The teams have been boosted by good starts to their league programmes this season, both having won three and drawn one of their fixtures so far.

AFC had an excellent Southern League division one north victory at Arlesey on Monday, winning 3-2, while Lowestoft warmed up with a 5-0 victory at Needham Market on Tuesday, a match watched by AFC assistant manager Chris Tracey.

Manager Nicky Smith said: "This will be a hard one. They are one of the few teams in the Ridgeons League you don't really want to play.

"They have been something of a bogey team, but if we do our job right, we can win it. It depends who wants it more, and we would be a scalp for them. "

Smith is looking for a run in all cup competitions this season. "Matches are much better than training," he said, "and a run builds confidence."

Confidence is something AFC have plenty of at present. "The football and the attitude from the lads is spot on," said Smith. "The players have done what we asked, and so far it is paying off."

AFC followed up their 2-0 home win over Sutton Coldfield Town in an entertaining game on Saturday with victory at Arlesey on Monday. "We played ever so well in both games," said Smith. "Over the past two games I've seen more football than for a long time."

Smith is delighted by the excellent start, but cautions it will take a dozen or so games "to really see how we are doing, but we are going in the right direction."

Curtis Haynes-Brown, who took a knock on the leg on Saturday, hopes to play against Lowestoft, but will have a fitness test in training tonight.

If a replay is needed it will be at Crown Meadow on Tuesday.

AFC have signed Needham winger Andy Jones. The left-sided player is working in the Chelsea FC press office, and his availability will be limited.

Terry Rayner, who left the club recently, is to meet Smith to discuss a possible return. He is currently playing non-contract at Felixstowe.

Paul Walker suffered a fractured fibula playing for AFC Reserves on Saturday. No operation was needed, but he will spend four to six weeks on crutches.

Week 17 winners of the AFC Gold fundraiser. £100 – Mrs R Felton (330), Butt Road, Great Cornard; £10 – P McLoughlin (344), Clifton Road, Maidstone; £10 – B Golding (127), Oriel Close, Great Cornard.