Downham drawn at home to Stansted in First Round Proper of the FA Vase

Joint Downham manager Craig Dickson has welcomed a home draw for his side in the First Round Proper of the FA Vase.

Downham will host Essex Senior League outfit Stansted at the SCL Memorial Field on October 22 after reaching this stage of the competition for the first time in 22 years.

On Saturday, they defied all the odds to defeat higher-league Kirkley 4-3 on penalties after the tie had finished 1-1.

Reflecting on the draw, Dickson said: It's an interesting one.

"Obviously we don't know much about them but they finished fourth in that league last season and looking at their results this season they've only been beaten by the teams at the top.

"Being at home is a big advantage for us and we hope we can get a big crowd for the day. At the end of last season we saw the gates increase and its great for the players to have that bit of support.

"Hopefully we can go on a bit of a run and we can get more consistent gates at that level.

"I think on our day we will give anyone a good run and if we match the attitude we had second half on Saturday then we will fancy ourselves."

Winning clubs in the First Round Proper receive £825, while losing sides will pick up £250.

Fellow Thurlow Nunn side Fakenham are exempt until the next round.