Needham Market have not won since beating Maidstone – they have lost one and drawn two since then.
And for all the ability in the squad – and Ingram believes one or two could “easily step up” to League One level – Peace knows Horlock’s influence will be crucial to the outcome of the tie against Burton.
“Kevin’s experience as a footballer in the Premier League and at international level gives him that background knowledge and experience, but people just want to play for him,” he said.
“He’s a very modest, unassuming individual, so he doesn’t preach about his playing days. I know how much the first-team role, alongside the academy, means to him.
“He puts a lot of effort into it, he knows he’s judged on that and he and the first team lads are doing a great job.”
Horlock relies a lot on his assistant, Tom Rothery, who has a Uefa B coaching badge, and is meticulous in his assessment in his analysis of opposition teams.
“We’ll go there and know exactly what to expect. I’m lucky to have him. He leaves no stone unturned,” he said.
Last month, Horlock expressed the view that reaching the first round with Needham Market was “up there” with his biggest achievements as a player and wants to bring more success to what he believes is an “unbelievable club”.
He added: “We just want to keep on improving, we’ve got a CEO that backs us completely, we’ve got an academy established that’s producing good young players, and year on year we just want to progress.
“Last year it was the Trophy, this year we’ve got to the FA Cup first round and we want to improve our league position as we go on, and hopefully get promoted.
“I’m so proud to be manager of this football club and the group of players I’ve got.
“We don’t always get it right, we have ups and downs like any other team but they work hard and always give their best. You can’t ask for more.”
