HOME is where the dart is for Tadcaster Albion to shoot into the third round of the FA Vase.

The free-scoring Brewers step off their runaway progress at the head of the Northern Counties East League premier division - they have already hewn out a nine-point lead - to resume manager Paul Marshall's loud and proud avowed intention to lift the FA Vase.

Blocking the way tomorrow will be Northern League outfit Morpeth, who visit Ings Lane tomorrow in a potentially feisty second round encounter.

Having watched the invaders in a 2-0 triumph over Billingham Synthonia last weekend and a midweek Northern League Cup win/loss/draw against West Allotment Celtic, the Brewers will entertain opposition boasting trademark Northern League cussedness.

But added Marshall: "The reports we have is that Morpeth can beat anyone on their day but can also lose to anyone as well.

"Sometimes it's a question of which Morpeth turns up."

That inconsistency is in sharp contrast to an Albion squad, whose advance to the head of the NCEL's top tier has been characterised by a flood of goals, an abundance of skill and ample character.

That last quality was evidenced in last week's home encounter against Albion Sports when they finally shrugged off a lone-goal deficit with a brace of penalties from Liam Ormsby in the final ten minutes to snaffle all three points and keep alive their hopes of championship glory.

And also paying tribute to the contribution of another 400-plus crowd, Marshall enthused: "Last week's comeback when we were down to ten men but battled through to win in the final ten minutes when Jonathan Greening turned on some magic showed our spirit.

"It also showed how the unbelievable crowds we have been getting this season helped the lads to win.

"It's going to be such a great advantage for us to be at home. We know it will be a tough tie, but playing in front of our own fans is a huge boost."

The main danger to Tadcaster' tilt at a cup conquest could come from a former York City loanee.

Morpeth have just recruited Keith Graydon from Northern League rivals Spennymoor - coincidentally the team that ousted Marshall's men from this season's FA Cup.

The former Ireland youth international spent a month in 2003 on loan from Sunderland at Bootham Crescent, where he scored his only goal in seven Minstermen outings - a penalty in a 2-2 draw against Rochdale.

However, while Graydon will need watching, Albion's ranks are laced with goals and apart from the suspended Danny Ingham, have a full squad to pick from.

And in a further boost to the hosts captain Nick Thompson played for 80 minutes against Albion Sports after coming on as an early replacement for the injured Tom Cass.

Said Marshall: "Nick will be in contention to play against Morpeth.

"Obviously the league title is our priority but I believe we have the squad to win the FA Vase. We want to win every game we play - be it league, Vase, league cup or whatever."