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').

Soham Town Rangers v Needham Market | 11.07.2026

Needham Market kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 5-1 win over Soham Town Rangers.

A first half goal from Joe Neal gave the Marketmen the lead at the break, with Ryan Miles netting a second half hat-trick and Kell Fiddy netting a late fifth to round off a great start to the club's 2026/27 preparations. 

Needham had the first real chance (7'), Eddie Barker latched onto a good ball through down the left-hand side only for his great low strike to be flashed wide of the far post. 

The Marketmen went close (10'), Tommy Smith threaded Barker down the left wing who in turn slid Lewis into the area whose first time shot was blocked. 

Soham meanwhile forced the first save of the afternoon (18'). Skinner's clearance was intercepted but the stopper was equal to the resulting low effort across to his right.

Spurred on by that, Rothery's side broke the deadlock from the following counter attack. Myles Cowling was sent flying down the left wing in acres of space to square across on a plate for an easy tap in for Joe Neal, 1-0 Needham after 19 minutes.

Soham then looked to break onto the left-hand side (33'), but goalkeeper James Bradbrook - after Skinner rolled his ankle - read play superbly to gather the ball.

Soham had a player booked for a reckless stamp on Allen (32'), then Barker (35') saw a fierce strike blocked, ahead of Myles Cowling (40') seeing an excellent run past the defence and long range exquisite chip over the onrushing goalkeeper, into the net, ruled out for offside.

Marcel Lewis (44') fed Tevan Allen into space to shoot just outside the area, but the latter fired his shot over.

Needham had the final chance of the first half (45'+3'). Myles Cowling was set clear on the left-hand side whose tight angled effort was well smothered by the goalkeeper.

A much changed team emerged for the second half, as James Coton weaved into space with smart footwork just outside the area but shoots straight at the keeper just 40 seconds after the break. 

Needham remained their front foot immediate start to the second half, drawing a double save out of the goalkeeper. James Coton's rasping strike was well saved by the diving keeper before Barker's follow up strike was also denied. 

The game though quietened down until Flynn Bobby (57') drove onto the left-hand side only to see his excellent cut-back just cleared.

After a smart low save from James Bradbrook to claw away a low strike down to his left-hand side (65') - Needham swiftly extended their lead with 2 quickfire goals.

Ryan Miles marked his return from injury with 2 well taken goals in 3 minutes. Both racing down the right-hand side, the first into the bottom left-hand corner, prior to lashing home his second into the opposite corner.

Soham (71') reduced the deficit back to 2 goals with a well hit strike from distance, before excellent defending from Hammond (74') thwarted a second goal with a perfectly timed last ditch challenge after the hosts were released through one on one with Bradbrook.

Miles (81') completed his hat-trick with another brilliant finish. The forward cleverly threaded Coton onto the right wing, who returned the favour with a brilliant through-ball for the former to turn and fire his third into the bottom left-hand corner!! 

Hammond (85') found James Coton unmarked with a good left wing corner, but the winger's far post effort went over.

Needham added a fifth goal in style on 87 minutes. After a foul on Miles, Hammond took it quickly to feed Flynn Bobby down the left wing to wrap a fantastic low ball across the danger area for fellow Academy graduate Kell Fiddy arriving to tap home.

Manager Tom Rothery said, "always good to win, get the lads back into game mode. They’ve trained really well in the first 2 weeks so it was nice to see where they were at after the break. Obviously lots of changes and players limited to certain minutes on a very hot day. Only negative was the few knocks we got. 

"I thought the goals were all really well taken. Great perseverance and quality from Mylo and good for Joe to be in the right spot. Ryan took his goals really well there was some really quality in those and good assists from Flynn and Jameo and then a nice finish from Kellen after another good assist from Flynn." 

"I thought we had some good phases that came out we’ve only done a little bit of shape work so that’s positive. Work rate throughout I was really pleased with and that was the main thing that I asked for from the players at the start of the day." 

On Ryan Miles netting a hat-trick on his return, "yes really pleased, I said last season he was a miss and he showed why today. He’s taken a naughty knock today which hopefully isn’t too bad. Huge credit to him, he’s worked really hard to make sure that he was ready to start pre-season with everybody else."

Speaking about Luke Ingram being replaced, "Not great news that one, he’s caught it early which is why we brought him off but same hamstring as back end of the season so that will take some work and time out sadly before we see Luke again."

When asked about having the majority of the squad available, "I’ve said many times this is a great group, the environment is excellent and they’re all fully invested so it’s great that we can really set standards and work how we want too."

Looking ahead to Thursday's Suffolk Champions Charity Cup clash with Halesworth Town, "Another good game for us, I’ll be nice to play at home and get more minutes into the players and keep trying to work on what we are training through. We have a session Monday then two games next week so it’s great to have football back."

Ryan Miles added, "Yeah really happy! Been a long time since being in the match day squad but just to get a few minutes in me with no problems is best thing about it.

"Good win, pre season is always a weird one because your there to get fit, get a feel for it again but it’s still good to get results to run in to the season with a try carry momentum.

"Delighted with the 3 goals and the 3 finishes, will be more better if I can replicate that in a league game where it really means something, but overall happy with it."

Reflecting on his hat-trick, "More relief than anything, when I got injured back in December I felt I was in some decent form. So picking up from where I left off was a great feeling!

"It’s great for a striker to grab some goals as that’s what I'm there for. But really just happy with being back out there enjoying it with the lads again!"

Needham 1st Half: 1 Charlie Skinner (29' 1 James Bradbrook), 2 Jake Dye, 5 Keiran Morphew (C), 8 Kellen Fiddy, 3 Tommy Smith, 4 Kyle Hammond, 18 Eddie Barker, 11 Tevan Allen, 16 Marcel Lewis, 9 Joe Neal, 15 Myles Cowling. 

2nd Half: Bradbrook, 19 Trialist, 2 Dye, 6 Dan Morphew (C), 4 Hammond, 17 Ben Hunter, 18 Barker, 14 James Coton, 10 Ryan miles, 7 Luke Ingram (64' 20 Fiddy), 12 Flynn Bobby. 

Booked - S4 (32')

Goals: (71'); Neal (19'), Miles (65', 68', 81'), Fiddy (87')

Ollie Saunders | 2025/26 Q+A #23 | 21.05.2026 |

Midfielder Ollie Saunders takes a look back at his first season with the Marketmen.

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

OS: Personally I really enjoyed the season as a whole. All the players, staff, fans, board etc are top so it made it so easy for me to come in and feel comfortable. Look were a good footballing side and I enjoy getting on the ball so I found it a very enjoyable season overall. 

2. Can you pick 3 games in general that stood out to you?

OS: It’s hard to pick 3 games but from my memory games that really stood out would have to be the Weston game, Real Bedford away where I thought we were excellent and Spalding at home!

DK: A very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

OS: Yeah it’s always nice to have good cup runs, it would’ve been nice to go one further and make the first round but fingers crossed we can do that next season!

DK: A first Premier Cup triumph for you, how good did that feel?

OS: ⁠It felt great to be honest! I’ve had a few years playing in this cup and always tend to lose in finals usually to Needham🤣 so it was nice being on the right end of this one! 

DK: A very professional Premier Cup run as well, winning it in style with a clean sheet?

OS: Yeah really good that stat actually! We’re really good at the back so it doesn’t surprise me but that’s a solid stat and something we can build on.

DK: Looking at the league campaign, obviously ended in gutting circumstances but there must be a lot of pride to have still finished towards the top end?

OS: ⁠Overall you can maybe say it was a decent season. However, I know my standards and the staff and all the lads standards are very high so we’re quite disappointed we didn’t make the playoffs in the end to be fair. We’ve gotta dust ourselves down and make sure we’re there or there abouts come next season! 

DK: How do you reflect overall on the league campaign?

OS: Like I said, overall it’s not a bad season but we know where we want to be and where we think we should be so we will come back even stronger I’m sure of that.

DK: Would you still class the season, overall, as a successful one?

OS: ⁠I think it was fairly successful. Winning a trophy always makes a season pretty good so we can say we won some silverware and we had a good cup run but ultimately we wanted the playoffs and promotion.

DK: What targets do you have next season - both personally and as a team?

OS: ⁠Personally, I just want to affect as many games as possible try and standout and be the best I can be to help the team every single game. As a team I think we should be aiming for good cup runs and promotion as I believe we’re a great group!

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan?

OS: It’s always nice to have a little break. It’s a long season and the travel we have to do especially can be tiring! So we will enjoy a little break but come pre season we’ll be 100% at it and ready to go again!

Kellen Fiddy | 2025/26 Q+A #22 | 18.05.2026 |

Reserves and Under-18's captain Kellen Fiddy reviews the 2025/26 season.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective - arguably a successful one? 

KF: I think overall it was a positive season for me, mainly because of the frustration from last season being injured for the majority of it. So getting through the whole season injury free and not having to miss many games I’m happy with for sure. I definitely have learnt a lot on and off the pitch this season being tested in training with the academy coaches and i’m leaving a much improved person and player than when I joined.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why? 

KF: 1- Erith Fa youth cup 1st round proper. This game was an overall top performance from all the lads, personally contributing 2 assist to that game was a nice feeling as we made history for the club getting into the 2nd round for the first time. 2- Southend Fa youth cup 2 round proper,despite the result we showed great character in what was one of the biggest occasions that we experienced over the 2 years at u18s level. 3- Sudbury u18s county cup r16 Scoring the winning pen in the shootout to take us through to the quarters was an unreal feeling that i will remember for a long time in the future. 

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club? 

KF: Yeah this is definitely top compared to last year as i mentioned with my previous injury just getting through the whole season is a big improvement from the season before.

DK: Similarly, how’d you summarise your time at the club? 

KF: Yeah I can’t speak highly enough about my time at the club from the moment I walked in the doors I’ve been challenged, pushed to become a better player and person overall, as well as being given the support and guidance when I needed it throughout my time being injured. 

DK: What’d you make of the season for the Reserves? 

KF: It’s tough to summarise the reserves season, we knew from the beginning that it was gonna be a tough season, however we had belief that we can compete in every game we play at that level, we fell unfortunate in a few results not going our way but that’s football some good performances but couldn’t really get a run of wins together especially down the back end of the season. 

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

KF: Yeah very proud of everyone who was involved we showed good squad depth with players coming in from the u16 squad towards the end of the season when the schedule for games was hectic and they adapted really well which is a good sign for the future of the 18s.

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club’s ever had? 

KF: Yeah really special to play a big part in that run creating club history is such a nice feeling leaving behind a club record for the u18s 

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run? 

KF: Yeah gutted with the result in the final but yeah still good experience making it to back to back finals. 

DK: An unbeaten U18 League
Champion campaign though, how does that feel? 

KF: Yeah another club record set from us boys and one that so many played a part in and yeah credit to all the coaches staff and us players who played a part in creating that season of history.

DK: How much did it mean to you to captain the Reserves/U18s? 

KF: A really proud feeling to step up as captain, a role where I had to step up as a leader and gain a lot of experience which is always a good thing, being a captain entails a lot more than just wearing the armband on the pitch at the weekend, there is lots of roles and responsibilities at the training ground that not everyone sees and gave me more experience in that department so yeah really grateful. 

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success? 

KF: We are a really close group the vibes at the academy is top and we carry that into the games we play which is a massive boost when we play as everyone knows each others play styles and strengths which we can utilise when it comes to playing.

DK: Another great personal achievement was that you broke into the first team this season how did you find it being in and around the squad on training and matchdays as a whole? 

KF: That was one of my long term goals for this season, do everything I can to try and break into first team training on a consistent basis and try get into one of the match day squads and managed to achieve that which I really enjoyed, more experience for me and you’re surrounded by top players that are willing to give you information to help improve your game and it brings you up as a player for definite. 

DK: Adding to that you made a fair few First team appearances how was that for you and how much did it motivate you for more? 

KF: Even in the short appearances I made off the bench I feel like I learnt a lot just being in and around it on the matchday squad is so beneficial for a player like me wanting to improve and learn, but yeah now I’ve experienced it I’m hungry for more, so I continue to work hard over the summer and hit the ground running pre season. 

DK: Scoring a few important goals this season must be a nice positive personally? 

KF: I mean who doesn’t love getting on the score sheet but means a lot when they contribute to the team winning which is the main thing for me so every way possible I can do that I will give me all to. Definitely a target for next season though is to add to them numbers as that’s one of the main factors that get you recognised and I want to be talked about, I’m hungry to get my numbers up even more.

James Coton | 2025/26 Q+A #21 | 18.05.2026 |

 

Academy forward James Coton discusses the 2025/26 season, including breaking into the First Team.

DK: How did you find the season from a personal perspective (Res/U18s) - arguably a successful one?

JC: Yeah I think it was a successful season from a personal perspective as played lots of minutes and went injury free. I really enjoyed the season and the group of players that I played with week in week out.

DK: Can you pick 3 standout games from this season, if so which ones and why?

JC: The cup final for the first team is definitely one as I come on and got about 25 minutes and I really enjoyed it as we dominated the game and won. I would also have to say the 2nd round of the FA youth cup although we lost it was a really good opportunity for the boys to play in a big game against good opposition. The 3ed game would probably be the semi final of the county cup as I scored 2 goals and got an assist. 

DK: How do you think this season ranks within your previous seasons at the club?

JC: It is probably one of my favourite seasons I have ever had as I got opportunities to be with the first team for a lot of the season and I feel being around that environment has helped me to learn and become a better player.

DK: Similarly, how'd you summarise your time at the club?

JC: I have loved being at the club and happy to be staying as I have been here since I first started playing football. I have also really enjoyed being at the academy for the last 2 years as it has been a really good environment help me develop as a person and as a player. 

DK: What'd you make of the season for the Reserves? 

JC: I think the Reserves season has been though especially towards the end of the season as we have been struggling for results but there is always positives to take from the season. 

DK: A very historic season for the U18s - how proud are you overall? 

JC: Yeah it has been a good season for the U18s it is always nice to win a league and I think it is a real positive for the academy that everyone had a big part to play in winning the league such as the U16s 1st years and the coaches. 

DK: How special was it being part of that impressive FA Youth Cup run, the best the club's ever had? 

JC: Yeah I loved the FA Youth cup run the build up to each game in training was really good and playing in big game after big game was really enjoyable.

DK: Unfortunate to not quite retain the Suffolk Midweek Cup, but you must be otherwise proud of that run? 

JC: Yeah we was obviously disappointed not to retain the County Cup as it would have been a good way to end youth football with all the boys but it was a good run and I really enjoyed it. 

DK: An unbeaten U18 League Champion campaign though, how does that feel? 

JC: Yeah like I said before it was a good run not to lose a game and all age groups and coaches should take full credit for being unbeaten as everyone had a big part to play in it. 

DK: A largely unchanged team over the previous seasons, how much has that consistency and togetherness played a part in the success?

JC: Yeah consistency with the team is good and we were all really close together as a team as we see and train with each other everyday so I think that allowed us to know each other strengths and play to them. 

DK: Another great personal achievement was that you broke into the First Team this season, how did you find it being in and around the squad on training and matchdays as a whole?

JC: Yeah I am really grateful for the opportunity’s I have been given in the first teams being in and around that environment for a good amount of time during the season has been really good for me as it has allowed me to be around good players and learn from them which has helped me improve as a player.

DK: Adding to that you made a fair few appearances, even starting for the First Team, how was that for you - and how much did that motivate you for more?

JC: I think it has been good for me getting lots of appearances for the first team as it has allowed me to prove to myself that I can play at that level and it has made me hungry to play more regularly at that level. 

DK: One of those first team appearances saw you feature in 2 county cup finals in as many days, overall how was that experience - rather abnormal?

JC: Yeah it was a really good opportunity for me to play for the first team in the final getting experiences like that at a young age don’t come round often so I was really grateful that I was given the opportunity

DK: Focusing on the First Team Final, how special was that to play in and win the Suffolk Premier Cup Final?

JC: Yeah like I said I loved it and it was a really good experience for me to be on the winning team in a final is always good. 

DK: Can you pick a few goals you've scored this season that stand out?

JC: The brace in the country cup semi final are the two goals the stand out to me the most because they was important goals to help us get through to the final.

Needham Market Reserves v Coplestonians | 07.07.2026 | Pre-Season Friendly | Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena |

Needham Market Reserves struck 6 past SIL Senior Division Champions Coplestonians to kick off pre-season in fine fashion.

Dawson Coldwell (11') smartly gave Needham a worthy lead, ahead of Henry Vieira (22') doubling their advantage.

Both goalscorers linked up well in the 32nd minute as Coldwell added his second, with Alfie Mark (66') netting an outrageous fourth.

Cops (79') pulled a goal back, ahead of a Mark's second in a well taken fifth Needham goal on 81 minutes.

Harry Hopkins then rounded off the scoring with the final action of the night, as Needham recorded a 6-1 victory.

Needham started well, Kyle Roper (3') rasped a fierce low strike at goal from 20-yards out, which was well held by the goalkeeper.

Needham continued their bright start (9'), Dawson Coldwell was slipped free onto the right-hand side whose low squared ball was cleared out to Henry Vieira on the edge of the box whose ferocious strike was blocked.

The young Marketmen (11') broke the deadlock with a great goal, an excellent left wing cross from Tyler Wright picked out Dawson Coldwell at close range to expertly slam home into the roof of the net.

Hart (18') raced through on the left-hand side to square for Coldwell whose close range strike was well blocked by the legs of the keeper.

Zane Baker, at the other end however, stepped in at the perfect time to intercept a forward breaking onto the loose ball with keeper Freddie Foreman off his line having initially got to the ball.

Needham doubled their lead superbly on 22 minutes, smart play released Hart on the right-hand side whose fierce strike was denied by the keeper falling to Vieira to fire home low at point blank range.

Kyle Roper (25') fired wide from the edge of the area, while Foreman (31') advanced out off his area to thwart a forward breaking through down the right, with Tyler Wright on hand to hold up the attacker and win back possession.

Coldwell (32') netted a brace for Needham's well earned third, latching onto a brilliant dissecting through-ball by Vieira onto the right-hand side the forward cooly slid home into the bottom far corner.

Needham maintained their intent (37'), Coldwell was released clear one on one whose powerful quality strike was matched by a strong save across to his right by the visiting shot-stopper - as Needham's stunning first half performance saw Colin Grogan's team lead 3-0 at the break.

 

After the break, Aden Chandler (48') had a good low shot well held by the keeper, as Josh Tennial's (56') low tame shot across goal was comfortably gathered.

Cops (57') broke through onto the left-hand side and forced Tom Pringle into a key reaction stop, instinctively diving to block the shot with his foot.

The visitors (59') carved a man through one-on-one but dragged their low shot wide of the bottom left-hand corner, though Fenton Grimmer (61') headed narrowly over from a great right wing corner.

Danylo Konik (64') stepped in at the right moment to intercept a darting run through on goal, before Alfie Mark (66') curled home a spectacular fourth, that nestled perfectly into the top right-hand corner.

Tennial (78') blazed over, as Mark fired low and straight at the keeper.

Cops (79') threaded a man through on goal to convert one-on-one into the bottom corner, prior to Alex Breeden (81') firing just wide of the bottom left-hand corner.

Needham made it 5-1 moments later, a swift reply saw Mark through on goal to slide home expertly into the bottom left-hand corner from 10-yards out.

Hopkins thumped over at point blank range (84'), as Jack Nunn fired over a minute later.

Hopkins (91') smashed home a fantastic sixth into the bottom right-hand corner with the last touch.

Needham Reserves return to action at Bloomfields on Saturday against East Bergholt United (3pm).

Needham Reserves 1st Half:- 1 Freddie Foreman, 2 RB Danylo Konik, CB 4 Zane Baker, 5 Riley Coote, LB 3 Tyler Wright, CDM 20 Riley Parker, 17 LM Kyle Roper, 8 RM Harry Hopkins (c), CAM 10 Henry Vieira, 19 LST Dawson Coldwell, RST 14 Will Hart.

Needham Reserves 2nd Half:- 1 Tom Pringle, 16 Danylo Konik (77' Hopkins), 4 Fenton Grimmer, 5 Riley Coote, 2 Tyler Wright (C) (75' Baker), 6 Jack Nunn, 8 Josh Tennial, 12 Harvey Green, 7 Aden Chandler, 15 lst Alfie Mark, 9 Alex Breeden.

Goals: Dawson Coldwell (11', 32'), Henry Vieira (22'), Alfie Mark (66', 81'), Harry Hopkins (90'+1'); (79').

Luke Ingram | 2025/26 Q+A #20 | 17.05.2026 |

Forward Luke Ingram looks back on the 2025/26 season.

DK: Overall, how did you find the season from a personal perspective?

LI: Well firstly I really enjoyed it, really enjoyed the first full one under Tom, Munno and Patch, and as always we had a great dressing room, thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I didn’t have my best season but started to get going better towards the end, few goals, another one to remember.

DK: You must be overall proud of the last few seasons for the club?

LI: Yeah of course, still can’t believe we won the league and got to experience the Conference North. When I joined the club years ago, that wouldn’t have even been a dream we could have imagined in wildest dreams. And now we’re disappointed that we narrowly missed out on the play offs. Shows how far we’ve come and the level the clubs got to. Can’t explain how much I enjoy playing football with this bunch. And I know the supporters have enjoyed the journey just as much!

DK: Another very good FA Cup run this season, what are your thoughts looking back?

LI: Yeah another good FA Cup run. Was unlucky on the day at western to not get a draw really. I think we became a much better team after that period so yeah always great to have a fa cup run. Just need to get lucky with the draw sometimes. Home draw always helps.

DK: Five Premier Cup triumphs in six years, a very impressive record that no doubt spurs you on for more? 

LI: 100 percent. It’s become expected now really, but I still remember the days when the likes of leiston used to knock us out most years. Look at us now! Should never be taken for granted how good a run that is and how much everyone should enjoy them. Any cup win is an incredible achievement.

DK: A clean sheet throughout the Premier Cup as well, winning it in style?

LI: Brilliant stat that, the lads at the back been a bit hard on themselves this season, so it’s good they can get that kind of accolade. Wouldn’t have had any of the recent success without them boys at the back and in goal. No doubt they’re keen to get back at it next year and come back strong again.

DK: Looking at the league campaign, obviously ended in gutting circumstances but there must be a lot of pride to have still achieved our second highest step 3 finish?

LI: Think you said it perfectly. Second highest ever finish for the club, only to when we won the league. Again shows how far we’ve come. Obviously we were absolutely devastated we missed out on goal difference, but I always say you finish where you deserve to it is what it is. We left so many points out there with late goals. Something we can correct next season and be in them play offs!

DK: How do you reflect on the league campaign?

LI: The aim was play offs so I’m disappointed we didn’t make it, but overall it was a pretty good season in my opinion, some good football played, so room for improvement next year

DK: Could you pick 3 games that standout most to you this season?

LI: I’ll definitely miss a few off but off the top of my head…

Last minute winner away at Bishop Stortford was a good one. 

Western was a good away day and a nice pitch and ground. 

Halesowen away always class too, proper atmosphere there!

Enjoyed spanking Spalding at home too, and Bedford away we were frighteningly good.

DK: Another season as top scorer, can you pick a few that standout in your mind?

LI: Yeah which is always nice… erm struggling to remember many, too many penalties maybe lol. Enjoyed the two goals against Leiston home and away, big goals at the time. St Ives at home was a big goal too. But I just enjoy all of them really, all important for different reasons.

DK: What targets do you have next season - personally and as a team?

LI: Next season, try hit 20 goals, and be a big part of the team, hopefully carry on the end of season form and not take so long to get going. 

As a team it’s simple, win the Suffolk cup, finish in the play offs at a minimum, hopefully a good cup run if possible, all realistic chances.

DK: After a long season, you must be looking relishing the off season, or are you not much of a fan? 

LI: Na not at all mate, I need football routine in my life, I love football so much, takes up most of my life, but it’s nice to have a few holidays, spend some time with my wife and two boys, it’s only short time so just make the most of it and come back for the dreaded pre season. Can’t wait for the league games to start. 

Looking forward to winding you up so more Drew and catching up with the loyal ones at the bar over a Morreti after a game!