Lee Townrow.

“I think it will be a war there.

“I will play Lee as he has earned his place in the team, but hopefully he doesn’t get caught up in it.

“He needs to not play to the occasion and to let his ability do the talking.”

A Witham win would make club history for them as they have never been further than the third qualifying round.

Townrow was one of those who Kimble rested on Tuesday as a much-changed Witham side beat Maldon and Tiptree 1-0 in the Robert Dyas League Cup.

James Robinson’s first-half penalty strike meant Witham could take some good form into the FA Cup clash, but Kimble knows that will count for little tomorrow.

He added: “They will be favourites as they are riding high in their league but so are we in ours.

“We are doing well and it will be very good game.

“Hopefully our boys will be on it as there is a big prize fund waiting at the end of the game and hopefully we’ll come out as winners.

“All I ask is that the players give me 100 per cent like they have all year.

“I’m sure Mark Morsley rested players in the same way that I did for the League Cup on Tuesday, but previous form goes out of the window in the FA Cup – it’s whoever wants it more on the day.”