POSITIVE POINT AT HOME FOR RESERVES

 Needham Market Res v Newmarket Town Res | 18.08.2026 | Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North | Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena |

Needham Market Reserves followed up Saturday's point with another 1-1 draw at home to Newmarket Town Reserves.

In truth, it was a game the young Reds could've walked away with all three points, but a pleasing point for the largely new look side, on an entertaining night at Bloomfields.

Kellen Fiddy (3') was alert to nod the ball safely to Freddie Foreman, who was alert off his line swiftly, while Eddie Barker (6') fired a great low strike just wide of the bottom far, right-hand, corner from range.

At the other end, Clinton Frank (6') raced down the right-hand side though great pressure Tyler Wright forced the winger onto a wide angle as he fired wide into the side-netting.

James Cahill (9') saw a long range strike excellently tipped over by Foreman via the top of the crossbar, which Foreman on his line tipped away the resulting corner swinging dangerously at his far post.

Alex Breeden bared down on goal down the left (12') but saw his effort denied, as Praise Ameni fired over, prior to Harlyn Palmer (17') firing wide after finding space to drive into.

Olly Bowman (19') looked to break onto a through-ball down the left but the keeper just beat him to it, smothering the ball away.

Barker (22') linked up well with Hopkins from a corner to see his shot blocked from 20-yards out on the right, before Hopkins (24') was found after neat intricate passing in the build up only to loop his shot over.

Breeden (27') broke through down the left only to see his cutback deflected away with the keeper caught off his line.

Excellent defending from Leyton Coote (29') dispossessed Daniel Hobbs driving down the left, although Ben Stucky (30') forced a good near post stop from Freddie Foreman.

After getting through on the left-hand side, his low shot was well read and parried behind.

Ashton Blunt (31') met the resulting far post corner to head wide via the outside of the post.

Newmarket took the lead, Cahill (32') went down and won Newmarket a penalty, which Frank (33') dispatched well into the bottom left-hand corner.

The young Marketmen responded swiftly, Hopkins' (35') low shot destined to find the bottom far, left, corner was blocked as far as Haryln Palmer to toe punt a fantastic strike into the top right-hand corner to level the scores.

Palmer (40') saw a good right wing cross held by Wiseman on his line following great play from Riley & Leyton Coote, the latter bursting past his man to feed Palmer, as the Jockeys fired wide of the bottom far corner moments later.

Needham (43') went close, Breeden rasped a great low strike towards the bottom left corner which Wiseman just tipped away expertly, with Needham appeals for a penalty dismissed.

Foreman then intercepted a ball through to Frank to gather smartly, as both sides went into the level - which was arguably the least the home side deserved.

The game gradually became more of a physical contest as time wore on, with chances still occuring on regular occasions, and the young Marketmen handling the challenge well.

After the break, Stucky (52') fired straight into Foreman's chest, while Harry Hopkins' excellent 53rd minute defence splsitting pass with the outside of his right boot threaded Breeden one on one but for Wiseman to rush out and just nick the ball in time.

Tennial (54') fired a good low strike narrowly wide of the bottom right-hand corner from 18-yards, while Palmer's 55th minute wrapped effort was deflected causing Wiseman a bit of trouble who claimed well with Bowman lurking.

Wright (58') crucially blocked Frank's shot towards goal behind for a corner, ahead of Sykes (60') poking over a low ball across the area.

Barker (67') was set clear past his man dangerously onto the left-hand side to see a brilliant effort flash just passed the top far corner, as bowman's 71st minute ferocious low effort was blocked and Barker's thunderous curled strike clattered agonisingly back into play off the inside of the bottom right-hand post.

Needham remained on the front foot, as Barker (74') had a great strike on the half-volley blocked.

Bowman (77') weaved into space to see his low shot held, as Newmarket thumped a shot wide (80').

Riley Coote (83') fired over from distance, though Roper (85') smashed Aden Chandler's fantastic left wing first time low cross agonisingly just wide of the bottom near corner.

josh Tennial (90') broke onto Wright's deflected left wing cutback only for his shot to be deflected just wide for a corner, as the hosts picked up successive draws ahead of a trip to Holbeach United on Saturday (3pm).

Goalscorer Harlyn Palmer said, "Yeah decent result for the boys I think we controlled the game really well had loads of possession disappointing not to get a second goal but overall good shift from everyone. Two good results against 2 good teams hopefully we can keep the momentum going into Saturdays game against Holbeach."

On scoring the equaliser to ultimately earn the team a point, he added, "pleased to get back on the scoresheet again after a long 8 months out injured so I’m just glad I can contribute to the team and help secure the draw."

Looking back on his goal, Palmer said, "The ball came to me on the edge of the box and I had a bit of space but my first touch wasn’t great so I had to improvise and toe punt it but luckily it went into the top corner 🤣."

On whether he felt a draw was a fair result, "I thought Newmarket was quite a hard side to break down but ultimately I thought we had loads of possession so it’s disappointing we couldn’t make more of it and go and grab the winner."

Reflecting on the start to the new season, "Well I’ve only been involved in a few games for the reserves this season. But it seems it’s been a tough start. It’s always going to be difficult though for all the new 1st years coming through adapting to men’s football but the last 2 games have been positive and hopefully it’s a turning point and we can secure our first 3 points on Saturday."

Needham Res:- 1 Freddie Foreman, 2 Leyton Coote, 3 Tyler Wright, 4 Kell Fiddy, 5 Riley Coote, 6 Harry Hopkins (C), 7 Harlyn Palmer (65' Chandler), 8 Josh Tennial, 9 Alex Breeden, 10 Eddie Barker (81' Parker), 11 Olly Bowman (81' Roper). Subs: 14 Kyle roper, 15 Riley Parker, 16 Jack Nunn, 18 Aden Chandler. 

Newmarket Res:- 1 Daniel Wiseman, 2 William Moore, 3 Praise Ameni, 4 Ashton Blunt, 5 Joseph Parr (C), 6 Ben Stucky, 7 Daniel Hobbs, 8 Tyrese Baker, 9 James Cahill, 10 Tom Sykes, 11 Clinton Frank. Subs: 12 Callum Stone, 14 Danilo Carvalho, 15 Marco Damn, 16 Joshua King, 17 Charlie Goodchild.

Booked: Wright 56', Barker 57', Moore 70', Goodchild 90'+2',

Goals: Harlyn Palmer (35'); Clinton Frank (33'pen)

OPENING DAY DEFEAT FOR WOMEN'S TEAM

Needham Market had a tough start to the new season after being humbled by Luton Town Development 5-1 at Bloomfields.

After an impressive pre-season that raised expectations, it was a crash back to earth when they found themselves 3-0 down at half time thanks to a brace from Princess Mgbemere and Jasmin Cemal. 

Any notion of a comeback was gone only minutes into the second period when Carla Todd added a fourth and then Georgia Wood a fifth within the first 15 mins of the resumption.

The only saving grace came from debutant Lily-Jo Hilton as she took aim from distance to add what was a consolation from the opening day humbling.

It was a cagy start to the game with both teams trying to figure each other out but the opening chance fell to Mgbemere for the visitors, she was denied by Danni Clarke’s feet in goal.

But she was not to be denied 5 minutes later as she rushed through onto a long ball, and this time made no mistake.

The old trait of conceding a second quickly from last season returned as this time Cemal pounced on a defensive mistake and fired into the gap between Clarke’s outstretched glove and the bar.

Another defensive mix up led to Mgbemere scoring her second and making it three with only half an hour gone, which Needham did manage to hold to the break but with plenty damage done.

The second period was a chance to reset and see if they could salvage anything but sadly that notion was gone within 5 minutes as Todd smashed one into the top corner.

It was game over as a contest and the visitors continued to pile on the misery as Wood this time added a fifth just as the game moved towards the hour mark.

But the home side showed some fight and got one back thanks a brilliant effort from Hilton after good work from captain Mia Etheridge-Golding to set her into space.

And Needham finished the better with plenty of half chances created and one top save to deny Jae Lewis-Samual late on.

Aside from the result there were some positives as debutants flourished with Hilton scoring and Ella Edwards also impressing, while Izzy Haste made a first team debut off the bench off the back of an impressive season for the development team last season.

The league campaign is long and will see many ups and downs, but this was a particularly disappointing start to a season that expectations hope will yield success.  

JOSH TENNIAL ON DRAW FOR RESERVES

REACTION | JOSH TENNIAL | NEEDHAM MARKET RESERVES V AFC PEGASUS | 15.08.2026 | THURLOW NUNN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE NORTH |

The Reserves picked up their first point of the 2026/27 Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Division North season with a 1-1 draw at home to AFC Pegasus, courtesy of a first senior goal from Alex Breeden.

Josh Tennial, who has played in all six games so far, was delighted with the result.

"Very pleased especially from how we played versus top of league, (it) feels good from our past performances the changing room after the game is quite low but after that well earned point it was very high and good today."

"I thought everyone today played well and it was good to see some olds faces that definitely helped us out but other than that everyone did well in and out of possession." 

Reflecting on the start to the new season Tennial added, "I personally think the first couple of games for us have been hard due to everyone in the league been much stronger and bigger than us however I think we have to get used to playing with each other and we can end the season on a high."

The Reserves are back at Bloomfields on Tuesday night, when Newmarket Town Reserves visit, which Tennial is hoping to build some momentum, "after todays performance I think that’s really lifted everyone up so I'm definitely excited to play on Tuesday and go in strong again and get the 3 points. After today’s performance ended good even though we haven’t got 3 points I can see this team doing well for the rest of the season we have strong group here and l can see us ending on a high."

NEEDHAM DROP TO FIFTEENTH WITH FRUSTRATING DEFEAT

Alvechurch v Needham Market | 15.08.2026 | Lye Meadow | The Pitching IN Southern League Premier Central Division | Game 3 |

 

Two goals within a minute condemned Needham Market to a 2-0 defeat away to Alvechurch.

Tom Rothery's side made one change to the side that beat Hitchin Town 3-1 away in midweek, Dan Morphew returned from injury for his first appearance of the new season with Ollie Saunders dropping to the bench. New signing Josh Curry started on the bench, following the end of his suspension as Kell Fiddy played for the Reserves, and Joe Neal missed out with a calf injury.

The hosts meanwhile made 2 alterations from their 3-1 home victory over Worcester City on Tuesday, as Bavanganga and goalscorer Jamey Osborne started in place of Ben Stephens and Kieran Wakefield.

Luke Ingram had a header only just kept out prior to the first half drinks break, after which Manny Ilesanmi (26') and Osborn (27') struck in quickfire fashion to settle an otherwise uneventful encounter, with the other real noteable effort from either side being Kyle Hammond's strike hitting the post late on.

Alvechurch (1') broke through onto the left-hand side, but fired the shot narrowly over.

Many Ilesanmi (8') was then fed free at close range down the right-hand side but saw his effort deflected behind for a corner.

Needham (13') went close to breaking the deadlock, Tommy Smith's left wing throw saw Marcel Lewis feed Kyle Hammond to whip a dangerous cross in, finding Luke Ingram lurking at close range. The forward's stooping header though was denied by Redman Evans, who also just managed to thwart Ingram's follow up effort as the Church defence were able to scramble clear.

In an end-to-end fast paced beginning to the game, Keiran Morphew (22') was well placed at the far post to head an in-swinging right wing corner behind for another set-piece, with James Bradbrook claiming Jessy Bavanganga's far post header towards goal from the resulting corner.

The home side took a quick 2-0 lead, shortly after the drinks break. Manny Ilesanmi (26') squirmed a low shot into the bottom near corner from the right-hand side, prior to Jamey Osborne (27') scoring from the half-way line from the restart.

Ryan Miles (29') however smashed home low smartly across goal, but was ruled out by an offside flag, while Kyle Hammond (41') had a shot deflected just wide of the top far corner, from the right-hand edge of the box.

Hammond (43') hit a direct corner just agonisingly over off the top of the crossbar from the resulting set-piece.

A dull start to the second half saw Needham have the lion share of the possession, as Liam Pearce replaced Luke Ingram (55'), Jake Dye (56') then crucially blocked a shot at close range, while Josh Curry made his Needham debut in place of Dan Morphew (65').

Allen (67') met a right wing cross at the far post, only for Bavanganga's header upwards to be claimed by his keeper on the line, ahead of a double alteration saw Marcel Lewis and Ben Hunter withdrawn for Ollie Saunders and James Coton (69').

The changes did make an impact - albeit not on the scoreline - substitute Pearce (71') beat his man cleverly on the right wing to cross dangerously on the byline - but it just evaded James Coton unmarked at the back post.

James Bradbrook (76') then held a fierce right wing cross well on his line, prior to Liam Pearce's curling 85th minute right wing cross was plucked out of the air by Evans at the other end (85').

Needham though had the only real shot on goal - since the interval - Hammond (86') saw a ferocious strike tipped onto the inside of the right-hand post by Evans, who just about caught the rebound at the vital moment.

Jake Dye (94') thundered a brilliant volley just wide of the right-hand post, rather summing up a disappointing afternoon for the Reds who switch focus to Saturday's home encounter with Halesowen Town (3pm).

Alvechurch:- 1 Redman Evans, 2 Harry Reilly, 3 Jack Kelly, 4 Jamey Osborne, 6 Archie Crowther, 7 Sam Perry (C), 8 Jonny Ngandu (64' Phillips), 9 Miracle Okafor, 14 Callum Sullivan, 17 Jessy Bavanganga, 18 Manny Ilesanmi. Subs: 10 Ben Stephens, 15 Kieran Wakefield, 19 Gus Sanches, 21 Nick Clayton-Phillips, 23 Johan Rask. 68' 14 off 21 on. 87' Manny off Stephens on.

Needham Market:- 1 James Bradbrook, 2 Jake Dye, 3 Tommy Smith, 4 Kyle Hammond, 5 Keiran Morphew (C), 6 Dan Morphew (65' Curry), 7 Luke Ingram (55' Pearce), 10 Ryan Miles, 11 Tevan Allen (77' Barker), 16 Marcel Lewis (69' Coton), 17 Ben Hunter (69' Saunders). Subs: 8 Ollie Saunders, 12 Liam Pearce, 14 Josh Curry, 18 Eddie Barker, 19 James Coton.

Booked: Hammond (83').
Goals: Manny Ilesanmi ('26'), Jamey Osborne (27').
Needham MOTM: 3 Tommy Smith.

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.