MARKETMEN SIGN EXPERIENCED DEFENDER CURRY

Needham Market are delighted to announce the signing of centre-back Josh Curry.

Josh has a great reputation in the local Non League scene for his vision of the game, in and out of possession, and leadership.

Josh joins the Marketmen from fellow league opponents Bury Town, after captaining the Blues to promotion to step 3 in 2024/25.

Having started his career at Cockfield United, Josh has since played for Woodbridge Town, an earlier spell at Bury - which included another promotion to step 3 - and Stowmarket Town among others, where he played a big part in their most successful era in their club history.

Manager Tom Rothery said, "I have been offered a few centre backs during pre season and came close with one but in the end I decided to stick with what we have in the building but the injuries to Dan and Keiran late in pre season worried me a little so when Josh reached out to Luke I thought it was worth a chat. He came into training and knows a lot of the players really well so has fitted in really seamlessly and understands what’s required at this level. He’s also experienced and adds a bit more ballast to the team which maybe sometimes we lack a little so it feels the right thing to do to add some depth in those defensive areas and not always have to move other players if somebody is injured. Time will show what role and contribution Josh will add to the squad but in training he’s shown early some leadership and competitive edge which are good traits."

Josh Curry Interview:

Q: So, first off, talk us through your career so far.

A: So I started off at Cockfield, I was a young boy, I played for Moreton Hall and Cockfield and then moved on to play for Woodbridge (Town), like Under-16s, and then I went to, I don't even know where I went after that, that's how scary it is and how long ago it was, but I went to Walsham (Le Willows) for a little bit and then back to Bury, so I was at Bury when I was 16/17, and then moved on to loan spells at Diss (Town), I believe, and Ely (City), I went there for a bit, whilst I was a young lad at Bury, and then obviously moved to Mildenhall (Town), had a good year there, then went to Lowestoft (Town) for three years, then Stowmarket (Town) for a couple of years, and then I was at Bury for obviously three years, and then yeah, now here, need them, so that's the non-league circle, yeah.

Q: As captain at Bury you were heavily involved in their promotion up to this level, which must have been quite a feat?

A: Yeah, it was amazing, obviously when I was 16 at Bury, I was obviously part of the team, I was in and out on the bench and stuff because I was a young lad, but I was there when they got promoted into step three, and then obviously 16 years later, 32 years of age, obviously won promotion with Bury again, so yeah, it was a surreal moment, yeah, but yeah, brilliant, brilliant season.

Q: Is that like the pinnacle of your career so far?

A: I would say so, yeah, so obviously I've been in loads of finals, probably losing against Needham most of the time, the Premier Cup finals, and so yeah, it was nice to actually finally win something, so yeah, it was good.

Q: How will it come about you joining Needham?

A: So obviously I parted ways with Bury, I had two weeks to obviously find a team, and I was speaking to multiple clubs and had offers, etc, but Luke, actually Luke Ingram texted me and said, oh, come training, and then Tom wants to have a look at you sort of thing, and then come training, had a conversation with Tom, and then yeah, we're here now, so yeah, I'm looking forward to the opportunity, so it's going to be a challenge, obviously you've got a tight-knit squad, really, really good footballers, but I'm looking forward to playing a part in it.

Q: Having played against us, you must be relishing playing for us now?

A: Yes, definitely, so on the flip side, so every time I think I've played Needham, I've maybe lost every time I've played against them, maybe got a draw or lost on penalties, etc, so hopefully it'll be nice to be on the winning side this time.

Q: What have you made of the club?

A: Brilliant, obviously you've got a new scoreboard, and I was impressed with how professional it is, really, so obviously all the lads have got the stat vest, and they've got the gym alongside the clubhouse, you've got the 3G, brilliant pitch, clubhouse, so you've got everything here, so yeah, really, really impressed!

Q: Yeah, after getting promotion with Bury, how much would you like to try and do that here?

A: Oh, definitely. Obviously, every time you play for a team, you want to be competing for the playoffs, getting promotion, and any of the cups, and going a good cup run, and to bring revenue for the club, but yeah, every time you play, you want to win, and you don't look back at your non-league football career and think, oh, what have I done? You can tell by that once you've won things, so yeah, of course, I'd love to get promotion, get playoffs, have good cup runs, so yeah, definitely.

Q: You spoke about how strong the squad is, and that challenge that you're relishing, is that something that you've had to deal with before in your career?

A: Good question, really. So, I would say so, yes, in some respects, because every club you go to, you're only as good as your last game. I always say that, and I say that to the young lads as well. So, yeah, coming in here, obviously, you've got a set group, and I'm looking forward to obviously getting fit and competing for that starting position like every other player is as well. So, yeah, I'd say no is not something new. I think you have to earn your starting position every time you play.

Q: For the fans that might not have seen you play or know who you are, what can they expect from you?

A: Leadership. I'll give everything out there on the pitch. I'd like to help others, especially the youngsters coming on. I'm an honest player. I'd like to say I'm ball-playing, but I can do the ugly side as well. So, yeah, obviously, I can play at the back and play in centre midfield as well. So, quite versatile in that sense, but yeah, leadership, honest, full commitment, and, hopefully that pays off with my quality on the ball.

HAMMOND BRACES HELPS MARKETMEN TO FIRST WIN

Hitchin Town v Needham Market | 11.08.2026 | Top Field | The Pitching In Southern League Premier Central Division | Game 2 |

 

  Needham Market picked up their first win of the 2026/27 season with a 3-1 win at Hitchin Town.

Tom Rothery made 2 changes to Saturday's defeat at home to Bromsgrove Sporting, Ingram and Saunders in for Neal and Pearce.

The Suffolk side's first away trip of the new season got off to the perfect start when Ollie Saunders (5') and Kyle Hammond (7') smartly found the net as the visitors dominated the first 25 minutes.

The Canaries however responded, halving the deficit a minute later as Rio Deall poked home to make it 2-1 to Needham at the interval.

Hitchin arguably had the better of the possession during the second half, until Kyle Hammond (85') netted his second of the night direct from a corner to seal a 3-1 victory on the road - Needham's 9th in 13 league meetings with Hitchin, scoring 34 goals, having also won the previous 3 meetings between the two clubs.

Ollie Saunders marked his first start of the new season with an instant impact, opening the scoring in the fifth minute.

The midfielder effortlessly lobbed the keeper into the top far left-hand corner, despite the best efforts of the defender.

Kyle Hammond (7') quickly doubled Needham's advantage, driving through with ease on the left-hand side, after being threaded through by Ingram, to cooly slide home underneath the onrushing goalkeeper into the bottom far corner.

Needham remained on the front foot as Marcel Lewis (10') saw his cross well claimed by the keeper, while Ryan Miles' (14') darting run onto the left-hand byline forced a corner.

Luke Ingram (17') weaved into space just outside the box to shoot, but for his fierce strike to be deflected away, falling to Allen in turn finding Lewis then Smith whose well hit low strike was also deflected.

The away side went close to a third, Keiran Morphew (21') glanced a great ball into the area onto Ingram to break onto the byline and square a great ball across the face of goal that just evaded Miles.

Hitchin halved the deficit however on 26 minutes, the hosts' first real attack of the evening saw Callum Kane's left-hand dipping strike towards the top far corner cannon back in off the upright before being turned home on the rebound by Rio Deall.

At the other end, Ryan Miles (28') raced free onto the right-hand byline but saw his cross clip the top of the crossbar.

Keiran Morphew (41') was cautioned for a foul, though Bradbrook was on hand to hold onto the swerving low free-kick.

After the restart, Saunders (47') raced onto the right-hand byline to smartly cut-back to Marcel Lewis at close range, the latter's close range initial strike was blocked with his follow up effort smothered by the keeper.

Kyle Hammond then whipped a clever left wing free-kick just outside the area just wide of the top far corner (50'), as Ryan Miles (54') weaved into space after intercepting a clearance only for his low strike to be blocked.

Kye Tearle (55') hit the face of the crossbar from 25-yards, as Needham withdrew Luke Ingram and Ollie Saunders for Joe Neal and Liam Pearce moments later.

Both sides went close in quick succession, Liam Pearce's effort was handled by a defender on the left-hand wing-edge of the area, Marcel Lewis' (69') excellent free-kick into the penalty area was diverted narrowly wide by Keiran Morphew at close range.

The Canaries at the other end (70') created a golden chance, but the shot went wide at close range.

Barker replaced Lewis, before Hammond netted a brace to restore the Marketmen's two goal lead on 85 minutes, wrapping a powerful left wing corner in off the near post into the top near corner.

Coton was introduced for Miles (87'), as Fiddy entered the action soon after.

Needham travel to Alvechurch on Saturday (3pm), with coach travel available HERE.

Hitchin:- 1 Jack Mason, 2 Rio Deall, 3 Callum Kane, 4 Blue Joy, 5 Toby Syme (76' 12 Simeon Olarerin), 6 Ciaren Jones, 7 Daniel Stokoe, 8 Kavan Cotter, 9 Temi Akinbusoye, 10 Kye Tearle, 11 George Morrall (70' 16 Diogo Freitas-Gouveia). Unused Subs:

Needham: 1 James Bradbrook, 2 Jake Dye, 3 Tommy Smith, 4 Kyle Hammond (89' 19 Kell Fiddy), 5 Keiran Morphew (c), 7 Luke Ingram (56' 9 Joe Neal), 8 Ollie Saunders (56' 12 Liam Pearce), 10 Ryan Miles (87' 14 James Coton), 11 Tevan Allen, 16 Marcel Lewis (84' 18 Eddie Barker), 17 Ben Hunter. Subs: 9 Joe Neal, 12 Liam Pearce, 14 James Coton, 18 Eddie Barker, 19 Kell Fiddy.

Booked: Bradbrook (33'), K.Morphew (41'), Hammond (60').
Goals: Rio Deall (26'); Ollie Saunders (5'), Kyle Hammond (7', 85').
Att: 677.

DISAPPOINTING OPENING DAY AS MARKETMEN BEATEN AT HOME

REPORT & REACTION | Needham Market V Bromsgrove Sporting | 08.08.26 | Bloomfields | Pitching In Southern League Premier Central Division | Game 1 |

 

  

Needham Market's 2026/27 Southern League Premier Central Division campaign began with a 3-1 loss at home to Bromsgrove Sporting.

Despite an early goal from MOTM Ryan Miles, Tom Rothery's side were behind at the break after 2 goals in 5 minutes after the half-hour mark.

Captain Harrison sealed the win for Tim Flowers' side midway through the second half, as Needham's wait for an opening day victory since 2021-22 continues.

Simeon Maye (2') slammed a volley high and well over, before Ryan Miles (3') opened Needham's account for the new season.

The ideal start for the hosts saw Tommy Smith start the move with Ryan Miles on the right-hand edge of the box marking his return to competitive action with a thunderbolt that rocketed into the top left-hand corner!

Needham exploded out of the blocks, Marcel Lewis' left wing cross was met by Liam Pearce (7') at the far post, but the debutant's header was held by Breeden.

Miles (8') and Joe Neal (9') both caught Breeden in no mans land, the former rounding him in the area but was forced too wide to shoot, whereas second time round the visiting keeper just got away with it outside the box as Neal looked to pounce.

Lewis meanwhile broke through clear on goal again (9') but dragged his shot agonisingly just wide of the bottom right-hand corner.

There was action at both ends in the 25th minute, Liam Pearce's initial strike just outside the box was blocked, before shooting narrowly over on the follow up from an acute angle.

James Bradbrook, at the other end, was on hand to make a sharp reflex stop at the expense of a corner, as the game sparked into life.

Jamille Matt (30') though levelled proceedings, after a mistake at the back saw the striker teed up to slot home into an empty net, finding the bottom right-hand corner.

Bromsgrove took the lead against the run of play soon after, after what looked to be a foul on Ben Hunter inside his own box, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Jervis stepped up and sent Bradbrook the wrong way to turn the game on it's head after 35 minutes.

Liam Pearce deflected Dan Trickett-Smith's strike behind (39'), as Simeon Maye (45'+1') volleyed over.

After the restart, Liam Pearce (49') drove through onto the right byline, only to see his cutback just intercepted.

Again, the Marketmen started the restart with intent, Ryan Miles (50') surged down the left wing to find Joe Neal, free at the back post, with a low cross, the striker's curled effort however cannoned back into play off the inside of the left-hand post as Breeden just smuggled it away.

Hammond (51') volleyed high and over, as Needham appeals for a goal (56') after an effort was clattered in off the underside of the crossbar by a defender, while appeals for a foul on Lewis on the edge of the area were also dismissed.

Keiran Morphew (61') headed over Kyle Hammond's good right-hand free-kick at the far post, as Luke Ingram replaced Neal (64').

Bromsgrove struck a crucial blow against the run of play two minutes later, captain Ollie Harrison bullet headed home a right wing corner from close range to make it 3-1 to the visitors.

Kyle Hammond teed up Ben Hunter (68'), whose curled shot went over, as James Bradbrook smartly beat Trickett-Smith's close range effort behind for a corner.

Saunders replaced Pearce (74'), while Luke Ingram (75') was cautioned.

Jak Hickman (79') was booked for the visitors, as Keiran Morphew's effort from a great low cross was blocked.

Lewis was withdrawn for Fiddy, as Coton replaced Miles.

Needham remained on the front foot, Allen's corner was headed dangerously towards goal by Morphew at the far post (87') but Breeden beat Dye to it on the goal-line taking a vital catch.

Needham return to action on Tuesday, away to Hitchin Town (7:45pm).

Needham Market:- 1 James Bradbrook, 2 Jake Dye, 3 Tommy Smith, 4 Kyle Hammond (85' Barker), 5 Keiran Morphew (C), 9 Joe Neal (64' Ingram), 10 Ryan Miles (84' Coton), 11 Tevan Allen, 12 Liam Pearce (74' Saunders), 16 Marcel Lewis (80' Fiddy), 17 Ben Hunter. Subs: 7 Luke Ingram, 8 Ollie Saunders, 14 James Coton, 18 Eddie Barker, 19 Kellen Fiddy.

Bromsgrove Sporting:- 1 Tony Breeden, 2 Josh Dugmore, 4 Simeon Maye, 5 Ollie Harrison (C), 6 Hayden Reeves, 7 Billy Shaw (81' Jasper), 9 Jamille Matt (61' Barrow), 10 Jake Jervis, 12 Kieron Freeman, 14 Dan Trickett-Smith, 20 Jak Hickman (90'+3' Lyden). Subs: 17 Adam Jasper, 18 Jordan Lyden, 19 Lamin Barrow.

Booked: Ingram (75'), Jak Hickman (79'), Adam Jasper (85').
Goals: Ryan Miles (3'); Jamille Matt (30'), Jake Jervis (35'pen), Ollie Harrison (66').

Att: 346.

Needham Market Reserves v Stowupland Falcons | 18.07.2026 | Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena | PSF |

A late comeback and dramatic Henry Vieira hat-trick earned Needham Market Reserves a 3-3 draw against Stowupland Falcons - a week before their league season begins.

After trailing 2-0 at the break, ex-Needham Kurt Warren scored a third on 69 minutes only for Vieira to swiftly reduce the deficit, and restoring parity with two goals in stoppage time.

Aden Chandler (4') was released through on goal by a great ball through onto the left-hand side, whose initial shot was well smothered by the onrushing stopper as the forward's rebound header was also well saved, parried away by the keeper.

Falcons meanwhile shot just wide of the bottom far, left-hand, corner (5'), before Harry Hopkins' shot from the left-hand side was blocked as Riley Parker fired over on the follow up (7').

Alex Breeden (8') smartly weaved into space to tee up Aden Chandler just outside the box, though his shot was blocked, prior to Falcons (10') curling a great strike narrowly wide of the top far, left-hand, corner.

Falcons broke the deadlock on 14 minutes, the striker intercepted Foreman's clearance to cleverly dink the ball over the keeper and into the net.

Harry Hopkins (18') saw a 20-yard shot blocked, as the young Marketmen continued to play positively.

Alex Breeden (22') raced through onto the left-hand byline whose cutback towards Dawson Coldwell was intercepted at the crucial moment by a defender, the former (23') however blazed over from distance soon after. 

A good stop from Freddie Foreman (23') at his near post denied Falcons, who was then alert to tip over a dipping strike towards his top right-hand, near, corner. 

A sharp turn (28') from Breeden, after being found on the left-hand side, saw the striker's low fierce strike well stopped by the feet of the diving keeper, though Falcons (29') doubled their lead - the midfielder was picked out by a great left wing corner to bullet head home into the top far, left-hand, corner. 

Breeden (38') was fed in space just outside the area, albeit his powerful effort went over the bar, while Dawson Coldwell (42') forced a good save from the keeper.

The striker was fed through with one defender ahead of him, the number 9 worked space to shoot low and ferociously towards the bottom left-hand corner, but for the keeper to get across and beat his effort behind superbly.

After the break, Foreman advanced off his line well to block a long range lobbed strike outside of his area (57'), ahead of a 61st minute looped Needham strike, towards the top right-hand corner, being claimed well by the keeper.

Clinical Falcons, rather against the run of play, added a third goal in the 69th minute. Kurt Warren latched onto a great ball through on goal to superbly lob Foreman into the top far corner.

Needham (71') struck back instantly, Josh Tennial's right-hand low cross was headed home expertly at close range by the diving Henry Vieira into the bottom left-hand corner.

Zane Baker (76') met a right wing corner well, only for his header on target to be headed away, before Vieira (79') had a fiercely struck shot blocked.

Great play from Needham (83') saw Riley Parker meet a great right wing cross close to goal but the midfielder headed agonisingly just over. 

Will Hart (85') saw a shot blocked from distance, the forward (87') slipped Vieira through on goal down the left-hand side but the goalscorer's close range strike was well blocked by the keeper, after narrowing down the angle well.

Good team play (89') saw Riley Coote feed Vieira, in turn finding Tennial to feed Harry Hopkins - although the skipper's strike from distance was skewed wide of the near post.

Needham (90') reduced the deficit back to 3-2 with a well worked team move. Fenton Grimmer's right wing brilliant cross picked out Henry Vieira free at the far post to head home from close range. 

Needham (93') went agonisingly close to levelling, Hart slipped Breeden close to goal on the right whose shot was denied, as Hart's follow up header was held by the keeper.

Vieira (94') completed the sensational comeback, netting his hat-trick in style. The forward was threaded clear on goal down the left-hand side to fire home low into the net.

Colin Grogan's side welcome Sporting 87 for their final friendly on Tuesday (7:45pm).

Needham Res: 1 Freddie Foreman, 2 Fenton Grimmer, 3 Tyler Wright, 4 Zane Baker, 5 Riley Coote, 6 Riley Parker, 7 Harry Hopkins (c), 8 Josh Tennial (HT' Vieira), 9 Dawson Coldwell (67' Breeden), 10 Aden Chandler (67' Tennial), 11 Alex Breeden (HT' Hart). Subs: 14 Will Hart, 15 Henry Vieira. 

Falcons: 7 Macauley Bell, 8 Kurt Warren, 12 Will Wharton-Richardson. 

Goals: Henry Vieira (71', 90', 90'+4'); S9 (14'), S4 (29'), Kurt Warren (69').

HAT-TRICK HERO HENRY VIEIRA ON RESERVES' DRAW V FALCONS

Reflecting on the comeback, Henry Vieira said, "it was 3-0 down, wasn't it? Come on at half-time. It's always good to get a hat-trick, actually. Two of them with your head and one with your left foot, it's not bad. Don't mind it, yeah, second half. Obviously two goals in the first half was a killer. Obviously we knew we had to do a lot to get past that, but yeah, it was nice at the end to get the draw." 

On his hat-trick, the forward said, "so I knew we had to get a couple of goals. We needed a goal to get in straight away, so the first one was a bit scrappy. Got a tiny deflection. Didn't actually think it was going to go in, but it hit the (inside of the) post. The second one was a good ball from Fenton down the wing. Don't normally score headers, so for it to make connection so perfectly, it was good. And then the last one was a brilliant ball from Harry. I saw the keeper come off his line. I had to put it past him with my left foot, so yeah. Not bad."

Discussing his First Team debut the night prior, "it was good to be a part of that. The game itself was a shame to lose, but from a personal perspective, I was quite happy with it. Came on the pitch. It looked like scoring maybe a couple of times, which was nice.n The environment, yeah, it was good. A bit different to what I'm used to. It's definitely a step up. It's more professional, the environment, definitely. But yeah, it's not what I'm used to, but I need to do it. So yeah, it's nice to be around."

"Pre-season's been good. I've been getting on the score sheet quite a bit, so that's always nice to see.There's been some challenging games. On Tuesday, we went away to Westfield, which was definitely a hard game. It's a good opposition, but it's coming to a close now, so get ready for the season ahead." 

Looking ahead to Tuesday's final friendly against Sporting 87, Vieira added, "that should be a tough game. It'll be nice to finish pre-season on a win. I think we need to. We'll have good morale for the season, heads will be high. But yeah, hopefully we get the win for that game."

Walsham Le Willows v Needham Market | 17.07.2026 | Morrish Sports Ground, Summer Road | PSF 26/27 3

 

Needham Market's third friendly of the summer ended in defeat after an 89th minute rebound gave hosts Walsham Le Willows a 1-0 win. 

The Marketmen fielded a similar squad to the previous night's game against Halesworth Town - with the only two alterations seeing Trialist in goal and Ollie Saunders back, but James Bradbrook, Kyle Hammond, Joe Neal and Liam Pearce unavailable. 

Ryan Miles (4') was fed in space just outside the area to look to thread Flynn Bobby through but the defender just intercepted to clear. 

Marcel Lewis (6') curled a free-kick over, while Needham had the ball in the net four minutes later.

Lewis' low shot across goal was turned into his own net by a defender, but the flag went up against Miles. 

Needham created another good chance in the 18th minute, Lewis was fed through dangerously down the right-hand side but his squared ball into the danger area was cleared vitally for a corner. 

Needham had a low near post held by the keeper a minute later, as the Walsham keeper advanced to gather a through-ball ahead of Ryan Miles in the 23rd minute.

At the other end, a smart save from Trialist (33') denied a low shot out on the right-hand side well, before the Marketmen went agonisingly close four minutes later.

Tommy Smith wrapped an exquisite ball into the danger area that agonisingly evaded 4 Navy shirts, with Trialist forced into another good save at the other end. 

D.Morphew's 41st minute great curled free-kick deflects off the wall towards the bottom right corner is spilt by the keeper but turned wide.

After a quiet start to the second half, substitute Henry Vieira (69') looked to make an instant impact from Vieira, the Academy forward collected possession to drive forward down the right, exchanges a neat one-two with Coton, before flashing a great low ball across the face of goal that forces a defender to turn just wide. 

Coton then whipped a great 72nd right wing cross in towards Vieira, but just evaded his fellow forward.

Kell Fiddy (73') fired low and straight at the keeper from the left wing, prior to James Coton (75') firing just wide of the bottom far, left-hand, corner.

Needham remained on top as Bobby (78') saw a fierce shot blocked, who was then fouled just outside the box but Allen (86') whipped the free-kick over.

Coton (87') saw another excellent right wing cross crucially cleared, ahead of seeing a close range shot at goal well blocked.

After a great Needham block (89'), Walsham flashed a shot wide of the bottom far corner. 

Needham host AFC Sudbury on Tuesday (7:45pm).

Manager Tom Rothery said, "There were some parts that were ok but overall not hugely happy. There were some mitigating factors but I’m not happy with our final third play particularly. (The Walsham goal) was very sloppy." 

On the majority of the squad playing two games in two days Rothery added, "that was tough and is a factor in the performance tonight with players having knocks and players being very sore and fatigued but that is part of pre-season also although 2 games in 24 hours is clearly not ideal." 

Rothery however was impressed with Academy players Henry Vieira and Tyler Wright, who both made their First Team debuts, "I thought Henry was excellent. I like him, I like his tenacity and he has quality with it too so he’s done himself a lot of good tonight and somebody who will get more minutes if he keeps showing up like that. Tyler showed some quality at times also so they both did really well."

Looking ahead to Tuesday's match with AFC Sudbury and the players having a few days to recover, Rothery said, "the players will have good recovery now and we will need to see a big step up next week."

Needham: 1 Trialist, 19 Juan Pablo, 5 Keiran Morphew (HT' Fiddy), 6 Dan Morphew, 3 Tommy Smith (69' Wright), 8 Ollie Saunders (HT' Hunter), 11 Tevan Allen, 15 Myles Cowling (69' Vieira), 16 Marcel Lewis, 10 Ryan Miles (49' Coton), 7 Flynn Bobby. Subs: 14 James Coton, 17 Ben Hunter, 4 Kellen Fiddy, 20 Patrick Brothers, 2 Tyler Wright, 18 Henry Vieira, 12 Liam Pearce. 

LEAGUE FIXTURES RELEASED

 The Marketmen's 2026/27 Southern League Central Premier Division has been confirmed. 

Tom Rothery's side will begin the new campaign at Bloomfields against Bromsgrove Sporting on Saturday 8th August (3pm), prior to back to back away games at Hitchin Town (Tuesday 11 August, 7:45pm) and Alvechurch (Saturday 15 August, 3pm).A home clash with Halesowen Town follows on Saturday 22nd August, prior to a trip to Stratford Town the following weekend. August concludes with a visit from Peterborough Sports on Monday 31st. 

Notable dates against fellow Suffolk opposition see us travel to Bury Town on Tuesday 13th October, with the home fixture at Bloomfields on Saturday 9th January, while Leiston at home is set for Boxing Day and the away trip on Monday 29th March. 

Needham will finish the campaign with 3 games in April, at home to Stratford Town (Saturday 3rd), Real Bedford at home (Saturday 10th), and will conclude the season away at New opposition Racing Club Warwick on Saturday 17th. 

See the image below for the full list. 

Needham v Halesworth Town | 16.07.2026 | Suffolk Champions Charity Cup | Bloomfields | PSF 2026/27 2 |

Needham Market continued their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Halesworth Town to win the Suffolk Champions Charity Cup at Bloomfields.

In truth, the higher league Marketmen had the majority of the possession throughout the night but found the visitors hard to break down - eventually doing so in the 87th minute when Kyle Hammond poked home the only goal from Ben Hunter's insightful defence splitting pass.

Ryan Howes (3') had an early opportunity, albeit his low strike from distance across goal was watched comfortably into the gloves of goalkeeper James Bradbrook.

Bradbrook (5') then expertly got across to his far post to claim a left wing free-kick, while Needham created a great chance in the 8th minute.

Tommy Smith was released through down the left-hand side twice in a matter of seconds, both times crossing low dangerously across the face of goal but just evaded Ryan Miles then Myles Cowling.

The Premier Cup holders again carved a good opportunity (12'), Miles jinked into space in the area to tee up Cowling whose shot was blocked. Smith then threaded Miles onto the left-hand side whose excellent low ball into the six yard box was cleared just ahead of Cowling for a corner.

Needham though had the ball in the net on 15 minutes, after Kyle Hammond saw a ferocious rocket of a strike from distance excellently beaten away by George MacRae, diving high to his right-hand side, Tommy Smith was offside as he skillfully turned the rebound home on the volley into the bottom far corner.

The offside flag (18') went up again soon after, this time though the keeper held onto the shot, prior to James Coton (22') meeting Kyle Hammond's lifted cut-back from the right-hand byline - only for his near post header to be held well by diving MacRae.

Ryan Miles (26') whipped a cross narrowly wide of the top far corner, ahead of the Reds going close again soon after.

Tommy Smith raced open down the left wing, onto a great through-ball then picking out, Liam Pearce (29') arriving who fired over first time.

Ryan Miles (30') stooped a close range header narrowly wide, as Hammond's cutback was crucially cleared.

Tommy Smith saw a low cross-shot collected well by MacRae (32') as Needham looked to ramp up the pressure.

Firmly on top at this stage, Needham couldn't quite break down Halesworth's resistance. Cowling (38') was slipped through onto the left-hand byline but for his excellent ball across goal to be stabbed just wide for a goal-kick.

Needham went close once more on 42 minutes, James Coton had a shot blocked following a corner, with Kyle Hammond lashing a volley wide on the rebound.

Ryan Miles (45'+1') meanwhile weaved dangerously onto the left-hand byline, but for his cutback to be cleared and pouched by MacRae in the final action of the opening forty-five minutes.

An unchanged Needham side emerged after the break, Keiran Morphew (49') slid Coton free down the right-hand side whose brilliant cross was headed agonisingly off target by the towering Cowling.

Liam Pearce worked space to shoot from 30-yards out, only to curl wide of the far corner (51'), as MacRae intercepted a great dissecting through-ball towards Cowling (52').

A great right wing cross from Allen was headed onto Miles (61') whose strike at goal was blocked, prior to Tom Rothery opting to use all five substitutes at once.

Following those changes, Jensen Martin broke through free down the left-hand side but was thwarted by an excellent low near post stop by Bradbrook at the expense of a corner.

Needham continued to push to breach the stubborn Halesworth defence (74'), Hammond received the ball back from a short corner to flash a great low ball into the six yard box that just evaded Joe Neal arriving at the near post and landed into MacRae's grateful gloves.

Hunter (80') released Bobby down the left-hand side with a great ball over the top, albeit the latter's first time cushioned ball across was gathered by MacRae.

Flynn Bobby (81') meanwhile wrapped a great low strike narrowly wide of the bottom far, right-hand, corner from outside the area, as Liam Pearce's strike at goal a minute later was blocked.

Halesworth sidefooted a golden chance wide on 85 minutes, skewing a low squared ball wide of the far post at close range, before Needham finally broke the deadlock in the 87th minute.

Kyle Hammond was threaded one on one with the onrushing MacRae to poke home cleverly into the gaping net.

Liam Pearce (92') headed a great left wing cross to the far post at MacRae from point blank range, as Neal's 16-yard 95th minute strike was well saved by MacRae low to his left.

Needham travel to Walsham Le Willows tonight (Friday, 17th July, 7:45pm).

Manager Tom Rothery said: "I think credit to them. I thought they defended really well, to be fair to them. We didn't take the opportunities and chances that come our way. We had a few really decent balls into the box, especially in the first half. Didn't take chances. One really big chance that we didn't take and then off the back of that, obviously, it gives them more belief and they defend even more doggedly. I just think credit to them. I thought they defended really well and I thought their structure was really good. So, it was a better workout for us than I was anticipating, if I'm honest. Like I said on Saturday after the Soham game, it's important at the end of the day, you're playing different levels and that is what we need to get out of preseason. So, we've got more good fitness, more good minutes into players. It's not ideal with the game tomorrow, obviously, because this was arranged really late in the day when the fixtures had already been arranged for pre-season. So, ideally, you wouldn't have a Thursday and a Friday game, but it is what it is. It's important the lads get fitness, but we will have to be sensible about what we do tomorrow night and whilst the results are always important and like I've just said to the players, it's always important to win and that's what we're aiming to do again tomorrow, you have got to be sensible, like we were with Ryan, for example, on Saturday. He got a knock,we brought him off and went down to 10 men. You would never do that in a league game, obviously. So, it's just about being sensible and managing people's minutes, but like I said, we're three, four weeks away from the start of the season, so we're not perfect yet. It's only the second game and there's things to improve and work on, but I thought we moved the ball well at times and like I said, we just need to keep improving on that over the next three, four weeks. Hammo did well for the goal, really well. Joe did well and like I said, even then, they're still putting bodies on the line and a couple of their players were cramping up and took a knock off trying to stop Hammo scoring a goal. So, like I said, I'm not going to detract from anything they did. I thought they worked really hard and defended really well and for us, we found a way to win. So, that is what it is."

Asked if that persistence is what is needed for the forthcoming league season, Rothery added, "that's what I said to the players after, really. At the end of the day, I think the way we play football and like I just said to Nick, it is a bit false. They're sat behind the ball, they're not really having too many counters.They had a couple in the second half to be fair to them but they're not really having so much possession and it is a bit false. It's not going to be like that in the league but because of the way we are a possession-based team, sometimes it is a case of don't get frustrated, keep doing the right things and eventually, you're hoping you find that winning goal. I think we did get a little bit raggy in the second half. We weren't as precise in the second half. Obviously, we changed the shape, made the five subs and it did get a little bit, it was less pleasing with some of the things that we did and maybe started forcing it a little bit but ultimately, we did stay persistent, we did stay patient and at the end of the day, we then found a way to find that winning goal."

On tonight's trip to Walsham, "I've brought a couple more up from the academy so they'll come with us tomorrow and Ollie Saunders is back but Kyle Hammond's away so yes, we'll have 19 tomorrow and like I said, we're just going to have to be really sensible about the players that have played. I've got 19 players so we've a couple of injuries still and a couple away so we're just going to have to be sensible about who does what tomorrow and that we still go there and want to win and still want to go there and obviously carry on trying to implement what we've been working on in training but we've got to be sensible about tomorrow off the back of having played tonight obviously."

Goalscorer Kyle Hammond said, "Yeah, good win. So yeah, pleasing all round I suppose. I thought they played really well and kept it tight and credit to them to be fair. I thought we were good, fairly good as well. Just getting used to back playing again obviously. It's only the second pre-season game. I think their league season starts on Saturday, so obviously they've been back a while. Yeah, I thought it was a good game really.

"Glad to be back, enjoying it. Just getting minutes in the legs, hard training, getting back fit again, getting to the level we need to get at. Yeah, it's good."

Looking back on his goal the midfielder said, "I can't remember how it got there, but someone played it into Hunts, he turned and then as soon as he turned I just sprinted forward and he played a lovely ball into me and I think I took the touch and then it was past the defender so then I think I poked it past the keeper and I think I had three other players come bashing down. I was on the floor, three other people on the floor so I just sort of trickled in the net to be honest. So I don't, yeah, I think I just toe poked it past the keeper, but it was actually quite a good move. We probably should have scored a little bit before that in the first half, we had a few chances. But like I said, I don't think they were too bad. They played well and made it difficult for us and I thought we kept knocking the ball, could have been sharper here and there but it's our second game so it's going to be expected. I think pre-season is what you make it as such so, yeah, I think, like I said, I don't think we've done anything bad. Any game we can do better so I just thought it was a good test and a good run out."

Needham: 1 James Bradbrook, 11 Tevan Allen, 5 Keiran Morphew (62' 6 Dan Morphew), 8 Kellen Fiddy, 3 Tommy Smith (62' 7 Flynn Bobby), 17 Ben Hunter, 4 Kyle Hammond, 12 Liam Pearce, 14 James Coton (62' 19 Juan Pablo), 10 Ryan Miles (62' 16 Marcel Lewis), 15 Myles Cowling (62' 9 Joe Neal).

Goal: Hammond (87').