REPORT + REACTION | Needham Market U18 v Woodbridge Town U18 | 25.03.2026 |

Needham Market Under-18's reached a third straight Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup Final, following a 4-0 victory over Woodbridge Town at Ipswich Wanderers.

The holders struck twice in 3 minutes, first Evan Gledhill met Flynn Bobby's corner, before James Coton latched onto the rebound from Bobby's free-kick to turn home a second on 21 minutes.

Coton thundered home his second and Needham's third ten minutes later, prior to Charlie Smy netting a late fourth to round off a solid evening for the young Reds.

Charlie Smy (10') weaved into space before shooting over from distance, in a fairly even start to the game.

At the other end (16'), an excellent save from Charlie Skinner - who flew high to his left, stretching his arm superbly to tip the striker's shot behind.

Woodbridge (17') headed ovver from point blank range from the resulting corner, as a brilliant ball across goal was intercepted for a Needham corner up the other end.

Evan Gledhill headed the Marketmen in front from the following set-piece (18'), expertly meeting Flynn Bobby's pinpoint delivery to bullet head home into the roof of the net.

In quick-fire fashion, Needham doubled their lead 3 minutes later - Bobby's long range free-kick was on target, which the keeper spilled out for James Coton to turn home the loose ball.

Clever play saw Coton (31') added a third, and his second, after the attacker's close range shot was deflected just wide from Bobby's brilliant low cross from distance, the former latches onto the loose ball to rifle a half-volley into the roof of the net.

Woodbridge (40') went close to pulling to a goal back, half-volleying just over from close range after Skinner parried away a cross.

Skinner (45') was again forced into another excellent stop, flying high to his left to beat a shot away.

Needham appeals for a penalty (45'+1') were waved away as a shot went just wide of the bottom far corner, with Bobby curling a great effort from the left-hand edge of the box (45'+4') at goal, prompting a deflection to turn it narrowly wide, as Luke Betts' side led 3-0 at the break.

After the break, Coton's (50') ferocious strike from 20-yards out was beaten away by the keeper, ahead of Smy's (56') ferocious goal-bound strike from the left-hand edge of the box being inadvertently blocked by Olly Reynolds.

Smy (57') blazed agonisingly wide, before a great stop from the keeper (63') thwarted Gledhill from netting a brace.

The striker's stunning curling 30-yard free-kick looked destined to find the top right-hand corner until the keeper flew across to tip it over via the top of the crossbar.

While Skinner (67') was alert to tip away a dangerous right wing corner, Olly Bowman (68') swung an excellent spot-on rirght wing cross into Gledhill whose header was glanced just wide of the bottom far corner.

Coton (70') wrapped a good effort narrowly over from just outside the area, ahead of Olly Bowman smartly tracking his man to reduce the angle - with the resulting shot comfortably gathered by Skinner.

Woodbridge lashed a good strike narrowly wide, as Needham added a fourth (85').

Following great play, Brad Smith thread Harry Hopkins whose flick on slid Charlie Smy through onto the left-hand side, one-on-one with the keeper to cooly pick out the bottom right-hand corner.

A very good professional performance from Betts' side, who will face Leiston in the Final.

Needham:- 1 Charlie Skinner, 2 Olly Bowman (83' Grimmer), 3 Brad Smith, 4 Kellen Fiddy (C), 5 Olly Reynolds, 6 Charlie Smy, 7 Oscar Wakeling (65' Vieira), 8 Harry Hopkins, 10 James Coton, 11 Flynn Bobby (83' Tamila), 19 Evan Gledhill (77' Nunn). Subs: 9 Henry Vieira, 14 Zak Tamila, 15 Fenton Grimmer, 16 Jack Nunn, 17 Jake Bloom (GK).

Booked: Harry Hopkins (56'), Kell Fiddy (74')

Goals: Evan Gledhill (18'), James Coton (21', 31'), Charlie Smy (85').

Double goalscorer James Coton reflects on last night's victory.

DK: A great win tonight, how pleased are you?

JC: Yeah it was a really good which I am pleased with I really enjoy big games like that with the boys under the lights.

DK: Very professional performance, which must make it even more pleasing?

JC: Yeah it was a good performance not just from me but from everyone. Going in 3-0 at half time it was important that everyone remained professional and kept our foot on the gas and didn’t concede.

DK: Two goals in a semi-final, to add to your tally - two well taken finishes?

JC: Yeah it’s always nice to score in any game but go get two to help the team get through to the final makes it even more special.

DK: Having made the final last year, can you put into words how it feels to have done it again?

JC: Yeah it feels good to have made another final it was a target that we set ourselves at the start of the season to retain the cup and it is one that we are only one game from doing so we are all really happy with that and I am looking forward to playing in it.

DK: You must be proud of the season you've been having personally, scoring goals and getting recognised with apps in the first team?

JC: Yeah I am pleased with how the season has gone so far. Making appearances for the first team is something I am really proud of as I enjoy challenging myself at that level and it has been a good experience.

DK: As a close knit team, it must make what you've achieved as a team over the 12 months extra special?

JC: It does make it really special I love the environment that has been created at the academy by all the coaches and all the players I think it is the perfect balance of having fun and being hard working and professional I think that is why we have achieved so much as a group.

Goalkeeper Charlie Skinner discusses reaching the Final of the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup.

DK: A very good performance to make the final, how proud are you?

CS: Yes very proud of all of the lads in what was a tough game at times but we kept going right till the end, I think we all agreed that it wasn’t are most pretty performance but shows what a good to team we are to get it over the line.

DK: Some big saves from you to keep a clean sheet, how nice is it to contribute in that way?

CS: Yes, it’s always nice to come away with a win but getting a clean sheet aswell just makes it that little bit sweeter for me and the team and it’s always nice for me and the defence to do our part when the forwards are doing there’s.

DK: Can you describe how easy or difficult it can be to keep switched on as a GK throughout in a semi-final?

CS: For me personally I find it easy to because of how important it is to keep switched on, anything can happen in games and they can be changed so quickly.

DK: After winning the cup last season, does it make it even better to make it back there this season?

CS: Definitely it feels so good to make it to another final with this group of players and going back to back finals just shows how well we play as a team and is a special feeling.

DK: As a goalkeeper, you're no doubt very pleased with your clean sheet record in cup competitions?

CS: Definitely yes I’m very happy with it and there’s no better feeling for a gk than to support your team in that way.

DK: Having missed out on parts of the season through injury, it must make it extra rewarding to make it to the Cup Final?

CS: Yes having missed very important games throughout my injury it was very tough for me not being able to help my team in them games so managing to come back and get to a final with this team is very much rewarding.

DK: A huge game for the Reserves on Saturday, what are your thoughts going into that game?

CS: Yes a massive game Saturday which no doubt we need 3 pts out of it, as a team we have all said how important these last few games are in reserves and how important it is to finish strong right till the end.

INTERVIEWS | Olly Bowman and Ryan Pitt | 22.03.2026 |

Olly Bowman 22.03.2026

Under-23's and Under-18's full-back Olly Bowman discusses reaching the Suffolk Reserve Cup Final and the Under-18's season so far.

DK: A great win at home, how delighted are you?

OB: Yeah really happy to win again today especially with such a great scoreline to go with it. Thought the boys were excellent and thoroughly deserved it so yeah very happy.

DK: To pick up a couple of goals and 2 assists yourself, must make it even sweeter?

OB: Of course always nice to score even nicer to score 2 and the assists as well make the win all that more sweeter.

DK: U23s wise you're on a good 3 game winning run, how nice is that feeling?

OB: I think the boys have really started to click as a squad and are finally starting to reap the rewards of the ability the whole squad has and it’s a great feeling and great to be a part of.

DK: Among that 3 game run, you notably secured a spot in the Suffolk Reserve Cup Final, can you put into words what that feels like to achieve that?

OB: It was unreal and to do it in that style made it even better. I’m extremely proud of the boys it’s needhams first time in that final and I think we thoroughly deserved to go through, hopefully we can go all the way now!!

DK: It was also a spectacular comeback to do so, does that make it one of your favourite ever games?

OB: I think it’s definitely up there everyone loves a comeback especially one that puts you in the final so yeah definitely one of my favourite games I’ve played in for sure.

DK: You've also enjoyed success in the U18's this season, only losing once all campaign - from a personal point of view (excluding your injury earlier this season) that must make it an incredible season?

OB: To be unbeaten at 18s in a league which is by no means easy is a great feeling and a testament to how hard the lads are working on the training pitch to get these results. So yeah so far a great season but getting through to that final would make it even better!

Ryan Pitt 20.03.2026

Reserves defender Ryan Pitt reflects on Wednesday's 1-0 away win at Wroxham Reserves.

DK: A great win on the road at Wroxham Reserves on Wednesday, how delighted are you?

RP: Yeah delighted. It was a much needed win after tough spell.

DK: I'm told it was a brilliant team performance, which must make it more rewarding?

RP: Of course. Backing up a good result with a good performance gives us more confidence going forward.

DK: It must be a nice feeling to have scored in back to back games now?

RP: Always nice to get on the scoresheet. More so Wednesday because it was an important goal that ultimately gave us the three points.

DK: What was going through your mind as you scored the winner on Wednesday?

RP: Happiness and relief to put us ahead and get the goal that I feel we probably just about deserved in the game.

DK: With just a handful of games left of the season, how do you feel the campaign has gone - both personally and as a team?

RP: I feel like we’ve fallen short of the standard that I feel that we are capable of. I think with the quality we have we shouldn’t be in the position we are. That being said I’ve think we’ve shown in glimpses across the season what we can do with some excellent performances - just a shame we couldn’t do that more regularly. For me personally its a similar story - some good performances but also some not so great. Still 6 games left to play though, so there’s an opportunity to end strong.

DK: A week break before a huge home game against Wivenhoe, what your thoughts ahead of that game?

RP: big opportunity to build on the win Wednesday. However I don’t think it will be an easy game so we need to be at our best again.

DK: How important do you think Wednesday's win could be going into next weekend's match?

RP: I think the win will give us great confidence and the belief that we are capable of beating many sides in this league on our day. 

Needham Market U18 V Walsham Le Willows | 19.03.2026 |

Needham Market Under-18's remain unbeaten in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Youth League Central Division, with a 5-2 win over Walsham Le Willows at Bloomfields.

Luke Betts' side sit second in the table, winning 9 of ten league outings (drawing once), eight points behind leaders Hadleigh United with 5 games in hand.

However, Walsham pounced to intercept possession and break the deadlock (5'), Rocco Runce broke clean through to tap into an empty net from close range.

Needham meanwhile had a couple of good chances. Kellen Fiddy (8') whipped a dangerous left wing free-kick high in the opposition's half just over Red shirts in the middle, as Dawson Coldwell (14') shot agonisingly just wide of the bottom right-hand corner from inside the area.

Needham went close again (15'), a pinpoint ball out wide to the left wing was excellently cushioned first time onto Coldwell to tee up Kell Fiddy free outside the box to lash just wide of the bottom far corner.

The young Marketmen soon equalised, Dawson Coldwell (20') was fed through in the box after a good turn and pass from Aden Chandler, where the striker controlled the ball neatly to slot home smartly into the bottom right-hand corner.

Walsham (33') shot straight at Bloom, while Fiddy (39') fired narrowly wide of the bottom far, right-hand, corner from outside the box.

Needham took the lead (41'), a right wing corner broke to Fenton Grimmer to rifle home on the half-volley into the bottom left-hand corner from just outside the area. 

At the other end, Freddie Flowers-Butcher (43') was threaded through on the left-hand side whose low strike at the bottom left-hand corner was beaten behind well by Jake Bloom.

Needham (45'+1') shot over, though Ruben Hipperson (46') instantly fired Walsham level. 

Bloom (51') held onto a good low left wing free-kick, although Needham were awarded a penalty after Riley Parker was fouled in the box (58').

Kell Fiddy (59') took the resulting spot-kick, firing Needham back in front, low into the middle of the net for 3-2.

Fiddy (63') wrapped an excellent low free-kick just wide of the bottom right corner from 30-yards, in a very closely fought game.

Tamila (67') swung a dangerous right wing freekick to the far post, which went just wide evading two arriving Red shirts.

Aden Chandler (69') added a fourth, latching onto the loose ball to slam home after a blocked effort into the roof of the vacant net. 

Tamila (71') drove through free down the right-hand side only to see his close range near post stop denied superbly by the foot of the keeper at his near post.

A strong two handed save from Bloom (84') thwarted a fierce first time wrapped shot from the edge of the box towards his top near corner, though Needham (86') flashed a good low left wing effort just wide of the bottom far corner.

Parker (92') shot just wide at range, before Coton (94') weaved through onto the right-hand to square low for Parker whose back heeled effort was comfortable for the keeper.

Zak Tamila (95') rounded off proceedings, smartly breaking through to round the committed stopper and turn home Needham's fifth. 

The Under-18's face Woodbridge Town in the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup Semi-Final at Ipswich Wanderers on Wednesday (7:45pm).

Booked: Grimmer (51'), Tamila (78').

Goals: Dawson Coldwell (20'), Fenton Grimmer (41'), Kellen Fiddy (59'pen), Aden Chandler (69'), Zak Tamila (95'); Rocco Runce (5'), Ruben Hipperson (46')

REPORT & REACTION | Needham Market U18 V Lowestoft Town U18 | 26.02.2026 | Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup QF | Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena |

Needham Market Under-18's advanced to a fourth Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup Semi Final in we many seasons, following a 3-0 victory over Lowestoft Town.

Needham (3') went close after some great play, Kellen Fiddy headed away a long ball forward to Evan Gledhill to expertly wrap a great ball round the corner to James Coton racing free down the right to pick out Flynn Bobby with an excellent cross whose far post close range header glanced just wide of the top far corner.

Flynn Bobby (11') broke the deadlock for the hosts, curling a cracking strike into the top right-hand far corner from 20-yards out.

The visiting keeper (13') was then on hand to deny a close range effort, while Needham went close again soon after (16').

Flynn Bobby was fed smartly by Charlie Smy onto the left-hand byline whose brilliant cutback just missed by James Coton lurking free at the back post.

Another dangerous Bobby low driven cutback on the left-hand side (19') caused havoc, this time falling to the onrushing Charlie Smy who blazed his shot over.

The young Marketmen (23') however hit the post, Kell Fiddy picked out James Coton with a brilliant left-footed diagonal cross-field ball out on the right wing, whose low inviting squared ball in the centre was poked onto the inside base of the left-hand post, cannoning into the grateful gloves of the keeper.

Gledhill (28') went close again, after holding the ball up well just outside the young Trawlerboys' box the striker fed Coton on the right wing whose clever cross was headed just wide of the top far corner by Gledhill.

Coton (33') was threaded through by Hopkins at close range, albeit his low shot was blocked away by the diving keeper, while Bobby's (34') low left wing cross was shot back across by Coton to be denied while a follow up fierce goal-bound volleyed strike from Hopkins was headed off the line.

Gledhill (41') did find the net, after a low ball released Coton down the right wing to wrap an excellent low cross into the striker to turn home into the bottom left-hand corner, only for the offside flag to be up against the number 19.

The striker (42') was then slipped free one on one,only for his low strike to be beaten away by the stopper, low to his left, as Coton's follow up strike was deflected over for a corner.

The set-piece on saw an overhead kick effort blocked, although Gledhill (45') did deservey double the hosts advantage.

Coton was once more threaded through down the right wing whose low fantastic ball across to Gledhill was fired home off the underside of the crossbar.

Bobby (45'+2') curled an excellent 25-yard strike just wide of the top near corner as the half-time whistle went to conclude a great first half from the home side.

Luke Betts' side added a quick third after the restart (48'), Bobby was expertly threaded through down the left wing to cross low for Gledhill to turn home into the bottom left-hand corner.

Gledhill (50') curled narrowly over from distance, before Lowestoft (51') fired over from long range.

Fiddy (56') then blocked Upton's fierce strike after a dangerous cutback, though the forward fired over from the rebound.

Coton meanwhile (57') weaved into space from the right wing into a central area outside the area, only to shoot low and tamely at the keeper.

Needham remained on the front foot, Coton's surging run down the right wing (61') found Vieira whose strike was blocked.

Luca Upton (62') volleyed a right wing corner over from the far post, prior to Gledhill (64') blocking a clearance narrowly wide of the right-hand post for a goal-kick.

Bowman (67') excellent blocked a left wing cross behind for a corner, as Oscar Wakeling (72') saw a close range far post strike smothered away well by the keeper after a great left wing low cross from Bobby having beaten the keeper to the ball.

Wakeling (75') then picked out Coton driving into the area, but the goalkeeper advanced smartly to intercept.

Gledhill (76') was fed on the left wing overlap whose tight angled shot was palmed away by the keeper as Wakeling's follow up shot was blocked.

Charlie Skinner (80') strongly beat away a right wing dangerous cross, ahead of Ashton Blogg (85') heading a right wing cross wide of the right-hand post.

Vieira (92') was offside after he turned home Gledhill's pass at close range, as Needham advanced to the semi-finals.

James Coton reflected on the Under-18's win over Lowestoft Town. 

DK: A good win in the cup, you must be pleased?

JC: Yeah, buzzing. I think all the boys worked really hard. I thought it was really good out there. We killed them off in the first half and got the job done. 

DK: A very professional performance from you and the lads tonight?

JC: Yeah, I thought, myself, I thought it was good. I delivered good balls, early balls into the box. That's what I've been working on. I thought it was a good performance from all the boys. We worked well together and, yeah, got the job done.

DK: A nice assist for you for the second goal as well? 

JC: Yeah, I mean, Kel found me well. We knew that that dag was on all the time. I had the space out there, and it was just a first-time ball into Ev, and I know he put some away. So, yeah, it's good. 

DK: Two wins now from retaining this cup, which must mean a lot to you.

JC: Yeah, I mean, it means a lot to all the boys. We want to go on and win it again. That's our cup, and I think a few of the lads reckon that's at Portman Road. So we want to get there, as most of the lads support town. So that would be buzzing. We'd be buzzing to get there. And, yeah, hopefully we retain it. 

DK: Having won it at Colchester last year, does it make it even more important to still be in it now? 

JC: Yeah, 100%.I mean, when you're the holders, you want to set, you know, over the last two years, we're probably, I mean, like all the boys, we're a really good group. And I think we deserve to go on and win it twice. And we want to make history for the club as well.

DK: Next up, the Reserves are at home to Diss on Saturday. Another tough game? 

JC: Yeah, a really tough game. A big, big game down the bottom. You know, we need the points. They need the points. We'll give everything to get the three points.

And, yeah, hopefully we'll win. 

Goals: Flynn Bobby (11'), Evan Gledhill (45', 48')

PREVIEW | Keiran Morphew Pre Match Interview | Needham Market V Kettering | 30.01.2026 |

Captain Keiran Morphew previews today's clash with Kettering Town.

DK: How do you think the season has gone so far? 

KM: The season has been ok so far, if we keep in and around play offs then that will be a good position for us.

DK: What's the mood been like in training going into the weekend?

KM: Yeah training has been good and everyone was having a good time as usual. Patch was back after being poorly so naturally he brings energy to the group. 

DK: How important is it that we continue our good home record on Saturday? 

KM: Extremely! We aim to win every game so hopefully this weather holds off enough to give us a chance.

DK: We've had some tough recent battles with Kettering - both sides winning 2 of the last 5 league meetings - do you relish those encounters more? 

KM: It’s just a tough game like all the others in the league.

DK: What type of game are you expecting?

KM: They’ve got some good players over there and were one of the favourites in the league so I’m sure it will be a tough game.

Needham Market U18 v Fakenham Town U18 | FA Youth Cup 2nd Qualifying Round | Bloomfields | 01.10.2025 |

Needham Market Under-18's progressed to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup with a strong all round performance in a 2-0 home win over Fakenham Town.

Luke Betts' side arguably had the better of the possession and chances in the first half, deservedly 2-0 ahead at the break through two well finished goals from Evan Gledhill in the space of as many minutes.

Fakenham however were the better side after the break, but found both Charlie Skinner and the woodwork tough to beat.

The young Reds started brightly as Evan Gledhill was released down the right-hand side, albeit offside in the second minute, as his ferocious low half-volley was beaten away by the keeper. 

Needham tested the keeper with some great play in the sixth minute, a brilliant long cross-field ball from the right wing picked out Flynn Bobby who beat his man to thread James Coton onto the left-hand side whose low shot across goal was well held by the diving keeper.

The young Marketmen created another good chance on 10 minutes, Evan Gledhill held the ball up expertly on the right-hand side, to tee up Harlyn Palmer whose ferocious strike went just over the top far corner.

Gledhill was slid through one on one in the 12th minute, albeit wrapped his shot went just wide of the bottom right-hand post, before the hosts added two quick fire goals in as many minutes.

Gledhill got them both, firstly tucking home into the bottom left-hand corner (14') after Kellen Fiddy's low ferocious strike from distance was blocked, with the second seeing the striker turn home a long throw deep on the right wing, at the far post. 

A great low left wing ball destined to find Gledhill was intercepted crucially shortly after, while Palmer struck low across goal and just wide from the right-hand side in the 20th minute. 

Brilliant passing play from Betts' side saw Palmer fed down the right wing, on 25 minutes, to drive through and thread Coton just outside the box who unselfishly fed Evan Gledhill in the area whose shot was blocked.

The young Marketmen saw a shot deflected behind a minute later, before Coton drove down the right-hand side, drawing the keeper out only to see his 28th minute chipped attempt caught by the stopper.

Kellen Fiddy then met a great Palmer right wing cross, after a surging run, on the half hour mark - though his far post effort was held by the goalkeeper.

Coton meanwhile saw a great strike across goal towards the top right-hand corner brilliantly beaten behind on 32 minutes, as Olly Reynolds stabbed the resulting corner towards goal at close range, but his back post attempt was straight at the keeper.

Coton met a low right wing 34th minute cross, only for his tame close range effort to be comfortably gathered by the stopper, prior to Gledhill turning well outside the box only to see his strike blocked two minutes later. 

Needham continued to search for a third goal, Coton saw a 37th minute shot from distance blocked, while Gledhill forced a brilliant save from the keeper a minute later.

The striker whipped an exquisite 30-yard free-kick towards the top right-hand corner, forcing the keeper to get across and tip it wide. 

The hosts went agonisingly close four minutes before the break, Coton pounced on a defensive mix up down the left-hand side whose sumptuous strike curled towards the far corner dipped just agonisingly wide of the vacant target. 

The visitors saw a 48th minute effort held comfortably by Skinner, with the Needham stopper across well to his left at his right-hand post to hold onto a low shot a minute later.

Fakenham started the second half brighter, seeing a 52nd minute low strike across goal flash just wide of the far post.

The visitors continued to enjoy more of the ball, as they weaved into a dangerous area on 57 minutes, though captain Olly Reynolds cleared the danger, while Skinner guarded his right-hand post to hold onto a 64th minute strike.

At the other end, Palmer was threaded down the right-hand side on 66 minutes whose neat chop into space saw his strike go over the crossbar, as Needham enjoyed a good spell of possession possession again.

Great linkup play between Tyler Wright and Flynn Bobby on 74 minutes saw the former's low ball after a clever one-two turned behind for a corner, while Gledhill turned Bobby's exquisite corner wide at the far post. 

The visitors however struck the woodwork on 77 minutes, curling a brilliant left wing free-kick against the outside of the near post, prior to Fakenham breaking down the right-hand side only to shoot straight at Skinner three minutes later.

Fakenham were then denied by the inside base of the right-hand post from inside the box on 83 minutes, before Reynolds shut the door intelligently on 85 minutes to halt a shot at goal.

Skinner brilliantly denied a low 94th minute shot at his near post, before Oscar Wakeling was threaded clear through a minute later who saw two low strikes smothered by the keeper, with the second turned wide for a corner.

Goalkeeper Skinner said, "really happy with the result. Great team performance, I think. Well, first half, first 30, we were pretty on it. "Scored 2 goals quite quickly. Bit disappointed in the second half, but I think the reason was I think they had to come out and they had to perform, but no, I'm really happy with the result. We were on the back foot for most of the second half. "It was just nice to keep the ball out of the net and keep that clean sheet, especially FA Youth Cup, it's a special Cup."

Skinner meanwhile expressed how important it was that the team remained focused, adding, "I don't think it's ever safe because I think when you come out for the second half and it's 2-0, if they get the goal, they're straight back into it. I definitely did not think we were safe throughout the whole game, I thought."

When asked about how he approached the second half, the 'keeper explained, "I was just sort of counting down the clock, really, because we were on the back foot so much. It was really tough, but the lads battled really hard. I was just thinking, I've got to keep the ball out of the net. If it goes 2-1, then it gets really, really close, but no, we've managed to tie the game out and eventually come out with a 2-0 win. Similarly Skinner expressed the importance of the team's performance, "I feel like, especially when you're on the back foot, I think vocally from the back Olly (Reynolds) helps the men in front of us to do their jobs, and I always think if you have a good leader or good talking from the back, you can win the game with a good leader." Ahaead of the Reserves' game on Saturday - at home to Holland - Skinner is relishing the challenge.

"A very tough game. Yeah, look, obviously Reserves is tough, but we showed in the last game against Gorleston (3-0 win) that we could perform against anyone in the men's game, but yeah, it's always nice to sort of come into the 18s games as well as playing Reserve. It's so nice to come into the 18s games because I feel like we're so strong now playing men's football. I feel like 18s is really where we're really good at." On the impact of having a break between matches he said, "I feel like it has (helped), yeah, massively. I'm always big on if you just have a little bit of a break, it refreshes the brains, refreshes the legs. And obviously as soon as the game kicks off, you're straight on it with really fresh legs."

The Reserves entertain Holland at Bloomfields on Saturday (3pm).

Needham:- 1 Charlie Skinner, 2 Brad Smith, 3 Tyler Wright, 4 Fenton Grimmer, 5 Olly Reynolds (c), 6 Charlie Smy, 7 Harlyn Palmer (81' Wakeling), 8 Kellen Fiddy (75' Hopkins), 19 Evan Gledhill, 10 James Coton (69' Vieira), 11 Flynn Bobby (90' Tamila). Subs: 9 Henry Vieira, GK Jake Bloom, 14 Oscar Wakeling, 15 Harry Hopkins, 16 Seth Garza, 18 Zak Tamila, 20 Jack Nunn.

Booked: F5 (90'+1')

Goals: Evan Gledhill (14', 16').