Josh Blunkell | New Signing Interview | 21.01.2025

New signing Josh Blunkell discusses joining the Marketmen and making his debut on Saturday. 

DK: First of all, welcome to Needham, can you tell us how the move came about? 

JB: I had spoken to Marco as I was eager to play football and if there was any opportunity’s. I had spoken to Tom a couple times, and from my time at Sudbury I knew Needham Market was an unbelievable club on the up, it was a no brainier for me. 

DK: What inspired you to want to sign for us? 

JB: I knew from past times playing against Needham how good the club really is! How good the fans are and the club is full of great people. I don’t wanna just play for the club I wanna play for the team, the people who work hard day in day out to make the club the club it is.  

DK: Having played against us before, how did you find your debut for us on Saturday? 

JB: Yh was buzzing to be starting I thought it was a really good game, it was disappointing not to get all 3 points but all the boys want to work hard, to keep getting result. 

DK: How would you summarise your career so far? 

JB: It’s been a rollercoaster of highs lows but I just want to keep working hard, Keeping your head down. I am just eager to keep developing for my self and the team. 

DK: Can you pick 3 highlights from your career that stand out? 

JB: That’s a difficult one I have had lots of great opportunities so far, I would say signing my first professional contract at Wycombe was amazing, playing for Sudbury in the FA Cup against Colchester was amazing day and a great opportunity for my last I would say the Fa youth cup for Sudbury again AFC Wimbledon.

DK: Can you put into words what it felt like to be a professional footballer at Wycombe?

JB: Where to start I was so proud to be there it was a great opportunity, I was living my dream, there was great people there to learn off people who had previous experiences of competing in higher levels such as the Premier League. 

REACTION | Evan Gledhill, Brad Smith Post Match Interviews | 18.01.2025 | Swaffham Town v Needham Market Reserves |

Defender Brad Smith reflects on yesterday's win at Swaffham Town for the Reserves. 

DK: Congratulations on a massive win away from home, you must be buzzing with the result and team performance?

BS: Thanks mate, yeah buzzing with the result it was a huge game for us and a very much needed 3 points, it was a different type of game for us lads we had to adapt to playing a more direct style of play on a poor surface so the team did really well to adapt in that sense. 

DK: Equally a brilliant day for you, keeping a clean sheet as part of a CB partnership with your brother? 

BS: Yeah it’s always a lovely extra to keep a clean sheet on top of 3 points and to do that playing next to your brother is always going to be special and I feel like with a few players out the whole back line upped our game massively and showed we all have the versatility to play in slightly different positions to what we might normally be so it was a great clean sheet.

DK: Having played a few games together already in defence, where does this rank in your personal footballing achievements so far?

BS: Yeah it’s a good achievement a nice moment for my family personally sure mum and dad would’ve loved seeing me and Ben playing next to eachother so as a personal achievement it’s high up the order.

 

DK: After scoring 12 unanswered goals in a less than 48 hours, both personally and as a team you must be full of confidence? 

BS: Yeah its been a great week for the lads again putting a statement out on Thursday night in the 18s league and then today showing we don’t deserve to be in the position we are in the league and that we’ve still got a lot left to play for in the second half of the season. 

DK: Another massive game next week, at home to Haverhill Borough, what type of game are you expecting?

BS: Another huge game for us in a lower half of the table scrap a game that we need to win to get ourselves out the situation we are in at the moment. I’m expecting a similar sort of game to today and hopefully the lads can put together another good performance and get the result we need.

Hat-trick hero Evan Gledhill discusses yesterday's win on the road. 

DK: Congratulations on a massive win away from home, you must be buzzing with the result and team performance?

EG: Yeah absolutely buzzing with the result, we knew that we needed to get a result today to carry on our good form. The lads had to dig deep at the start of the second half but once we weathered the storm the goals start flowing. 

DK: Equally a brilliant day for you, netting an important hat-trick, you must be proud?

EG: Yeah really good feeling getting my first hatrick in men’s football and it’s a real confidence boost and hopefully can take that into the next game. 

DK: Talk us through your 3 goals today, and what was going through your mind when you completed your hat-trick?

EG: I feel like the 3 goals where at very important time the first one came when we was applying a lot of pressure in the first half and we creating chances so was good to get the first goal in the game. The second I thought was the most important one as it was a quite nervy game at this point as it was only 1-0 and Swaffham were creating some chances and so was good to get the 2 goal advantage after a great cross from Adz and the third goal was like the cherry on the cake making it 4-0 and sealing the hat-trick. 

DK: After scoring 12 unanswered goals in a less than 48 hours, both personally and as a team you must be full of confidence? 

EG: Yeah 2 great results for the lads in the last 48hours and will give us loads of confidence going into the next week of games with a tough game against Wanderers for the u18s on Wednesday and a must win game against Haverhill on the Saturday. 

DK: How have you found this season, personally? 

EG: Personally for me this season playing for the reserves I have really enjoyed the challenge of men’s football and I feel like me and the lads have learnt so much and are now deservingly getting results. 

DK: Another massive game next week, at home to Haverhill Borough, what type of game are you expecting?

EG: Yeah, I think Haverhill will be a tough game but being at home which is where I think we play are best football I think we will be able to get the job done. We know that they aren’t a bad side and very young team like ourselves so will be a very energetic fast paced game but hopefully we can pick up another 3 points. 

Danny Cullum | 04.01.2025 |

Goalkeeper Danny Cullum talks about his time with the club ahead of leaving for America. 

DK: How did you find your time with us both personally and as a team, plenty of memorable moments to look back on?

DC: I loved every minute of my time here, from the first session in preseason. They took me in very well personally, and looked after me. Which was very good. They did have to put up with my music in the changing room so they may be happier it’s not me anymore😂. Yeh loads of memorable moments. Turning up at Curzon, first game to be involved with at step 2 for myself and the majority of the team which was good we all shared them moments together. 

DK: You must especially be proud looking back on the back to back away wins at Warrington and Hereford - both personally and as a team?

DC: ⁠Yeh that was a very special few days those back to back away wins. Especially stepping in last minute at Warrington, being a part of the first win and then couple days later to go do it infront of a couple thousand people in a nice stadium was extra special. Yeh the Hereford game will always be a highlight in my career. Just a special night as a whole for myself and the team and those amazing people who traveled down and supported us. 

DK: Both spells you had in the team you didn't have much notice, and yet looked as cool as a cucumber, were there any nerves inside at those moments?

DC: ⁠I always know what works for me and how I prepare for games. More or less the same routine. Which works for me. After the warm up in that changing room is where I’m at the most nervous, but getting the first pass or save off I feel gets me involved in the game. But yes, I get very nervous every game I play no matter who I play against, but always comes down to believing in myself and trusting what I do. 

DK: Following on from that, your penalty save against Chester comes to mind, can you remember much of what was going through your mind as that all happened?

DC: ⁠It was all like a shock, but i knew we was in the 90th minute. There was no rush to me getting on. So I took my time kept myself cool. Didn’t worry about what could happen. I just remember Tom saying ‘No pressure’ and I chuckled to myself and that gave some reassurance and confidence to go try my best and keep it out the back of the net. 

DK: Do any particular saves standout to you that you made, if so which ones and why?

DC: ⁠Yes, my save from a header versus Hereford. I can remember as I checked my shoulder, and saw the player number 10 Williams, it’s like time slowed down and I remember him heading the ball downwards and my leg being in the correct place. Getting up after and looking over my left shoulder and seeing a packed out stand. Made me feel good and turned out to be crucial save in the win. 

DK: What did you enjoy most during your time with us?

DC: ⁠The social kind of side, the journeys to games, the changing room before games. Just general talk, it’s all good. Good laughs in there as well. We all know who gives it out the most.  

DK: After the memorable win at Leamington, you were selected in the overall TOTW, how proud were you to be recognised in such a way?

DC: I just remember eating my lunch and then see I’ve been tagged in a post. Opened and saw it was team of the week. Felt amazing to be recognised. But must say the team that day was excellent.

DK: All the best with your scholarship in America, you must be relishing a new adventure?

DC: Thank you, yeh I’ve been playing and at Ipswich since I was 8 years old. So when the opportunity to go to America arrived and after consideration I loved the idea of it. Months and months of planning to all of a sudden it being the time to go. I’m upset I have to leave Needham because I would definitely stay the season but the Americans do it different. So unfortunately my time was cut short 

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Reaction | Needham Market v Darlington | 21.12.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's defeat.

DK: Bit of a tough one to take? 

KH: Yeah, I think so. It wasn't a spectacle by any means. I think the pitch was fairly heavy, so it didn't really lend itself to free-flowing football.

And we sort of cancelled each other out, if anything. I don't think there were as many chances either end. Then obviously, from our point of view, it was a poor goal to concede. We had chances to clear, didn't take it. And look, you've got to hold your hands up and say it was an unbelievable goal to win a really dour game. And I think, looking over the whole game, I think we probably created the better chances, albeit it was when we were 1-0 down.

I think Milzy has had a chance from a header, just went past him, Jamie's ball's landed. Jamie, half-chance and then right at the end there, Tev, if he touches a little bit better, he's probably in on goal. 

Obviously, we created the chances, probably, when we were 1-0 down. I can't fault the lads' effort. It was a difficult game to play in, I imagine, for both sets of players. It's a difficult game to watch for supporters. And that's how things go in at the minute. Obviously, the decision not to clear, the lads crossed it and the lads hit a volley that could have gone anywhere.

It could have ended up down Crowley Park, but it's hit the underneath of the bar and passed Marco before he can even move. From their point of view, they'd probably say it was a perfect away performance. They dug in hard, they're physical, which you can see. And obviously, they've got the goal that's won it late on. 

DK: After the recent form we've been in, does it make it a bit more of a killer blow? 

KH: Yeah, a little bit. It was difficult, I'm not going to lie, to play quick attacking football on a pitch that's really heavy due to the weather we've had. It was difficult. So, we had to change it slightly. So, at half-time, I said, look, just play into areas, play into areas in behind them to try and get the ball in areas where we could maybe create something. We didn't create much, but it was just a game where two teams are fighting. Neither team really played football because it was difficult to do that. It probably had nil-nil written all over it, but like I said, it was an unbelievable finish from the lad and they take all three. I think a draw would have been a fair result, yeah. I think first half, I thought they probably edged it in terms of, they had a lot more ball in our final third, but didn't really create too many problems for us. Second half, I said, look, let's play into areas. It's difficult to play on the pitch and try and land on second balls, which I thought we did better second half. We put a couple of decent balls in, Milzy put one in, Jake (Watkiss), but we weren't on the end of it. And like I say, we created chances, good chances, I think, on another day or certainly against us, the team would be scoring a couple of goals out of those chances, but it wasn't to be. We ended up with nothing when probably a nil-nil was probably a fair result. It's important I keep the lads positive. It is not the result we was after. Again, it's fine margins. It's one of the teams just outside the play-offs now in Darlington and it could have gone either way, but unfortunately at the minute when you're down there, things go against you. And like I said, the lads nicked it off Dan. It's coming onto the edge of the box in the air and the lads hit a volley that you don't often see at any level, let alone step two. So, we'll take it on the chin. Like I said to the boys in there, you have to just take it on the chin and keep working hard and try and get enough points to keep us up in this division. I don't want to be in the bottom four, obviously. I'm relatively pleased with some of the performances we've put in.

I can only count the odd game where we've been absolutely terrible and that's probably been when we've been missing players. So, we've competed. It's been fine margins. We've been punished for little errors like we were today. Like I said, we didn't see that goal coming, but we're getting punished for that. So, I'm disappointed where we are, but I'm optimistic of how hard we work and the fine margins it's been that we can turn it around.

There's still loads of football to be played halfway through the season. So, there's positive signs, but again, there's lots of areas where we need to improve and eradicate the silly little errors that we make and we'll be fine. 

DK: And we conclude 2024, with a trip to Kings Lynn.

KH: Yes, a local derby-ish in this league, isn't it? I know it's still probably hour and 45, but yes, again, it's another tough game. They're flying high. I think they're doing really well this year. Obviously, some faces we know that have obviously been at Needham. So, yes, we're glad that it's not a million-mile trip like normal, but it's certainly a tough one, but we'll be ready for it. 

DK: Would you say it's been a very good 2024? 

KH: Yes, I think the lads and everyone connected with the club can smile and say, what a 2024 it's been. We're playing Step 2 football and I know sometimes you forget about that and you can be a victim of your own success in terms of going up a division and expectations go up, obviously, higher. We're going to lose games this year. It's all about staying in this division. Lots of work's been done around the football club from a lot of people. So, as disappointing as it is to be in the bottom four and losing more games than we win, 2024 has been an unbelievable year for this football club in terms of making history of playing at Step 2.

REACTION | Brad Smith, Ben Smith Post Match Interviews | Needham Market Reserves v Holland | 14.12.2024 |

Brothers Brad and Ben Smith reflect on yesterday's 4-0 home win for the Reserves. 

DK: First of all, congratulations on today's excellent win, you must be delighted?

Brad: Yeah I’m buzzing it’s been something I feel is long overdue for the lads to get a good result and even better considering the result when we played them at their place so a good day all round. 

Ben: Cheers mate, yeah think all of the boys are buzzing it’s been a few weeks coming now where the results haven’t shown the performance levels but today we got what we deserved.

DK: It sounds like a clinical, resolute all round team performance, would you agree?

Brad: Yeah I think clinical sums it up really as I think we didn’t play as well in possession as we have in recent weeks but we took the chances we had very well two set pieces and two great goals from Ev(an Gledhill) and Ads (Adam Edser).

Ben: Yeah totally agree felt we took our chances when they came and defended really well all game limiting them to not a lot at all.

DK: How's it felt to be back at Needham over the last few weeks, Ben? 

Ben: I'm buzzing to be back! I’ve gained experience and learned a lot over my few months away from the club but love being back feels like i’m home again!

DK: How's it felt to be back playing with your brother, and both keeping an important clean sheet today?

Brad: Yeah Ben's been a good addition back into the side, a position that we had been weaker in early in the season and I think him and Olly have been a great partnership so far. A clean sheet is always a nice bonus on top of three points. 

Ben: Yeah it was great to keep a clean sheet today like I said the performances of late have deserved the clean sheet and the result today. Doing it with your brother in the same back line will always be a special feeling too.

DK: Today must feel even more special given that the last few weeks you've put in brilliant performances against teams towards the top of the table and been unlucky to get a result?

Brad: Yeah the lads have been really good in the last few weeks and we’ve got unlucky to not take home more points than we have but a win today puts us on the right track and hopefully we can build from that going into the second half of the season.

Ben: Yeah exsclty just reiterating my previous points that over the last 3 weeks performances haven’t warranted a lot more points and today showed exactly why we all believe we can get out of the situation we are in.

DK: It's Stanway Pegasus away next week to finish off 2024, what type of game are you expecting?

Brad: Any game away from home is always going to be tougher and stanway are a good side who are fighting at the top of table. But I feel if the boys being their a-game and play like we did today we have a good chance of turning anyone in the league over so looking forward to it and hopefully can finish off 2024 with 3 points.

Ben: Stanway are always a great team in this league as proved this season with being high up in the table but if we can keep our levels up with how they were today i think we can finish off 2024 with another 3 points no matter who we play i think the levels we can reach like we did today we can beat anyone in this league.

DK: How have you found this season from a personal perspective?

Ben: This season has been a roller coaster for me personally having been at 3 clubs now i’ve learnt a lot from being at woodbridge and stowmarket and am very grateful to both clubs for the experience they gave me but the best thing for me was coming back here for the rest of the season and maybe even further in the future i’m loving my football again now and am looking forward to hopefully a really strong 2025 and all of us coming together to get us out of the bottom 3.

REACTION | Keiran Morphew, Liam Cross Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Ipswich Wanderers 10.12.2024 |

Captain and MOTM Keiran Morphew discusses last night's shootout victory. 

DK: Through in the end. 

KM: Yeah, all credit to the Wanderers, I thought. Defended well, a couple of good blocks. We obviously dominated possession, second half especially. And we probably had the lion-share first half, but I think all the chances were with us and we just couldn't put them away, but I mean, we got there in the end.

DK: Man of the match, match winner, not a bad night for you. 

KM: Yeah, that's not a match winner, I don't think. That don't count, but yeah, pleased to score a penalty, obviously, at the end, don't take many. But yeah, that was good.

DK: Could we have won the game earlier? 

KM: Yeah, I think if we got a goal earlier, that would have flowed a bit better. But I mean, it didn't. That's one of them. Not all of these games go 3/4-0. A lot of people think they should. It's a bit breezy. Say that's a leveller. But no, I thought we got the job done. We’re through, cup football, it is what it is. 

DK: We were comfortable defensively, good in possession.

KM: Yeah, I think that's, I think first half, obviously, Jose always caused the problems. He's quick, powerful. And obviously any second ball in behind, he's going to be on you in a lot of rush. So we obviously knew, I thought we contained him quite well. But yeah, we had obviously, we were pretty comfortable, but just struggled to get the ball in the back of the net. 

DK: The penalty shootout kind of epitomised the game.

KM: Yeah, that's probably the worst penalty shootout I've ever seen in my life. Just people absolutely quavering them over the bar. Yeah, that's not one to watch.

DK: Any reason why you took the fifth penalty?

KM: Well, yeah, I don't know actually. I was just getting a bottle of water because I'm normally last in the sudden death. I'm after the keeper, but yeah, Tom put me forward. So just passed in the bottom corner. I mean, you have to take these responsibilities. And I've never took one, but I've only taken one before. And it went in, and I've now took two. 

DK: The last one was Yeovil? 

KM: Yeah, the last one and the only one was Yeovil away. And I scored, I put it in the same place.

DK: Do you reckon you'll be taking over the penalties if we get one on Saturday? 

KM: I think Ings will have something to say about that, but absolutely not. I ain't got the stones for that.

DK: Moving on to Saturday. Southport, who we played here in the first home game of the season.

KM: Yeah. It'll be tough. I thought we'd done all right when we played them, but I think they're full time. And I think I showed at the end of the game. And they brought on a striker who changed the game, I thought and then they nicked the goal.

Liam Cross reflects on his Needham debut. 

DK: Welcome to the club. We're through, but not the greatest game. 

LC: Yes, not the greatest game tonight, but through to the next round, and that's all that matters, really.

DK: How did you find your debut? 

LC: Yes, really excited to come in. It was a tough one tonight, like you said. But yes, I enjoyed getting around the lads and everything, a good start, really, because obviously we're in the hat. So that's all that matters. 

DK: Having played against us before, what's it like now to be playing for us? 

LC: Yes, every time I've played against Needham, I've struggled. They've always been a good team, always played a very good way. So, yes, I'm excited to be here. 

REACTION | Tevan Allen, Kevin Horlock Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Scarborough Athletic | 30.11.2024 |

Goalscorer Tevan Allen reflects on yesterday's draw. 

DK: Deserved draw? 

TA: Um, yeah, I think the game was a half-half, really. I think in the

first half, it was even stevens. Second half, anyone could have won the game, simply because I think the game was quite stretched.

It became kind of like a basketball match, going back and forth, because obviously we want the wins at the moment. They're going to win the wins, so it was a good contest, and I think in the end, draws, it's a fair result.

DK: You're the game changer in the end. We're not sure quite who scored, but you created it. 

TA: Yeah, I think the free kicks, it's come off their guy, but whether it's gone on target or not, I don't know. It's just important that we got a goal and got a draw, to be fair. I've got a point. Hopefully, I don't know the results, but hopefully people around us didn't do so well, so we can start to put points on the board. And I think that's the main point, that we put points on the board. 

DK: We're going to put it down, I think, as your goal, which will please you.

TA: I hope so. I needed one. So if the league can give me the goal, then thank you very much, but yeah, I'll take it, if they're giving it to me. 

DK: It looked on target... 

TA: Yeah, I don't know. I didn't really... I wasn't really looking, to be honest. I just tried to put it in an area. It's in a dangerous area where the defender didn't know whether to head it away or whatever to try and do. And it's obviously come off his head, gone in off the back post, so I'll take it as a goal. I'll take it. 

DK: Four points in the last five days, not bad. 

TA: Yeah, not bad at all, I think. Obviously, one being away at Leamington, which is always going to be a hard game after last year, knowing about them a lot, andobviously, with the unknown of Scarborough, I never played them before, at our home pitch,

which was very difficult. I think the pitch is very heavy. So it's a difficult game to play in and to come on in, to be fair, but four points, we take that. We're not going to grumble at it. It's better than zero.

DK: And Saturday, we're back here against Hereford. Hopefully, do the double. 

TA: Hopefully, do the double. I think Hereford are a very good team. We knew that. I think that day, we just turned into adifferent animal against them at their place, so hopefully, we can do the same here, and I think they might struggle because their pitch is so pristine, and I'm not saying ours is not a good pitch, but compared to theirs, it'll be very different for them, and I think it's like a lot of teams that come down here. They're not very used to it, and we are. So hopefully, we can use that to our advantage.

DK: Talking about the fixture at Hereford, you played a key part in the winning goal that night as well.

TA: Yeah, very good night. We could have scored three or four that night.

We could have beaten them 4-0, and even their manager said after the game. I think that was just a very good win all round. Long journey on a Tuesday night, going there with the unknown again, and just absolutely taking it to them. We just didn't leave anything behind. And I think that's probably one of our best performances this season, to be honest. So yeah, hopefully, we can do the same here.

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's draw. 

DK: Deserved point? 

KH: Yeah, I think there weren't a lot in it, especially first half. I think we nullified each other and obviously they get the break with the goal, which obviously from our point of view was disappointing. A little bit of lack of communication and obviously Tommy's caught in two minds, nodded it back and obviously Danny's not there to pick it up. It's rolled into an empty net, which then puts us on the back foot, but we're looking for more energy second half. We looked a little bit leggy, I thought, made a couple of changes early and obviously got the goal, which was probably deserved at that moment. I think as the game went

on, we looked tired, we looked a little bit jaded and obviously they were a threat. They've had a bit of pressure on us the last 10 minutes, but we rode it out. So, yeah, I'm probably a little bit biased, but I think we probably deserve a point, but from their point of view, they'll probably be disappointed they've not nicked it late on. 

DK: Yeah, overall, last two games, four points on the board.

KH: Yeah, we're desperate to win home games, obviously to give the crowd something to cheer about, which has been far and few between this season. So, we're desperate to do it today. It didn't happen.

We've got another opportunity next week against obviously a very good Hereford team, but we've gone there and won already this season. So, hopefully we can do the double and get the three points next week. 

DK: Could it have been three points? 

KH: It could have been. I think we were a little bit wasteful, final third at times. We had a few chances before we equalised. We've had a ball squared across the box. That final pass, that final touch in the final third wasn't good enough today and obviously we didn't get the second goal that we were craving, but it could have been. But in saying that, it

could have been a loss as well. So, I think all in all, we'll take a point and move on. Like I said, it's four points out of the last two games, which is positive. And we just need to keep working hard and trying to achieve what we're trying to achieve. We're winning games of

football, but enough games to stay in this division. 

It's such fine margins in this division where anybody can beat anybody. I think a lot of the teams at the bottom have lost or drawn again today. So, a couple of wins get you out of it and then you can start looking up instead of looking down.

DK: Like you alluded to, having gone behind the character the lads showed was good. 

KH: Yeah, look, I can't fault them for that. I think we've worked hard in every game and every training session we've had since I've been here.

So, I can't fault that. I think at times today we could have worked a little bit smarter. Like I say, it's just that lack of real quality in the final third wasn't there today, unfortunately. So, to show the character to come back from 1-0 down when you can quite easily fold against a

strong outfit. I know they're mid-table, but they've got three games in hand. So, they're a real threat in terms of they've got the big lad up front that they hit and they've got wide men with pace that run in beyond.

So, we've contained them. Obviously, they've not scored. We've scored an own goal today. So, we've defended for our lives and put our bodies on the line. So, that alone gives you a platform to stay in games. We haven't gone on to win it, but we'll take a point and, like I say,

move on.

DK: Yeah, since Danny's come into the team, we know how good Marco is, but Danny's really deserved to keep his spot today. 

KH: Yeah, it was a tough one really for me because, obviously, Marco, I think a world of Marco for me has been the best non-league keeper, certainly in Suffolk, but in the division below. Maybe he's not been as consistent this season as he would like, but he's still a top, top keeper.

It was a difficult one for me to stick with Danny because of that reason, but Danny deserved it.

He's done really well on Tuesday night. He's kept a clean sheet, made important saves at important times. So, today it was a bit of a big call and, yeah, I went with Danny today. 

DK: And you spoke about Hereford on Saturday, a chance of getting a double. 

KH: Yeah, look, they're a good team.

I think on the night when we went to Hereford, we were brilliant on the night. We defended for our lives and we looked a real threat. So, they're going to obviously want to put that right. They're a big club with some really good players. So, it's going to be just as tough as it was today. So, we're going to have to rest up because we've got a free week this week, which is quite rare.

We've been on the road a couple of times, which takes it out of you. So, we'll recuperate and come Saturday, hopefully Jamie will be back in the mix as well. We'll be full squad and raring to go.

DK: It was nice to see Josh back today as well. 

KH: Yeah, and again, Josh has done well since he's been with us on loan, but the lads on Tuesday did really well, clean sheet. We looked solid, so

we went with the same team. I'd say we've got a few knocks. I think Jake's had a whack today, Hamo. So, there's a few bumps and bruises in that day, but we'll see. We'll see and hopefully I'll have a full squad and a headache come Thursday. 

DK: And lastly, what was your view on the equaliser today? 

KH: Good delivery. I think we've questioned the lads at times. I think we've been quite wasteful from set-pieces, dead balls in the final third, where we don't get it in the right area. But I think the delivery was

that good and that's why it resulted. I think it was an own goal in the end, but that all comes from making runs into good areas, but

the ball being delivered there, they're hard to defend. Even when the six-foot-seven landed at giants, they struggled with it. So, yeah, it was a good goal. 

REACTION | Kevin Horlock, Jacob Lay Post Match Interview | Leamington V Needham Market | 26.11.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's win at Leamington.

DK: A big win tonight and well deserved.

KH: Yeah, massive tonight. Obviously, the pleasing thing is the performance. Obviously, the three points are massive for us. We all know the run we've been on, but fair play to the lads. It's very difficult to stick to your beliefs and keep working hard when things ain't going right, but credit to the lads. I think we've come here tonight and anyone that's watched the game, we deserve all three points and no one can grumble. So it was an excellent performance and it's important now. It's been a long time coming. Three points are really valuable to us and it's about backing it up now and I think tonight we've showed again that we can mix it at this level, but we just need to do it on a more consistent basis. 

DK: After an even first half, we were dominant in the second and well earned that.

KH: Yeah, I think first half we come with the mindset of being difficult to beat, but matching what they had and second half we spoke about getting the ball down and playing. I think we did that. We played the majority of the second half in their defensive half. So it was pleasing. We defended so well. First contacts, we won second balls and we looked a threat tonight, and on another night, we could have probably had a couple more.

DK: An important penalty from Luke to win the game, as well as the spot-kick, dispatching it in style. 

KH: Yeah, and again, fair play to him. I think he missed the last season, probably won't thank me for reminding him to win the penalty and then have the composure to get up and dispatch it was massive from him. It showed a lot of character. But the lads, I thought they were brilliant all across the pitch.

Subs that come on made an impact as well. So it was an excellent away performance and we want more of them. Yeah, you alluded to it there. They've done ever so well. They've obviously come up to the division as well with us last year and they've got points on the ball. So people will say, oh, you've only beat someone that's come up with you, but these are doing all right. They're mid-table, got 22 points, I think. So to come here on a Tuesday night and perform like that and get three points is good from the boys. Very good.  

DK: And you said on Saturday about aspiring to replicate how Leamington have started their season, arguably playing them off their own pitch in the second half. 

KH: Yeah, look, there's fine margins in this division. They're obviously, I don't know what it is now, seven points above us, but they've had a good start.

But anybody can beat anybody. And on our day, we're capable of beating any team in this division, but we're just not consistent enough and made little errors. But tonight I thought we were excellent.

So it's all about the positives tonight and we want this to roll into training on Thursday and then into our next league game. Yeah, made a couple of changes tonight, freshened up the team and it worked. Yeah, we've got a squad of players that all want to start. Some haven't been given as many minutes as others. So I think tonight was the night where we've put another couple of fresh legs in, in wide areas, in Jacob and Milzy, and I thought it paid off. I thought they worked really hard, made runs in behind and obviously we put Lukey down the middle, his physical presence, his ability to win aerial battles and win headers and flick-ons, I thought worked really well tonight. 

DK: And on Saturday, Scarborough at home? 

KH: A tough one. Obviously, we've not won nearly enough games at home. So we want it to be a bit of a fortress. And again, I said to the lads, we were excellent tonight and we could be excellent on Saturday like we were tonight and maybe not win. So that's how small the margins are. I don't think Scarborough want a great run themselves. So we'll be looking forward to it and hopefully we can build on what we've got tonight. 

DK: It'll be a bit of a Manchester derby rivalry in the dugouts with you and Jonathan Greening in theirs? 

KH: Well, yeah, I suppose a little bit. He's way above me. I think he's got a Champions League medal and everything. So he's a good lad, Jono. I've done my A licence with Jono. He's a great lad and he's done a great job at Scarborough. So hopefully he continues to do a great job, but just not on Saturday.

Jacob Lay reflects on yesterday's win.

DK: Brilliant win on the road and brilliant performance from you all. 

JL: Yeah, all the lads put in a great shift on the back of not a great run. But all the lads really dug deep today and we deserved the win, 100%.

I think you can say we like this ground. We've done a double over them last year and this year, same again. Yeah, it's great for the lads and hopefully we can just kick on from here.

I think the first half was good as well. I think we set a good base. I think we've done that a lot last year.

We set a good base and then we had something to fight for in the second half. All the lads just upped it another 5-10%. I think it really started to show our quality and what we're capable of.

So hopefully we can just do that some more. 

DK: Yeah, what pleased you most about tonight? 

JL: I think everyone just wanting it more and wanting to get on the ball. I think tonight's performance was a lot like what we saw last year, really. We kept winning games. We played in areas when we had to and we got the ball down and played and moved it well. Hopefully we can keep carrying on and do more of the same.

DK: And Saturday, back at home against Scarborough? 

JL: Yeah, another big game. It won't be easy. I think we should know that by now. Hopefully we can now kick on. Hopefully we've done well tonight. Hopefully we can do it again on Saturday and really start to pick up our form.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Marine V Needham Market | 23.11.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on today's defeat.

DK: A disappointing day today? 

KH: Yes, it's always disappointing when you lose games of football because it's a results game and we're here to win. We've had a tough run, it's been tough so far, but we come here today and after the performance, certainly the second half at Alfreton, I thought we'd have half a chance today and look, goals change games. And the first goal is obviously a mistake and it puts us on the back foot and gives them a chance to hold on to. We huffed and puffed, we tried our second half, we played fairly well where we created chances, half-chances, on another day you score and then we've over-committed and conceded a second which kills the game off. Yes, it's a tough one to take and it's a long journey home now, but there's loads of games to go. We've had quite an honest conversation between us all, staff and players. So it's another big game Tuesday where we need to start winning games and getting three points. 

DK: What is it that's not quite going for us? 

KH: I don't know, obviously we're not free-scoring and we're conceding goals as well, which as a combination isn't great. I think it's just that little bit of belief, that little bit of quality in the final third to give us a foothold in the game where we go ahead rather than a goal down. I think the biggest plus point of today, and you're clutching at straws when you lose games, there's not many, is we worked ever so hard and we give everything we can to the lads' effort. But the point difference from where we are to get out of the bottom four hasn't changed. So it's another game gone, obviously out of the games that are left, but there's still loads left and the point difference is still the same. So we'll take some positives, but we've certainly got to start winning games sooner rather than later. 

DK: Like we've said, second half, we hit the crossbar, we had another couple of chances that another day might go in. 

KH: Yes, look, it's one of them, isn't it? I think last season, when you're winning games and flying high, them little things do go your way. And unfortunately, when you're down the bottom, working really hard to get out of the rut that you're in, they tend to not go your way. So that's football, that's where we're at. Like I said, we've had an honest discussion on areas where we need to be better and improve, and I think first and foremost, the lads have just got to really back themselves a little bit more and show a little bit more confidence in the final third, like we did last year, because I still believe that they're capable. But I also believe that we probably need two or three bodies. Look, I'm here to win games of football and I don't like losing. So I want to make us more competitive and we are a little bit light where we probably need two or three in. But it's difficult. It's not easy to get people into where we're located and the division where we're in is a struggle.

Unfortunately, that's just how it is. And convincing players to come to us is proving tough, but we will get there. We'll keep trying and we will get, eventually, a couple of bodies in.

Not as yet, no. Like I said, we've been working tirelessly to contact people and players. But obviously, players are on contract and some don't want to do the travelling and so forth. There's barriers in the way, but that's not an excuse. That's our job to sort that out and get it done because we're going to need extra bodies to get us out of the position we're in. 

DK: On Tuesday, back to a familiar place in Leamington, where we did all right last year.

Hopefully, replicate it? 

KH: Yes, we got a good result there last year. It was one of them where we probably didn't play as well as we have. But when you're winning, things go your way and we end up getting a good result.

So hopefully, we can go there and emulate that. It's going to be tough. They're obviously a team that's gone up as well and had a fairly good start.

So they're our beacon, really. We want to achieve what they're achieving. So it'd be a good place to start.

DK: Other than what was spoken about today, on the flip side, the positives are again there. 

KH: Yes, there's always positives.

Always positives. But unfortunately, football is a results business. And tomorrow, the people that haven't watched the game today, they'll just see the result and need a market of loss again. So it's my job to get that turned around as soon as possible. But like I said, I can't fault the lads. They were great.

I thought certainly second half. We've dominated long spells. But in them good spells, you've got to score, because if you don't, you're open to what happened, and the second goal obviously just kills the game for us. 

REACTION | Kevin Horlock, Luke Ingram Post Match Interviews | Alfreton Town V Needham Market | 16.11.2024 |

 Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on today's trip to Alfreton in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

DK: So close, but unfortunately nothing as such to show for it. 

KH: It was always going to be tough coming here. We obviously know what Alfreton are about, they're good at what they do in terms of they just play long into a big man and then try and fight you and wrestle you, and first half, I thought we coped with it. Well, we coped with it all game really, but the goals were disappointing where it didn't come from them being direct, it was just being alive on the second balls and obviously 2-0 down at half-time, we've sort of come in and said we need to match that because it's very difficult at times when you play teams that are so direct. Don't play through midfield, just looking for percentages, looking for throw-ins to throw in your box. You have to match that, but then on the back of that, you have to then have the calmness to play. And I think first half, we just kept playing them at their game and you're always going to lose because they're good at it. We started going too long, too early, fight ball. At half-time, we just said, look, we have got to match that, win second balls, but then have the calmness to get the ball down and play. And I thought we did that. Second half, I thought we dominated. We got the goal and it looks like we're going to get right back in it. We've had a couple of chances where on another day we score and then obviously we switch off and go and concede a third goal, which really knocked the wind out of our sails. I'm proud of the boys, second-half performance especially, where we had them on the back foot and they were having a wobble-up, but unfortunately, we couldn't get that elusive second goal that would have drawn us level. 

DK: The two goals were the least we deserved today, though. 

KH: Yes, we looked. We've had chances. When we played, Seth had a header on another day, he scores. I thought he was brilliant when he went on. Ingers has had a couple of balls cut back to him where he said they're going in. The lads blocked them last minute. Mills' ball across the six-yard box should be a tap-in, but it's all ifs, buts and maybes. It was a good performance, barring obviously the two-goal head start, give us a mountain to climb. 

DK: Yes, just one of those days where the way that it's been going for us, we find ourselves behind and it's hard to sometimes come back, but we did that.

KH: Yes, we battled, but we were always going to lose the battle because they were so big and so direct. I just said, look, we need to get the ball down and do what we're good at. When we played, we were a good team. I thought second half showed that. We deserved more from the game. I don't think anyone can deny that. Yes, they've got ball into our box. Yes, they're fighting for everything. You're looking at the referee for a little bit of protection, a little bit of consistency, which on the day I don't think really come. We give ourselves a chance. We huffed and puffed. Like I said, if that second goal comes, I think we'd probably end up winning, but then they scored the third. I don't know how the goal came about. If I'm totally honest, it sort of fell to the ten, he scuffed it and dribbled in the corner. It wasn't a clean goal by any means. It knocked the wind out of ourselves, but I can't fault the lads' effort. I thought they worked the socks off. If we play like that, with that much commitment, and second half where we're creating things in the final third, we'll win more games this season. 

DK: Ingers is now officially our record goal scorer with that penalty and great for Seth to get a goal as well. Yes.

KH: Ingers has been here a long time. He scores goals. You always know what you're going to get from Ingers. He's a solid performer. I thought Seth was brilliant when he came on. He's up against land of the giants. For a young lad, I thought he out-muscled him at times. He's obviously got his goal. He's got the penalty. I thought he did ever so well when he came on. 

DK: It's a good marker for the league, which we return to next week at Marine. 

KH: Yes. That's your level where you've got to play to. Obviously, we've got to try and cut out the goals we concede, obviously. That's stating the obvious, but not all teams play the way Alfreton do. We've got to impose ourselves on games and give as much effort as we have done there. Certainly second half. I'm sure we'll pick up in the league. 

Luke Ingram reflects on becoming the club's outright all time record goalscorer.

DK: A shame about the result, but congratulations on being our all-time goal scorer. 

LI: Yeah, it's been a long time coming. Should have had it already really, but yeah, not the result we wanted, but anyone who's at the game, they'll know that we've had a right go there and we had them wobbling and it gives us something to work on for the next game.

DK: A very well taken penalty, were you always going top left? 

LI: Yeah, I was always going to go there. When your goals ain't flying in, you just go with what you know, so that's the way I'm going. 

DK: How do you mark today on how the season's gone so far? 

LI: I'd say it's probably literally an indicator of our season. We were very timid first half, more worried about them. We were going up the slope against a team who play long balls, put ball in the box, so you've just got to try and get to half-time, minimal damage and play your stuff second half. But unfortunately, we've given away two goals that we shouldn't really give away and it's given us a bit of a mountain to climb and we've nearly climbed it, so there's not really a lot more you can say. It's just, on another day, we don't give them two goals first half and we beat them.

DK: How does it mean to you to be both all-time record scorer and appearance maker now for us? 

LI: Yeah, it's obviously pleasing. I'm very obviously proud and happy to have them accolades. But to be honest, when you're losing a lot, things like that, I couldn't really care less about. I just want to get some wins and there's no doubt that we are starting to turn the corner and the result's going to start to turn. We've got some good fixtures coming up, so we've just got to all dig in together and see what these next few games bring and might be able to lift us out of the bottom three. 

DK: Yeah, still early days yet, like you say, today could easily change our season for the better. 

LI: Yeah, of course, it's still early. But at the end of the day, it's got to start somewhere and the performances have turned. We've been very good, but we've just got to start turning them into points now. Anyone who's been at the games, they'll see we've been very slack on set pieces. We give a lot of goals away as set pieces and that puts you up against it straight away. We've got to be more clinical in the box when we're going forward. We've really got to start scoring more goals. Today's a start, we scored two goals, had three more chances that on another day go in. We've got something to work with, but we're a team, we don't blame anyone.

REACTION | Dan Morphew, Tom Rothery Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Chester | 09.11.2024 |

Defender Dan Morphew reflects on his 300th Needham appearance.

DK: Congratulations on your 300th Needham appearance. 

DM: Yeah, thank you. It's a nice milestone, but a disappointing day in general, but it's always a good thing to achieve. I'm pleased to have made it to 300. Hopefully I've got 400 in the legs. So yeah, like I say, it's a good achievement, but yeah, three points would have been nicer. 

DK: We were on track for a well-deserved point until late on.

DM: Yeah, I think we dominated the game, if I'm telling the absolute truth. I think most of the game, we're the team on top. We're the team pushing, trying to score. I think the only thing you'd say is we didn't really create enough clear-cut chances. We had some half chances, but some good crosses in the box, but no one really on the end of it, but we were the team in the ascendancy the whole game. There were 11 men behind the ball, all in their half. But I think if you ask their manager, he'll most likely say it's a perfect away performance, kept it tight, didn't give too much away, and then they've nicked a winner. So it's disappointing from our point of view. I think the dressing room is disappointed. I think we all felt we were the better team today and we were on top the whole game, but we just couldn't do enough to get it over the line, which is unfortunate.  I think to a certain degree, you earn luck. I think they're the fine margins at this level of football. We've played well, kept concentrated for 90 minutes or for 85 minutes, and that one minute where you let your man go in the box or you lose track of the ball as the corner comes in, you're punished. I think that's the standard of football we're at. I think we need to really hone in on that. Set pieces are difficult at this level. I think they're very physical in the box. When you're attacking set pieces, it's more like a rugby maul than anything else, and I think we're a bit too soft when it comes the other way around. When we're defending corners, we're not as aggressive as what the other teams are when they're defending us. You've got hands all over you, being pushed everywhere when you're trying to attack the ball, and we're too nice when it comes to defending. We're too nice when people are putting in blocks. We're not getting tight enough and physical enough, I think sometimes, which we're a bit guilty of. But I think we'll learn from that, I think, and we'll keep getting better as we go.

DK: We've now got three straight away games, starting with the FA Trophy away at Alfreton.

DM: That'll be a nice trip to Alfreton, I'm sure. Nice close one, nice local draw, but I think, as players, we're used to travelling away on long journeys, so it makes no difference to us. We've been doing okay away from home as well at times. We've had ups and downs. But last year, certainly, we were good on the road. And that's something we're looking to get back into this year. So, yeah, looking forward to it.

Assistant manager Tom Rothery reflects on yesterday's game.

DK: How do you reflect on the result and performance today?

TR: The results disappointing but I think the performance was pretty good. There was a lot of endeavour, intensity and effort was spot on but overall didn’t defend the set piece well and it costs you again so that’s clearly disappointing. First half we carried more threat and didn’t really kick on in the second half which you’re hoping and aiming to do. I think overall we were well in the game and I think they’re a good side so it’s a disappointing result but we need to stay strong and keep looking to make improvements on the training pitch and improvements in the squad in key areas. 

DK: Is it a point dropped or all 3? 

TR: It’s no points so not sure about any of that but we got we got so we just need to learn and improve simple as really but after a heavy and awful defeat the reaction and performances have had positives so we need to feed off them and improve more. 

DK: Without going too much into it, the last 10 minutes must be up there as some of the more bizarre we've had this season?

TR: Watching it (the sending off) live I think it’s harsh. The forwards tried to block which you see in a lot of games I thought Marco just armed him or shouldered him away so I didn’t think there was too much in it but maybe I’ve not seen something or not seen what the officials feel they have. Danny coming on, as I said to him, no pressure just gamble and enjoy it. Danny’s a very capable young goalkeeper so that’s a good thing for him but unfortunately doesn’t help us today but still again shows what Danny is capable of. 

DK: Are there any positives from today?

TR: As I’ve said the work ethic and attitude from all the players as in competing doing the ugly side of the game I think we’ve done well and to some maybe that’s not enough or they don’t see that but for me there are clinks of light to show that we are growing as a team but only points now really fully demonstrate that and again hopefully a couple of improvements and Keiran and Josh coming back in will help that. But we are demonstrating more what we can do on the ball I can see more phases of play coming out but overall we just need more whether that’s quality or decision making but we will keep striving to do that. 

DK: A brief break from the league next week, as we visit Alfreton in the Trophy?

TR: Yeah no midweek so we all get a break from the travel and can rest and recuperate and add more details to what is some more tough games and travel to come with three long away trips up next.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Rushall Olympic V Needham Market | 05.11.2024

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's draw.

DK: Bit of a bitter pill to swallow really? 

KH: Yeah, it feels like points dropped after obviously playing so well. Showed endeavour, obviously get the goal that we were craving, and then to concede a set-piece, it's so frustrating. I think it's a Stonewall penalty, turned it away. To be fair, in the end we could have lost it right at the death there. So, albeit every point you gain in this league away from home is a bonus, but I feel like it should have been free tonight.

DK: Yeah, we deserved to take the lead. It just maybe could have been more. 

KH: Yeah, I think Ingers hit the post first half.

Ollie's had (a) half-chance, set-pieces just didn't quite drop to us. But when we get a goal up, I thought we were going to see the game out. Obviously, they put two up and obviously went longer, bombarded us, and we coped with it, apart from that one corner where obviously they got first contact on it. I think it's headed into the ground, looped over and underneath the bars. Sort of the goals that we're conceding at the minute, and then, like I said, I think it's a Stonewall penalty. There's no way that's not a penalty. But for some reason, the ref didn't think it was. So, it's frustrating, but it's another point. Obviously, results haven't gone our way tonight, but tonight's not going to determine our season. Obviously, there's loads and loads of games left, but it was encouraging..We've obviously not lost in two now. So, we need to build on that and obviously try and get three points in and wins, which is a lot better than a one. 

DK: It was a very well-taken header from Milzy to take the lead? 

KH: Yes. We were knocking on the door. We had chances. We didn't show that much composure in front of goal tonight, unfortunately, because if we had, we'd have won the game, but yes, he was in the right place at the right time, and he could have had another one.

DK: Going into this game, since you've taken over, I think we've lost every game that we've played here, and against Rushall. So, that's a bonus? 

KH: Yes, it's a start. It's a start. I wish it had been a win. Obviously, it would have looked a lot better, and I think the performance deserved that, but in football, you don't always get what you deserve and we keep working hard. One day, it's going to be a long, old slog of a season, but we've got to keep our heads up. Like I said, the positive is we've not lost in two, and we need to build on that.

DK: I was just going to say that it's two points in a few days, which is good momentum for Saturday? 

KH: Yes, as long as we recover properly. Obviously, we'll train Thursday, and then put in the performance of a life, again, against a really good team. It's going to be a tough ask. But we'll be raring to go.

REACTION | Luke Ingram, Kevin Horlock, Seth Chambers Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Spennymoor Town | 02.11.2024 |

Luke Ingram reflects on his club record 500th appearance. 

DK: A good point to mark your landmark appearance! 

LI: Yeah. Had a chance to get a goal as well. But, yeah, big point. Morale's been blown and things have been hard. People sort of turn out against us, but we've got our point, it's got to start somewhere, so a last minute point. I think we're all good for a point. Like, we sort of we looked leggy in some parts of the game, but think we were worthy of a point. We've had some good chances today. 

DK: And to make your 500th appearance for Needham is a special achievement! 

LI: Yeah. Very special. Having my, my family here. My Nan hasn't been to a game for years. So, yeah, it was very special, and hopefully, to many more for this, great club. I mean, it'd have been nice to get a win, and I felt like we were in the game. They were there to be beat, but, yeah, like I say, we've got to start somewhere, so a point here. We've got an away game at Rushall, Tuesday, long trip. People underestimate how hard these trips are for us. They expect us to just go away and win. They need to take into account. We've got jobs, and we're just traveling. It does take us toll, but we're going to Rushall off with a little bit of confidence. We're going to look to get 3 points and push up table and ultimately look looking to stay in league and stay up. 

DK: So far this season, are you happy with results and performances? 

LI: I'd say we're probably 6 or 7 points short of where we should be if we sort of take our chances and we've had a few mistakes in the goals. But, at the end of the day, this league, people need to realize it's a fine margin league. You can play well and lose. You can play bad and win, and it's always gonna be a tight margin to sit all about what happens in the 2 boxes. So we need to we need to score some more goals and, obviously, keep clean sheets, but look look at look how many players we got out injured. 

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's draw.

DK: A Deserved point? 

KH: Yes, I definitely think we deserved something from the game. Obviously, as we were running out of time and you're 1-0 down, you wonder whether that's actually going to happen, especially on the run we're on at the minute and the knocks and injuries we got. So, to score so late on and get a point, I think it was deserved, but, yes, that was big today. That was a big goal from Seth under pressure. Great finish and a massive point. I know it's only a point, but it stops the rot of losing games. Hopefully, give the lads a lift and we go into a massive game on Tuesday. 

DK: Overall, would you say it's a point gained rather than potentially two dropped? 

KH: I think, look, in this division, all the games are tough. Certainly, the away ones with the travelling we do. So, if you're looking to get three points at home as often as you can, today would have been one of those days where I would hope to get three, obviously. But, in saying that, obviously, we've got lads coming into the team today that have been unable to train due to injuries and knocks they've received, Hamo, you've got Ingers, you've got Dan coming back, not played for two weeks, you've got Tommy coming back in. So, it's always going to be a tough game. So, I'll take a point today. I'll take a point. Like I said, it stops the rot. With it being so late as well, it always feels a little bit nicer, so yeah, we'll dust ourselves down and roll onto Tuesday. 

DK: Two substitutes had a big part in the equaliser, with Seth scoring it, and Ollie's run starting it.

KH: Yeah, look, they're good young players. And obviously, we're at a really good level now. And all the lads are vying for starts. So, they've been patient. Seth's not started for a while. And for him to come off and on and get off the mark is pleasing for him, and Ollie's a player that's got a real bright future ahead.

DK: Tuesday's a familiar ground, especially on a Tuesday night as well. 

KH: Yes, one where we've not had much joy since I've been manager, for sure. So, we'll be looking to put that right. They've had a tough FA Cup game, I think, today against Accrington. So, hopefully, all the emotions from that will level out. Obviously, the game that we've had here today and the travel that we've got to do. So, we'll go there ready. We'll go with a squad that's hopefully raring to go and we'll give it our all.

DK: How do you see the season so far? 

KH: It's been tough. I think we always knew it would be. Probably a little bit tougher than I probably first envisaged. I think it's just the physicality of it. Obviously, with a lot of the teams being full-time, it does give them an edge. And it's not an excuse, but the travelling we do is fairly difficult at times, but we knew that was going to be the case. So, we're all still fully focused, still working really hard to gain enough points to secure our position in this division next year.

Goalscorer Seth Chambers reflects on his first league goal at step 2.

DK: A well-earned point and a massive goal for you as well. 

SC: Yes, it was good for the team and good for me to get the goal at the end. It feels like a win almost because I felt like we were well in the game. That would have been a gutting game to lose, I felt personally, I felt we played well, we kept in the game, we were unlucky not to have other goals. To then concede, I don't know, maybe the fans were thinking, here we go again. I don't know, but me personally, I felt like there was definitely going to be at least a chance to level it up. I know they're missing players as are we. I felt confident that we would get something and we deserved something in the end.

DK: After coming off the bench, you made a big impact, not only with the goal. 

SC: Yes, you never want to be on the bench. It's been a tough start to the season with obviously playing a bit and not getting any rewards for whatever reason, obviously being in and out of the team. For me, I've been trying to work as hard as I can during the week, doing sessions with the reserves and various other things. It was nice to come on to make a difference in the game because that's the main reason you've been brought on at the end of the day.The manager's bringing you on because they need something different. They need something to happen that isn't at the minute. Thankfully, it fell nicely.

DK: After the course of the game, in a way, on other days that we've had this season, we could have just thought it's not our day. 

SC: Yes, we showed character. It would have been very easy for the lads and for all of our heads to drop and we just accept that we've lost the game because we've gone 1-0 down, which we have been maybe guilty of doing that in games where we've gone 1 or 2-0 down and we've thought it's not our day and we've not been able to get back into it, but you could see that we still believed that we could get something from it. So, yes, I'm proud.

Charlie Smy | Needham Market Reserves v FC Peterborough | 26.10.2024 |

Reserves midfielder Charlie Smy reflects on yesterday's 2-2 draw at home.

DK: A good result today, what did you make of it?

CS: Yes very good result for the team today against a good footballing side. A point that the boys are really pleased with and that I feel we deserved.

DK: An important goal for you, what was going through your mind as it happened?

CS: I saw the ball fall to me from a deflection and it was just instinct to hit it first time to try and work the keeper.

DK: It must be even more pleasing to have picked up a great result against 6th placed?

CS: Yes as I’ve said before it’s a huge point for us as a team and it’s a result we are very happy with against a team that will definitely be up there this season.

DK: Up next, a trip to Holbeach, with an opportunity to hopefully build on today's draw?

CS: Yes hopefully we can carry on our momentum from today against what will be another tough test.

DK: Overall, how are you finding the season from a personal perspective?

CS: I’m really enjoying my first season in men’s football. Even though results haven’t always gone our way I feel that we’re learning from each game and are still trying to play football the right way.

REACTION | Nico Valentine Post Match Interview | Buxton V Needham Market | 26.10.2024 |

Goalscorer Nico Valentine reflects on yesterday's trip to Buxton.

NV: Obviously we know, we've looked at ourselves in there and, it's unacceptable, the first half performance. And we know that. I think we've got away from the stuff that we were doing last season. We've spoken about it. I think there was a lot more accountability last season, putting our bodies on the line a lot more last season. And I don't know, it's one of them where we can't go under in games. Like it showed we were 3-0 down and then obviously I've got my goal and we're kind of back in the game and you kind of thought we've got a chance here. But once the fourth has gone in, heads have dropped again, but last season, I think we still fight back. Obviously, it's very difficult when you're at the bottom of the league playing in teams like that. But we just need to go back to last season and look what even just off the pitch and the morale was like, because that's what got us through a lot of the games last season. It was on the table there and you never knew which way it was going to go. But because obviously the morale was good last season, it was easier to get results. But yeah, we have to move on.

We can't dwell on this. 

DK: Yeah, in a weird way it wasn't really a 7-1 game. 

NV: Yeah. Obviously, there's mistakes within it. I don't think we've really defended well enough today, haven't dealt with the ball early enough. But second half, I think we came out, it's hard to say, but you're obviously 6-1 down, but the only credit we can give ourselves from today is that we've come out in the second half and we've competed and we've not gone under. It would have been easy to be 10-11 after you're six down at half time, but I think the boys went out and did well in the second half. Obviously, it's a sucker blow conceding late on again. But yeah, we'll look at clips and we'll work on it and and well, it will never happen again. And I'm sure of that. 

They were clinical as well. Very clinical. I think they were good going forward. Not sure we tested them enough going the other way. I think maybe they're a little bit shaky with balls in behind. I don't think they dealt with them completely well, but obviously, they've got their chance and punished us. And when you've got three kicks like that flying into the top corner, you know it's your day. And obviously, it's a good day for them. They're looking at it on the opposite side. But I think we need to take a little bit of a look at ourselves and go, could we have defended better and could we have taken our chances better down the other end? But yeah. 

DK: One positive is, that you've scored first goal at Step 2.

NV: Yeah, it's first goal at this level. Obviously, it's not come in a great game and would have preferred to have a goal in a winning game. But yeah, for me personally, it's good to get off the mark. It gives confidence. 

DK: We'll move on quickly to Saturday, back at home, where we'll need our fans to get behind us and push on. 

NV: Yeah, it's tough when you're down there, but you need as many people as you can get in behind you. It's easy to turn on teams, but you look at the end of last season and that's another reason why we did so well last season. So many people were behind us. They don't understand how much it helps when people are positive and we're trying to stay positive in that. It's a long season with 14 games in, there's still 90-odd points to play for. And come the end of the season, you never know what could happen. We could be looking back at this and thinking, do you remember that day in Buxton when we got beaten 7-1? But yeah, we'll see.

REACTION | Kyle Hammond, Kevin Horlock Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Brackley Town | 22.10.2024 |

Match report

REACTION | Kyle Hammond Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Brackley Town | 22.10.2024 |

Goalscorer Kyle Hammond reflects on last night's defeat.

DK: Bit of a tough one to take tonight. 

KH: Yeah, just said it there. I think just tough one.

I thought we actually played okay. At the end of the day, conceding under a minute, I think it was, doesn't help us. And then now the goals were set pieces. There's too many first corners in the box. And yeah, I think, like I said, I thought we played okay, but huffed and puffed. And then, like I said, their goals were just set pieces, which we just weren't good enough at, you know, like both boxes.

So yeah, tough one really. 

DK: It was one of those days where chances go for them first half, but second half, they didn't go for us. 

KH: Yeah, I mean, first half, I think the only chance they had that they scored from, to be fair, and then, yeah, we've obviously hit the bar twice. I think we might have had a couple of half chances in the first half, but yeah, just disappointing tonight because I thought we played well. And I think it was a little bit of a, it was a 100% improvement in terms of how we played to Saturday. So we've just got to keep positive, dust ourselves down and games come quick and fast. So we've just got to put it right. 

DK: Another goal for you, which is one positive from tonight? 

KH: I'd rather, I'd rather stop three goals tonight, to be honest with you, but yeah, that doesn't really mean much to me, to be fair, scoring. I just took a little bit of a chance at the back post, and as it was coming across, I thought, do I hit this first time? And then I thought, I'm going to sky this if I've hit it first time. So I took a touch and just with my left foot, put it in there. 

DK: And next up, away to Buxton, I believe.

Hopefully you get a good result. 

KH: Well, yeah, obviously we go into every game believing we can win, and I think we've got that belief there. We've just got to think it back to just doing the basics well from, especially from last year, just like, you know, defending and all those kinds of things that we've done really well last year. And I know it's obviously not as easy or tough, it's tougher in this league, but we've still just got to do the basics as best as we can. And I think that gives us more of a chance to win games.

DK: One bonus was a couple of weeks ago now, you made your 150th game for the club. 

KH: Yeah, I'm proud of that. You know, 150 appearances in three full seasons, so yeah, I mean, you know, I'm proud of that. So hopefully many more!

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Brackley Town | 22.10.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's defeat.

DK: A bit of a tough one to take tonight? 

KH: Frustrating because on the night I thought between the two boxes we played reasonably well but unfortunately they were better than us in both boxes. They defended better than us and obviously they were clinical and I think it set up nicely for them. Obviously 40 seconds in or a minute in, long throw in the box, free header, unopposed finish which is obviously disappointing and it gives us a mountain to climb. We tried to climb it then we give them another goal and you just can't give goals away at this level, you get punished and it makes it very difficult.

DK: Second half we had enough chances to get a point really? 

KH: Yeah but I suppose the damage was done, we're chasing the game. They've sat off and sat deep and looked to hit us on the counter attack which they still look dangerous. I can't fault the lads in between the boxes but unfortunately that's not what wins you games. Defending and putting your bodies on the line and winning headers in our own box and being clinical in the other box is what gets you points and unfortunately we didn't do either of them today. 

DK: Like you say, we did well to get ourselves back level but then not long after conceded? 

KH: Yeah I think they recognised that we're missing possibly three of the back four tonight. In Dan Morphew, Keiran Morphew, Tommy Smith, they're big players for us but that said they threw the first ball in the box and scored from it and then loaded it for more areas then. See that we're struggling with that and yeah we just didn't do well enough in them areas. Winning first contact in the box and if you're not going to win first contact you've got to make it difficult for them and certainly got to win the second contact which we didn't and that's where the goals come from. And on the flip side I thought we put balls in really good areas tonight from set pieces and they're clearing it and defending it. Obviously when the chances did come we didn't have the rub of the green with it across bar on the post but I think the game was petering out then at that point anyway so we was all huff and puff. Passed the ball reasonably well, I thought we moved it through the thirds but unfortunately let ourselves down in that final third.

DK: What was the team talk at half-time like? 

KH: Just to be a bit more aggressive in both boxes really to obviously get numbers in the opposing box to create chances to score but get around it because obviously I knew they was going to throw things in the box because they was getting joy from it and I think we did it slightly better second half but that said once they got the third goal they were obviously dropping deep and soaking pressure up and looking to it as on the counter so from their point of probably the perfect away performance. 

DK: Moving on we've got Buxton away on Saturday, a chance to respond? 

KH: Yeah there's always a game around the corner. The downside is I don't think any of the lads that have not been involved tonight will be fit so we are still quite short of missing key members of the squad but it is what it is. No one else is going to help us so it's about us rolling the sleeves up and being better in the boxes than we were tonight then we'll have a chance because I think football wise we moved the ball well into good areas and just was lacking that final finish. Dylan's coming back so he's had an ankle injury, he's not done a full training session as yet so obviously Thursday probably train and then we'll see where he's at. 

DK: Eddie was on the bench tonight, it's good to see him back involved! 

KH: Yeah look like I said we was a little bit short tonight so Ed didn't have a game at his loan club Woodbridge so we got him involved and unfortunately didn't get on but he's a good young player.