SKIPPER Nick Thompson says Tadcaster Albion must “play the game, not the occasion” when they take on Highworth Town for a place in the semi-finals of the FA Vase.

The Brewers are in unknown territory, having never gone so far in the prestigious non-league knock-out cup competition, and they must negotiate a 360-mile round trip and Wiltshire opponents on Saturday.

Thompson is hoping to avoid getting weighed down by the size of the match - with a trip to Wembley potentially just three games away - and believes the Northern Counties East League premier division table-toppers can perform if they treat the 90 minutes as they would any other game.

And he admits it’s the result, not the performance, that matters.

“I would take anything to get into the semi-final. I am not fussy - just as long as we win,” he said.

“The game has been in the back of our minds. Everyone was excited about the draw coming out.

It’s a long trip but we are going there on Friday, which will be a good experience for everyone, and it is very professional.

“I am hoping to sleep with the excitement on Friday night. The manager, and staff, have had them watched and have had some people give them a few reports. We will be working on a few things.

“It is such a big game. There will be a bit more intensity in training this week.

“The lads are fighting for each other’s shirts. We all want to be playing in this game. The lads that the gaffer has brought in have been different class and really taken us to the next level.

“The lads on the bench would get in most sides in the league. No one has a divine right to start.”

Albion are gaining strength from the confidence of manager Paul Marshall, who has believed from the very start of the competition that the club was destined for a long run.

The Brewers boss is dreaming of leading his side out under the Wembley arch and Thompson added: “It is great to still be involved.

“I have been at Tadcaster for a good while and we have never really had a proper run in the competition.

“It’s really good. You can’t help thinking about Wembley but it has got to be one game at a time. That is still a long way away.”

On his gaffer, he said: “He’s very confident. In the last couple of rounds he has mentioned it. We have got to be relaxed. You can get uptight about this and think about it too much. Hopefully, we can perform. You play the game and not the occasion.

“We have got to give our all and hopefully get the rewards. It would be massive to get a win and be a step closer.”

With Tadcaster having topped crowds of 600 in some home games this season and also taking a large following away from home, Thomp son spoke of the huge boost he, and the players, get from performing in front of vocal fans.

He said: “We took 100 plus to AFC Mansfield in the last round and I should think there will be a couple of coaches going down.

“A few fans said to me after the Maltby game last weekend that they would see me on Saturday so that is good to hear.

“They are really vocal and that gives you an extra boost. It’s great to have such a good following.”