MARKETMEN EXIT FA CUP

Braintree Town v Needham Market | 22.09.2026 | Cressing Road Stadium | Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Replay |

Reaction from Tom Rothery




Three second half goals knocked Needham Market out of the Emirates FA Cup, as Anisius Lewis' brace guided Braintree Town to a 3-0 victory.

Tom Rothery named an unchanged team from Saturday's 3-3 draw, with the Marketmen ultimately ruing big chances not falling their way with the home side taking full advantage at the other end.

Needham had a third minute long ball held by Barrett, while good run from Marcel Lewis (8') onto the left wing, deep in the Braintree half, saw the winger's dangerous cross low across the area cleared.

Needham went close in the 16th minute, Marcel Lewis broke smartly onto the left-hand byline whose excellent squared ball across the face of goal was turned just wide by Pearce, sliding in at the near post.

At the other end, Braintree (19') forced a good stop from James Bradbrook. Fletcher Hubbard drove onto a through-ball onto the right-hand side, though his near post strike was tipped over by the alert Bradbrook.

Braintree (20') had an effort from the corner deflected just wide of the bottom right-hand corner for another corner, before Kyle
Hammond's (31') left wing free-kick was creeping under the crossbar, albeit George Barrett claimed at his far post.

While Braintree had slightly more possession, Needham had the better chances.

George Evans (34') looked to latch onto a long ball close to goal, but the ball ran too close to Bradbrook to gather.

After a foul by Ben Hunter around 30-yards from his own goal, which prompted a caution, Afi Adebayo (36') fires the free-kick straight into Bradbrook's chest.

The Marketmen went agonisingly close again, Liam Pearce's (41') wrapped strike from the right-hand edge of the box wemt just wide of the bottom far corner.

The best chance at either end in the first half fell to Needham (43'),
Kyle Hammond's exquisite left wing cross was met by the towering Tevan Allen whose excellent header towards the top near corner was swatted away brilliantly by Ipswich Town loanee George Barrett.

After the restart, Marcel Lewis (47') weaved freely onto the left-hand edge of the box but shoots low and straight at Barrett.

Alex Bolovan (50') saw a dangerous free-kick blocked by the wall, while Liam Pearce (51') went agonisingly close.

Pearce was threaded clear on goal, in acres of space but shot AGONISINGLY just wide of the bottom right-hand corner.

The home side broke the deadlock (53'), harsh on the Marketmen who recieved a sucker punch having just gone close themselves, after cutback to Bolovan on the edge of the box wass wrapped home first time into the bottom far corner.

Braintree went close on 55 minutes Anisius Lewis (55') raced through but fired just wide of the bottom far corner.

Luke Ingram (56') replaced Marcel Lewis, moment before Liam Pearce again drove into the area but saw his shot blocked behind. Hammond's effort goes wide.

Needham created another good chance (60'), Keiran Morphew drifted onto the left-hand byline but his excellent cutback to Hammond was cleared.

The game was end to end until the Iron doubled their lead (63'). Anisius Lewis picked up a misplaced pass to spin through on goal and cooly finish low past Bradbrook in clinical fashion.

Ryan Miles (65') replaced Ollie Saunders, prior to Bradbrook producing a big save at full stretch across waist high to his right on 67 minutes.

Bradbrook (68') then denied a close range header from a clipped cross, a minute before Lewis netted his second goal of the night.

Anisius Lewis (69') hared down the right-hand side to fire home low into the net to pick up a quickfire brace.

Needham withdrew Dan Morphew and Pearce for Josh Curry anf James Coton (71'), ahead of Ben Hunter receiving his marching orders (73') for a second yellow card.

Bradbrook however held the resulting free-kick at his near post.

Louie Johnson (77') was fed free close to Bradbrook's right-hand post, only for the keeper to comfortably save.

Alfie Matthews (78') meanwhile latched onto the ball unmarked in the area with a golden chance to score, but his lobbed effort was weak as Bradbrook claimed.

Kell Fiddy (79') replaced Hammond, while Bradbrook dived expertly low to his right (87') to palm a shot behind, a feat he replicated mere moments later.

Needham (90') had a low shot held by the keeper, though ten man Needham exited the FA Cup following a 3-0 defeat at National League South opponents Braintree Town, but switch focus to Saturday's FA Trophy trip to Canvey Island.

Braintree Town:- 1 George Barrett, 2 Idreess Namisi, 6 Jet Dyer, 7 Courtney Senior, 8 Louie Johnson, 9 Anisius Lewis (C), 11 Fletcher Hubbard (84' Goredema), 15 Alex Bolovan (80' Okunowo), 16 Alfie Lewis (75' Swann), 20 George Evans (57' Matthews), 21 Afi Adebayo (80' Brown). Subs: 4 Reuben Swann, 10 Alfie Matthews, 12 Jacob Goredema, 18 Luis Brown, 22 Emmanuel Okunowo.

Needham Market:- 1 James Bradbrook, 2 Jake Dye, 3 Tommy Smith, 4 Kyle Hammond (79' Fiddy), 5 Keiran Morphew (C), 6 Dan Morphew (71' Curry), 8 Ollie Saunders (65' Miles), 11 Tevan Allen, 12 Liam Pearce (71' Coton), 16 Marcel Lewis (56' Ingram), 17 Ben Hunter. Subs: 7 Luke Ingram, 10 Ryan Miles, 14 Josh Curry, 15 James Coton, 18 Harlyn Palmer, 19 Kellen Fiddy, 13 Charlie Skinner (GK).

Booked: Ben Hunter (35', 73'), Courtney Senior (74'), Alfie Matthews (89'),

Sent Off: Ben Hunter (73').

Goals: Alex Bolovan (53'), Anisius Lewis (63', 69').

MARKETWOMEN EXIT FA CUP

Needham Market’s FA Cup journey was brought to a shuddering halt by Eastern Regional Premier League side Haringey Borough, who delivered a 9-0 defeat at Bloomfields.

Needham competed well for the first 15 minutes but fell behind when Nia Garwood opened the scoring. Although the hosts had chances to level, a quickfire double from Connie Wakeford and Garwood gave Haringey a commanding lead before Mia Obeng added a fourth late in the half.

The goals continued to flow for the visitors after the break, with Wakeford, Renea Jarrett and Emily Pickard all finding the net before a late Bo Payne double took Haringey to the brink of double figures.

The opening stages had been competitive, with Needham looking organised defensively and threatening on the break with pace going forward.

Haringey created the early chances and began to build pressure down Needham’s left, which eventually allowed Garwood to beat two players, cut inside and drill a low finish under Danni Clarke.

The visitors threatened again, but Needham then carved out two excellent opportunities to equalise after fine work from Keira Topple. Annie Posnett was first denied by the goalkeeper before firing another effort over the bar.

As the half progressed, Needham looked firmly in the contest and would have been good value for an equaliser. However, a defensive mistake allowed Wakeford to run into space and double Haringey’s lead.

Suddenly, the game began to slip away. Garwood claimed her second with a long ball over the top, beating her marker for pace and making it 3-0 within seconds of the restart.

That quickfire double left Needham with a mountain to climb, and the task became even tougher when Obeng tapped home from close range just before the break.

Needham had gone into the tie as underdogs, and their aim for the second half was to find positives to build on. However, another mistake proved costly when Clarke spilled a shot and Wakeford reacted quickest to score her second on the rebound.

The visitors were now in full control, cutting Needham open for Jarrett to add a sixth before Pickard struck from long range to make it seven as the afternoon grew increasingly difficult for the home side.

Substitute Payne then came on and added a late brace with two composed finishes to complete the scoring.

With a few minutes remaining, Needham introduced young development midfielder Kim Stock for her first-team debut.

Needham can take positives from the game, but defensive frailties ultimately made an already difficult contest even harder.

ALFIE OFF THE MARK FOR RESERVES IN SUFFOLK SENIOR CUP WIN

Needham Market Reserves defeated Brandon Town 3-2 away from home in the Suffolk Senior Cup, with goals from Henry Vieira (2) and Alfie Mark. 

Mark, on target for the first time for Reserves, said, "very pleased with win today to get us through to the next round, but I feel when we went 3-1 up in second half we could of managed the game a lot better instead of rushing it and giving ball away stupidly but played some good football at times on a bad pitch.

"The performance was decent against a big physical team but as I said before we lacked a bit of game management near end of the game to get us to the end.

"I'm very pleased to score in today’s game, first Reserves goal this season so very happy with that and good to gain a bit of confidence in front of goal. For my goal the ball got crossed in by Aden as he shifted it and whipped it back post and I made the run got on the end of it but keeper managed to save the header then I followed it up and tapped it in to make it 2-1, but was a good feeling to score to get us ahead. 

"I would summarise the reserves season as unfortunate with some unlucky results that don’t reflect our performances but we get caught out. Against strong physical teams that have an advantage with there height and strength but we also play some good football at home on Astro that dismantle teams." 

LAST MINUTE DYE EQUALISER SETS UP REPLAY AT BRAINTREE

Needham Market V Braintree Town | 19.09.2026 | Bloomfields | Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Interviews with Jake Dye, Dan Morphew and Tom Rothery



Jake Dye's last minute header ensured that Needham Market's Emirates FA Cup tie with Braintree Town would go to a replay on Tuesday night after a pulsating 3-3 draw at Bloomfields.

Needham reverted to the same team that started against Worcester City last weekend, in which Dan Morphew's penalty just before the break gave the home side a thoroughly deserved 1-0 lead.

In truth, the Reds should've arguably been further in front at half-time, although the National League South visitors quickly took the lead after the restart.

Louie Johnson (55') and George Evans (63') made it 2-1, but for Liam Pearce (72') to burn past the defence restore parity with his seventh goal in 4 games.

Fletcher Hubbard (81') regained the Iron's lead with a well hit strike for a 3-2 lead.

With it looking like the Marketmen would rue missed chances, up stepped Jake Dye to head home in the dying embers to keep Needham in Monday's draw.

Kyle Hammond (3') whipped a great strike just wide of the far, right-hand, post.

Needham's bright start (5') saw Liam Pearce drive forward, exchanging a neat one-two with Marcel Lewis, whose neat flick round the corner but it was intercepted at the crucial moment.

George Evans' (7') left wing dangerous cross to the far post was nodded behind by Tommy Smith for a corner, ahead of Liam Pearce (9') drifting unmarked onto the left-hand byline but his smart back-heeled cut-back just evaded Marcel Lewis.

Liam Pearce (11') again looked to be a nuisance for the Iron's defence, his latest attempt to drive into the box, was just read by the defence to clear.

Needham (12') forced the first save from either keeper, Tevan Allen ran free down the left-hand side but saw his fierce tight angled strike well saved by Ipswich Town loanee George Barrett at his near post.

Marcel Lewis (14') then looked to thread Kyle Hammond through one on one, but Barrett advanced out to just beat the midfielder to the ball.

At the other end, a big save from James Bradbrook (16') denied a dangerous free-kick from 25-yards out, as Alfie Matthews' swerving set-piece was smothered away by the chest of Bradbrook.

The Marketmen (26') had the ball in the net, albeit ruled out for offside, Liam Pearce drove clear on goal, before finding the bottom far, right-hand, corner expertly.

Needham (27') remained firmly on top, Pearce was fed through into space on the left-hand edge of the box by Lewis but fired narrowly over.

Tevan Allen's (29') low driven shot from range is initially spilt by Barrett, while Kyle Hammond (30') hammered a strike at goal from the left-hand edge of the gbox but it was defelected narrowly wide.

Keiran Morphew (31') mopped up after Braintree pounced on a loose pass in the Reds' defensive area, before Lewis (32') curled a low dangerous 25-yard free-kick, from the left-hand side, round the well only for Barrett to hold at his near post.

Liam Pearce (40') raced free down the right wing, prompting a reckless sliding challenge from West Ham loanee Luis Brown - who received the first caution of the afternoon.

From the resulting free-kick, Needham were awarded a penalty (41'). Captain Keiran Morphew's header towards goal was blocked out to Dan Morphew - who lashed a shot towards goal, albeit also blocked, with Kyle Hammond fouled on the follow up.

Dan Morphew (42') put Needham into a deserved lead at the break, rifling home into the middle of the net.

Needham kept searching for a second (45'+2'), Ben Hunter wrapped a 40-yard effort narrowly wide of the near post, though the Marketmen went even closer a minute later (45'+3').

Lewis hared onto the left-hand side, only to see his low strike beaten away by Barrett at full stretch, which fell to Ollie Saunders who skewed his low shot just agonisingly wide.

Needham were full value of their lead at the interval, though Braintree made a triple switch at half-time, and fed Anisius Lewis free just outside the area whose first time volley flew over.

Braintree started the second half with a point to prove, but good defending from Tommy Smith (51') glanced Adebayo's inviting 25-yard free-kick wide of the far post for a corner.

James Bradbrook (54') claimed a cross on his line at the near post well, though Braintree equalised a minute later (55').

Substitute Louie Johnson broke free at point blank range, at the right-hand post, to find the far corner.

Braintree (63') turned the game on its head to take a 2-1 lead, pouncing on a defensive mistake at the back by the hosts, George Evans converted into an empty net.

There was action at both ends, first Needham (67') looked to get back into the game as Hammond whipped an effort into Barrett's hands.

Bolovan (67') forced Bradbrook into a sharp reaction stop, low to his right-hand side to beat a close range strike wide, as Coton (69') replaced Saunders.

The hosts however equalised on 72 minutes, Liam Pearce continued his red hot scoring form, netting his seventh goal in 4 games with a cracking strike. A long ball released the forward racing through, twisting and turning past the defence to spin and fire home brilliantly into the bottom right-hand corner!!

Braintree (75') then lofted a dangerous right wing delivery into the box from the right that bounced off a white shirt and just wide of the near post at close range.

Luke Ingram (78') was introduced for Marcel Lewis, prior to the visitors retaking the lead (81'), Fletcher Hubbard curled a stunning strike into the top left-hand corner to make it 3-2 to the higher league Irons.

Ingram (83') was threaded clear on goal but for Barett to smother away his strike, ahead of a Needham change (83') saw Harlyn Palmer replace Allen.

Ingram (92') went agonisingly close to equalising late on, the winger beat Barrett to a long ball but his looping header crashed agonisingly over off the top of the bar, ahead of Bradbrook (93') standing firm at his near, right-hand, post to block Anisius Lewis' point range strike behind.

Hubbard (96') bared down on goal but for his long range chip to be held by Bradbrook, before Jake Dye earned Needham a well deserved draw moments later. 

Hammond's left wing cross back into the area was nodded home by Jake Dye ghosting in at the far post at point blank range to secure a 3-3 draw.

Both teams will therefore be in Monday's 3rd Qualifying Round draw, with the replay to take place in Essex on Tuesday (7:45pm), meaning the Marketmen's Southern League Central Premier Division trip to Leighton Town will be re-arranged for another date.

Needham Market:- 1 James Bradbrook, 2 Jake Dye, 3 Tommy Smith, 4 Kyle Hammond, 5 Keiran Morphew (C), 6 Dan Morphew, 8 Ollie Saunders (69' Coton), 11 Tevan Allen (83' Palmer), 12 Liam Pearce, 16 Marcel Lewis (78' Ingram), 17 Ben Hunter. Subs: 7 Luke Ingram, 10 Ryan Miles, 14 Josh Curry, 15 James Coton, 18 Harlyn Palmer, 19 Kellen Fiddy, 13 Charlie Skinner (GK).

Braintree Town:- 1 George Barrett, 2 Idreess Namisi, 19 Vladimir Paternoser (63' Lewis), 6 Jet Dyer, 18 Luis Brown (HT' Senior), 4 Reuben Swann, 22 Emmanuel Okunowo (HT' Bolovan), 10 Alfie Matthews (HT' Johnson), 21 Afi Adebayo, 20 George Evans (77' Hubbard), 9 Anisius Lewis (C). Subs: 11 Fletcher Hubbard, 7 Courtney Senior, 15 Alex Bolovan, 16 Alfie Lewis, 8 Louie Johnson.

Booked: Luis Brown (40').
Goals: Dan Morphew (42'pen), Liam Pearce (72'); Louie Johnson (55'), George Evans (63'), Fletcher Hubbard (81').

Needham MOTM Sponsored by Match Sponsors The Windscreen Company: 3 Tommy Smith.

Att: 410.

YOUNG MARKETMEN COMFORTABLY PROGRESS IN FA YOUTH CUP

The Under-18s progressed to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup with a fantastic 4-0 victory away to Dereham Town on Thursday night.

The young Marketmen will face a trip to Braintree Town in the next round, after a brace from Henry Vieira and goals from Josh Tennial and Fin Brock booked Luke Betts' side a spot in Friday's draw. 

Double goalscorer Henry Vieira commented, "Yes I’m buzzing with the win. Very glad to be in the next round and see how far we can get. 

"In terms of performance I thought we played well. The energy was very high from the start, which really pushed our performance. 

"Very happy to score 2 goals. Especially after being out for about a month I was desperate to get back."  

"For the first goal, it happened so quick I didn’t really have time to think. I just saw Kyle lift his back foot up so I started running towards the goal and was thankfully there for the rebound."  

Previewing Saturday's Suffolk Senior Cup trip to Brandon Town, "I think it’s going to be a tough game. Very physical but I think if we play how we did last night we can deal with that." 

Defender Tyler Wright said, "Yes the win was great I think we was very excited for it in training it was much better and very fast paced we knew we had to be on our top game and we was it was really good. 

"The victory was amazing after that performance we know we can go do special things and it’s a very good squad we have. Playing in the Youth Cup is a privilege and to do it 3 times is just brilliant for me. 

"The season has been okay reserves haven’t went as we planned struggling to play with the men’s were starting to know what we need to do."

On making his First Team debut on Tuesday, Wright added, "playing Tuesday is a real high for my career I’ve always wanted to play for Needham first team since the day I’ve joined but to do it now feels ever better I’m very proud.

"The experience is great, they're a great group of players and I think they will do very well this year and playing in it was brilliant they eased me into the game and didn’t moan if I made a mistake it was really good."

Previewing Saturday's fixtures he added, "as I’m with the 23s I hope I can add something else to the team and hopefully we can get the win and have a good weekend all over. (On the Reserves): "Since I'm cup tied I'm with the 23s but with the squad they have I’m sure they can go win that game and I’ll be hoping to hear it there all on a real high since Thursdays game."

MARKETMEN THRASH LOWESTOFT TO PROGRESS IN PREMIER CUP

Needham Market hit Lowestoft Town for eight away from home to advance to the Second Round of the Suffolk Premier Cup.

https://youtu.be/j0213JU3Esk?is=jK8PwTldpfg_QTab

Tom Rothery made 3 changes to Saturday's 2-0 home league win over Worcester City, Academy graduates Kellen Fiddy and James Coton made their full senior debuts, with Josh Curry also returning to the starting eleven, in place of captain Keiran Morphew, Dan Morphew and Ollie Saunders, with Jake Dye captaining the Marketmen. Academy players Harry Hopkins and Tyler Wright, in the First Team squad for the first time, joined D.Morphew, Charlie Skinner and Harlyn Palmer on the bench.

Academy graduate James Coton gave the Marketmen the lead early on (12'), netting his first senior goal for the club.

The Marketmen quickly raced into a 2-0 advantage, as Liam Pearce (15') netted his 4th goal in 3 games, before Marcel Lewis (28') saw Needham romp into a dominant lead.

Needham added a fourth (35') through Marcel Lewis for his hat-trick, ahead of further goals from Liam Pearce (37') and Marcel Lewis (40') for their second goals of the night.

Needham led 6-0 at the break, and made two substitutions with Liam Pearce and Tommy Smith replaced by Harlyn Palmer and Academy defender Tyler Wright, on for his senior debut.

Marcel Lewis netted his fourth and the seventh goal for the Reds early into the second half, with Charlie Skinner also making his senior Needham debut in place of goalkeeper James Bradbrook.

Tevan Allen meanwhile got in on the act to complete an 8-0 victory, setting up a trip to Haverhill Rovers in the second round - with the date to confirmed in due course.

Reserves captain Harry Hopkins was introduced for his senior First Team debut late on, to cap off a fantastic night for the club.

Meanwhile, the Marketmen host Braintree Town on Saturday (19th, 3pm) in the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Needham:- 1 James Bradbrook (60' Skinner), 2 Jake Dye (C), 3 Tommy Smith (HT' Wright), 4 Kyle Hammond, 5 Kellen Fiddy, 11 Tevan Allen, 12 Liam Pearce (HT' Palmer), 14 Josh Curry, 15 James Coton, 16 Marcel Lewis, 17 Ben Hunter. Subs: 13 Charlie Skinner, 7 Harry Hopkins, 8 Tyler Wright, 6 Dan Morphew, 18 Harlyn Palmer. 

MESSAGE FROM DAVE

Having reached the grand old age of 73 it's time to retire from my commitments to Needham Market Football Club and spend more time with my wonderful wife Kate, family and friends.

Before all that happens at the end of September let me take you on an amazing journey back in time.

It was some 18 years ago that I first walked through the entrance to Bloomfield's having parked on a muddy swamp we now call the 3G. It was impossible not to be taken aback by the passion and commitment of all those involved at the time.

So, within a short time I had joined these amazing people in helping to transform this club into what it's become today.

Where to start and who to mention is so difficult and apologies to anyone I miss.

We must start with the volunteers, this group of dedicated supporters dismantled the old pitch side perimeter fence and replaced with the current red "rebound fence".

Mark M achieved promotion to Step 3, historically we were getting promoted every 5 or 6 years. The "Dillon Lockwood" stand was constructed by Jerry, Nicky, Sid and I am sure others.

Then we really picked up the pace with Graham and Co bringing the 3G pitch to fruition. Special mention here to Rob Peace who at the time was successful in obtaining the largest grant ever awarded, £480,000 to a club of our standing.

From then on the club went through the gears at an unbelievable pace both on and off the pitch. Graham oversaw (and mostly financed) the Hub building. A new turnstile block and beer garden was constructed, the clubhouse bar and dressing rooms were revamped, Kate designed and brought the Hub Cafe on stream. The "SHED" drinks outlet was constructed.

At the same time major success was achieved on the pitch, silverware rolled in, memories to last a lifetime. Grown men cried on that day at Yeovil. Burton Albion, York, Hereford on a Tuesday evening drinking in the Ronnie Radford bar, and winning one nil. Spennymoor - on a Tuesday night!!! A 520 mile round trip, rolled into bed at 4.15 am, as the A14 was shut again!!!!!!

Major sponsorship continued to finance various projects, special mention to Barry at The Windscreen Company, also many others, you all know who you are.

We built the club shop and stocked up with NMFC merchandise, also took it "online" and sell literally worldwide. Paul, another club stalwart manages this outlet and he reminds me of a 1970s barber shop when coming out with the classic "something for the weekend sir".

The promotion season to step 2 was a terrific time for all, fantastic players, the management team of Kevin and Tom, a winning combination. Whilst relegation was disappointing, players, management and supporters experienced some amazing stadiums. From that one season at step 2 we were able to access another huge grant which enabled the construction of the new all seater stand etc at Bloomfields. One of the final pieces of the jigsaw is the LED Scoreboard which is another great addition to Bloomfield's.

Now let's talk about the playing staff, how proud we all are to see Keiran and Luke play over 500 games each for NMFC, not to forget Jake who is rapidly approaching that milestone also, truly remarkable and almost unprecedented at this level. Dan, another truly loyal servant, thanks go to all of you, past and present.

Winners of the Suffolk Premier Cup 5 times in the last 6 seasons, is just remarkable.

The academy just goes from strength to strength, outstanding academic achievements with thanks Sam, young lads, learning their trade, one lad (Charlie Wood) even progressing to captain ITFC U18's.

A new era is emerging, I have formed a new commercial team in Adam, Richard, and Rob, have also brought in Ben (the original drummer boy) as the new vice chairman to lead this important side of the club. Major changes are in the planning stages with music events etc upcoming. Rob has contacted a number of Premier League Clubs with a view to offering away supporters visiting ITFC the opportunity to use our extensive facilities prior to continuing their journey to Portman Road.

My sincere thanks go out to all those committee members who supported me on this journey from commercial director to vice chairman and finally to CEO, and I can't end without a special mention to Kenny, our groundsman, a truly remarkable man, if anyone was to be given the title Mr NMFC he is the man, cheers bud, thanks for everything, could not have done it without you.

Finally, I truly believe that in years to come supporters will look back, (like with ITFC in 1981) and say "Those were the days"

Regards,

Dave Clarke

LATE GUTTING DEFEAT FOR MARKETWOMEN

Needham Market snatched defeat from the jaws of victory after collapsing late on to lose 3-2 to Costessey Sports in Norfolk. 

An entertaining first half saw the only goal coming from Adele Stalnionis, but there were several chances for either side.

It was never going to stay 1-0 in what turned out to be a quite extraordinary second half, with the hosts levelling through Sofia Odell before late drama saw Jae Lewis-Samuel put Needham back in front from the spot, only for Odell to level again and then Chloe Moulton to win it in stoppage time.

The action started straight away when Keira Topple thought she had put the visitors in front, but the goal was ruled out for an apparent foul on the keeper by Lewis-Samuel that looked more like a penalty than a foul on the goalkeeper.

Costessey had a few half chances, but it was Needham that missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when a brilliant cross from Chloe Brame found Anna Sullivan six yards out, but she could only hit it straight at the keeper.

The home side felt they should have been ahead when Amy Brunning made a brilliant save before Chelsea Brett had to make a clearance off the line from the rebound.

The pivotal moment of the half came when a direct ball from midfield was controlled perfectly by Stalnionis, who spun and left her marker for dead before burying the ball across goal into the far corner.

Needham finished the half strongly and had chances to double their lead, but it remained a solitary-goal advantage at the break.

The home side hit back in a whirlwind opening five minutes of the second half, with the ball breaking to Odell on the left side of the Needham penalty area and she lobbed Brunning before Thea Hackney ran through and should have put the home side ahead.

Needham weathered that storm and took control of the game, creating a host of chances, many of which were created and finished by Stalnionis.

She had the beating of her full-back and twice got clear to shoot from the right, but went near post on both occasions and was denied.

Lewis-Samuel was next to be denied as she turned her marker and burst clear into the area, only to shoot straight at the keeper, while Stalnionis got clear again, but her poke beyond the on-rushing keeper went agonisingly wide.

Then came the late drama, with Lewis-Samuel thinking she had won it four minutes from time after converting a penalty when she was pulled back in the box.

But Needham lost their composure and failed to keep possession, allowing a long ball towards Odell, who, in a similar position to her first goal, took advantage of a defensive mistake and lofted one across goal into the far side netting.

It was painful to take, but there was another sting in the tale when a deep cross was flashed across the front of the box and an unmarked Moulton scooped the ball over Brunning to give the home side all three points from a remarkable finish to the game.

The Development team made it back-to-back home wins to start the league campaign with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Ipswich Valley Rangers.

Paige Pugh scored twice, while an own goal and a strike from Lilly Leeks helped the home side build a commanding 4-1 half-time lead.

Goals were harder to come by in the second half, but Needham did add a fifth through Lola Hunting to maintain their 100 per cent record and sit joint top of the table with Woodbridge Town.