BROCK STRIKES WINNER FOR RESERVES

Needham Market Reserves v Holbeach United | 24.10.2026 | Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena | Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North |

Needham Market Reserves returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon with a 1-0 home win over Holbeach United. 

Fin Brock's first half goal was the difference for Colin Grogan's side to pick up a huge three points.

Goalscorer Brock said, "very pleased. Good to get back to winning ways after coming back from a 4-0 defeat away to Newmarket on Tuesday, I think that's the first clean sheet of the season actually, so we're pleased to have that and get that under our belt. The season so far has been alright. I feel like we've just had too many errors and just led to goals where we've still been in games, which have just caused us to lose , unfortunately, but we're still able to win games.

I feel like we have a good fighting chance to hopefully get out of the relegation zone." 

"Obviously, we all play 18s and reserves now, so we're winning quite often in the 18s, so hopefully we can just try and get that in the reserves as well."

On getting on the scoresheet, "it's good to score more goals. I'm getting more and more now as I'm going through the season, so it feels good. I kind of picked it up, started to drive at the back line. I was debating whether to pass or shoot, and I just saw it open up, so I just hit and ended up in the back of the net."

Looking ahead to Tuesday's trip to AFC Sudbury Reserves, "yeah, it should be a tough game. We're a similar place in the league. We know they're a good team, so hopefully we can get our three points there, so it'll be a good back-to-back win. There's good morale on the team and good energy in the changing room, so hopefully we can transfer that to the game next week."

Captain Harry Hopkins said, "a great win for the lads, and a great performance, with a clean sheet for the team."

When asked how it feels to captain the team the midfielder said, "it’s a great experience for me at a young age and that the managers trust me." 

Hopkins' said his stand out moment from the game was, "how we defended in the reserves game and how aggressive we were." 

He also made his home First Team debut, adding the standout moment in that game was " getting minutes and learning off experienced, talented players."

"It felt great to play in two games and too get minutes with the first team, but definitely felt strange running from one pitch to the other.

On how he found featuring for the First Team on Saturday, "It was good thought I got some good touches and passes in that lead us on goal but mostly just learning again from the players around me."

When recapping his season so far, he concluded, "I would say my season is only just starting for me and I'm picking up my form again and just need to kick on and show what I'm capable of doing on a bigger stage." 

BOTTI DOUBLE KNOCKS MARKETMEN OUT OF TROPHY

Needham Market v Wingate and Finchley | 24.10.2026 | Bloomfields | Isuzu FA Trophy 1st Round Proper |

Reaction from Tom Rothery, Tyler Wright and Josh Tennial

 

Gianluca Botti struck in both halves to end Needham Market's FA Trophy run in the First Round Proper, sending Wingate and Finchley through with a 2-0 win.

The two sides went into the game with fairly similar league records - Needham sit 5th in the Southern League Premier Central Division with 7 wins and 2 draws from 13 games (23 points, winning 3 and drawing 2 of 7 home games), while Wingate sat 8th in the Isthmian Premier Division, winning 6 and drawing 2 of 12 outings (20 points, with 2 wins and a draw in 6 away trips).

Wingate had previously won 4 and drawn 2 of their eight overall games away from home this campaign, including in the last round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, knocking out Real Bedford with a 3-0 victory, but had lost their last away game away to Dartford in the league.

Needham went into the game having won 4 and drawing 3 of 9 home outings in all competitions this season, unbeaten in their last 7 - and had won their last two.

The two sides also had a fairly even head to head, despite not meeting in recent seasons- both winning 2 apiece with a draw. The most recent meeting coincidentally was at Bloomfields in a 1-1 draw in December 2017.

Needham made two changes to Tuesday's home league win over Bishop's Stortford, Ollie Saunders (injured) and Dan Morphew (suspended) made way for Tyler Wright - Academy player making his full and home First team debut, and Harlyn Palmer - making his full First Team debut. Reserves captain Harry Hopkins and Goalkeeper Charlie Skinner joined Josh Tennial and James Coton on the bench, with Luke Ingram skippering the Marketmen.

Gianluca Botti (18') gave the visitors the lead against the run of play, and promptly doubled their lead in the 79th minute on a disappointing afternoon for the Marketmen.

Needham started brightly, Marcel Lewis (3') drove into space on the left-hand side but his dangerous squared ball was cleared for a corner.

Kyle Hammond (6') whipped a great left wing corner towards goal, forcing keeper Charlie Grainger to parry away on his line.

Luke Ingram (7') rasped a first time strike from just outside the area, which was well blocked, the winger (15') stabbed the loose ball from a Hammond right wing corner wide at the back post.

Gianluca Botti (18') meanwhile broke the deadlock - rather against the run of play with Wingate's first meaningful attack, netting his 3rd goal of the campaign - finding the bottom far corner from the right-hand side.

Kyle Hammond (27') was well placed to deflect a dangerous low Wingate effort from the right-hand side wide of the near post for a corner.

At the other end, Needham broke swiftly, feeding Liam Pearce (28') to weave into space onto the right-hand edge of the box but fired his low strike straight at Grainger.

Wingate (33') hit the post, Anointed Chukwu latched onto a right wing corner at the far post only to lash a volley against the face of the right-hand upright.

Since the goal, the opposition were marginally on top, though Hammond (38') hammered a 30-yard free-kick at goal, forcing Grainger to fly up to his top right-hand corner and tip it just over.

Wingate went into the break a goal up, although Needham (48') started the restart brightly. Ryan Miles raced down the left wing to cross low for Liam Pearce whose close range effort was cleared.

Ashley Nzala (55') fired low into the right-hand side-netting, while Marcel Lewis (57') wrapped a clever 20-yard free-kick just wide into the near, right-hand, side-netting.

James Coton (60') replaced Kell Fiddy - due to a knock, as Nzala's shot at point blank range is well held by the diving Bradbrook.

Academy midfielder Josh Tennial (63') made his first team debut in place of Liam Pearce, as Tyler Wright (67') earned a corner smartly.

Hammond arriving on the right-hand side (69') flashed a dangerous half-volley across the face of goal, only to evade a lurking Red shirt.

Wright (72') was well placed to clear a dangerous low ball across the six yard box, while Nzala shot off target from a golden opportunity.

Wingate (79') netted a second through Botti, turning home a run down the left wing and low cross on a plate for the number ten to turn home into the bottom left-hand corner.

Palmer (79') was forced off with cramp, and was replaced by another home senior debutant in Harry Hopkins.

Nzala (84') was sent off for retaliation in a mass confrontation, which saw Wright booked for his original foul.

Ryan Miles (95') jinked to the left-hand byline to see a dangerous cutback cleared, falling to Coton whose low strike was blocked.

Needham host Leighton Town in the league on Tuesday (7:45pm).

REACTION | Tyler Wright, Josh Tennial | Needham Market v Wingate and Finchley | 24.10.2026 |

Academy players Tyler Wright and Josh Tennial reacted to making their home First Team debuts.

Wright said, "we obviously wanted to win, because FA Trophy, get to Wembley. It's a massive deal, but yeah, happy to make my debut. I only made 45 last time, but to start, and to find out you're starting in such a big game, it's a privilege, yeah. To start, I had an ease into things, but as it grew, I kind of settled down, played my football.

Obviously, getting into a challenge and all of that, that's kind of just how I play. So yeah, I find it fun, quite easy. Not easy, but normal. I've had a couple of training sessions. Normally, Tuesdays, because Thursdays are obviously other games, but yeah, I've settled in very well. I've been in, JT as well. So yeah, they're a good bunch of lads. Yeah, it's quite easy to get involved."

Josh Tennial added,"it was good. Getting on there, playing, tempo was high, quality was real good, pitch was lovely to play on. So I was very happy to get on." 

Tennial on making his debut among a few of his Academy teammate said, "Yeah, definitely, especially on the bench, because obviously I was there with Jameo, Harry, Charlie. So it's nice to know people you're around, you feel more comfortable really, but all the boys are nice, so it was good, yeah." 

Wright, on whether making his home debut makes it better, said,"Oh yeah, without a doubt. Obviously I've played here for five years, I think now. From under-14s to now, obviously playing here for the majority of my career. And I'll just start on Bloomfield on a lovely pitch. It's just even better."

Speaking about their debuts shows the pathway from the Academy to the First Team, Tennial replied, "oh yeah, I know a lot of the players would love to have the experience.

Me, Tyler, Harry, Henry sometimes have. Because it's a good experience, because the level is just unbelievable. I know they definitely want to be pushing as well, like us. I know a couple of the year-below us would like the experience next year. There's definitely some players that could get in there as well."

REACTION | Tom Rothery  Post Match Interview| Needham Market v Wingate and Finchley | 24.10.2026 |

Manager Tom Rothery reflected, "tough game. I thought we did alright.

Obviously, without stating the obvious, we were quite a few (players) out. So, it was a bit of a patched up team. I think the first half we could have been a bit more brave, we had a bit more belief, but obviously, with the players that were out, I can understand why the players felt like that. Two good goals from their point of view, but two poor goals from our point of view, and we huffed and puffed, but didn't really show any quality or enough quality on the day to get a result." 

On the performance not quite matching recent standards, "no, but it's not going to be when you take the amount of players that are out of the team. Obviously, you're bringing in people for their debut and things like that. So, it's going to be really tough. Playing against a good side. Yes, I don't think it was a typical Needham performance, but as much as I wanted that and hoped for that today, I did expect that it was going to be tough with the personnel that we had out today. Yeah, I thought (the Academy players) did all right.

Tyler obviously played 90 minutes. So, for him, that's a massive achievement. I thought he did reasonably well. Obviously, he probably got caught on the first goal when he tried to be aggressive and just got nicked around him. That happens. So, it's a learning curve for him. I thought other than that, I thought he had quite a solid game, really. He showed some nice touches and good quality in possession, and out of possession, other than that, I didn't think he looked out of place. So, yeah, from that point of view, it's a good debut for him. Like I said, as much as it's disappointing for players to be out, it does create opportunities for players like Tyler. Josh, JT, came in. I thought he did really well when he came on. Again, showed some nice touches, moved the ball reasonably well. Harry obviously came on late. Again, showed some nice touches. Harlyn had his first start. So, like I said, when players are out, it gives opportunities to others. I think by and large, all of them players have certainly not done themselves any harm. They've shown some real good qualities today, but it is tough for them as well because they're coming into a team that's missing big players and big leaders. Obviously, off the back of that, that then makes it tougher for them to obviously really show their true self. I thought by and large, they all did pretty well." 

On the line-up consisting of 5 wingers and a holding midfielder, Rothery replied, "Yeah, well, that wasn't an intentional thing. Look, I could have been more negative in my team selection. Maybe could have played Liam deeper in the pitch and things like that. Maybe started him at left back, you know, I did contemplate that, but at the end of the day, the front boys who mostly played today, not all of them played, obviously, but the majority of them played in their natural positions. I didn't want to put too many square pegs in round holes, really. I still wanted to try and win the game. So, you know, as much as we had players out and we did have some, like I said, people starting that haven't started and things like that, I still wanted to try and win the game. So there's no point in me telling the players to be positive if I'm not going to do the same thing. So my team selection was positive. I tried to be as front-footed as possible and understand that, you know, we did have, obviously, Luke in a different position, but other than that, everyone was playing in their natural position. So that was the intention behind it. Like I said to Munno and Patch, we did speak about itm I just said, I'm not going into a game and just setting up to lose the game. I know we've lost the game, but I've set up the game to try and win it. And that'll always be my intention, regardless of who's available.

On looking for a reaction at home to Leighton Town in the league on Tuesday, "After every game you lose, regardless of what personnel you've got available, it's about reactions and trying to put it right. So we're doing well in the league. Hopefully, we'll have one or two back. Obviously, Jake Watkiss will definitely be back. Yeah, we'll pick as strong a side as we can. Over the next week or two, there should be a lot of players coming back. So that is definitely going to help us and probably help my sleep at night as well. So that will give me more headaches from a selection point of view, but less headaches from a point of view of actually trying to have enough players.

On managing the congested fixture schedule as it is, and the injury crisis on top, "It's difficult. Look, there's no doubt about it, the correlation is really clear. The league, for some reason, have scheduled three midweeks out of four in October. I just think it's absolute madness, because surely they want their clubs to do well in the FA competitions. We know it's already a heavy fixture schedule because of that. We've got midweeks, like I said, bar one week in October every midweek. I think it's madness. So, you know, the correlation is that clearly if you're going to play that volume of games, the lads will work 40 hours a week. You're going to pick up injuries. If you look at the injuries, actually, the players that are unavailable, obviously, Jake's on loan, so it was cup tied. Dan, obviously, banned. That's on him and us, so we can't do anything about that. The other six players that are out, four of them are impact injuries. So you can't do anything about that. (5:28) It's not like, you know, we've done something or we're doing something wrong at training. You can't do anything about that, and that is purely through volume of games, and then the other two are muscle injuries, which, again, is because of volume of games, because you're asking them to go to the wall and, you know, do 90 minutes and then have to go to work all week. So it's really tough. I'm frustrated by it as well because I just think there's no need for us to have three out of four midweeks in October. I think it's absolute madness and something that the league definitely have to look at."

Needham Market:- 1 James Bradbrook, 2 Jake Dye, 3 Tyler Wright, 4 Kyle Hammond, 7 Luke Ingram (C), 10 Ryan Miles, 12 Liam Pearce (63' Tennial), 16 Marcel Lewis, 17 Ben Hunter, 18 Harlyn Palmer (79' Hopkins), 19 Kell Fiddy (60' Coton).
Subs: 8 Harry Hopkins, 11 Josh Tennial, 15 James Coton, 13 Charlie Skinner (GK)

Wingate and Finchley:- 1 Charlie Grainger, 4 Billy Cracknell, 6 Sam Cornish, 8 Ryan Lowe (C), 9 Anointed Chukwu (70' Kashket), 10 Gianluca Botti (87' Hernandez), 11 David Oupoh (70' McGettigan), 12 Sami Moutawafig (87' Ferrini), 15 Kai Fraser, 17 Ashley Nzala, 20 Casey Shann (89' Bugyei-Kyei).
Subs: 5 Victor Ferrini, 7 Caoilan McGettigan, 18 Scott Kashket, 21 Loic Hernandez, 22 Kwadwo Bugyei-Kyei.

Booked: Wright (84').
Sent Off: Nzala (84').
Goals: Gianluca Botti (18', 79').
Att: 212.
Needham MOTM chosen by match sponsor Jen Nunn: 17 Ben Hunter.

YOUNG REDS PROGRESS IN COUNTY CUP

Needham Market U18 v Framlingham Town U18 | 22.10.2026 | Bloomfields | Suffolk Boys U18 Midweek Cup R1 |

Needham Market Under-18's overturned an early deficit to progress in the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup after a 4-1 victory over Framlingham Town. 

Framlingham (8') took the lead through Alfie Potter's low finish, which prompted a response from Needham as Kyle Roper (25') pounced on keeper Bargewell spilling an initial effort to equalise, and Alex Breeden's direct cross (34') gave Luke Betts' side a 2-1 lead at the break.

Riley Parker (65') doubled the young Reds' lead, as Fin Brock (86') rounded off the night to make it 4-1, advancing to the second round of the competition. 

Needham started brightly (2'), a brilliant right wing corner into the danger area inside the six yard box just evaded the head of the arriving Henry Vieira.

Framlingham (8') however broke the deadlock, striker Alfie Potter was released through to bare down on goal before cooly slotting past the onrushing Jake Bloom into the unguarded bottom near, left-hand, corner.

Henry Vieira (13') weaved into space onto the right-hand edge of the box but saw his shot blocked, while the forward (16') exploited space to drive onto the box to wrap a great low strike just wide of the bottom far corner.

Alex Breeden (17') shot straight at Riley Bargewell keeper from close range, before Vieira (18') shot wide from the left-hand side.

Framlingham saw a left wing corner (20') rebound back into play off the top off the crossbar, though Riley Parker (22') saw a 25-yard volley towards goal blocked.

The young Marketmen (25') equalised, a long range strike was spilt by keeper Bargewell falling to the lurking Kyle Roper to cooly guide the rebound into the far, right-hand, corner from 8-yards out.

Needham were awarded a penalty on 28 minutes, though Henry Vieira (29') struck the front base of the right-hand post with his spot-kick.

Alex Breeden (29') saw a deflected low effort held by Bargewell, who saw a ferocious low strike from just outside the box only just held by Bargewell on the half-hour mark.

Needham then shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post (31'), prior to Alex Breeden's close range effort (34') from a corner being deflected to Dan Thompson whose low driven volley was deflected crucially wide of the far post.

Needham turned the game on it's head, taking a 2-1 lead, Alex Breeden (34') scored directly from the resulting corner, finding the bottom right-hand corner at a tight angle.

Needham (41') flashed a great low strike just wide of the bottom far corner from an acute angle, as Vieira (44') connected onto a great dart from Kyle Roper onto the right-hand byline but could only turn his excellent low cross across the face of goal just wide of the bottom near corner.

Vieira (45') saw a good low strike deflected behind for another corner, which Fin Brock's set-piece was met by a Red shirt lurking at the far post who could only head straight at the keeper at point blank range.

Framlingham fired over twenty seconds after the restart, while Needham (55') forced a good low hold from Bargewell.

Needham stopper Jake Bloom (58') punched a dangerous right wing corner back to the taker, whose second delivery was plucked smartly out of the air by Bloom.

With clear cut chances at a premium, Needham doubled their lead in the 65th minute. Riley Parker latched onto the loose ball to curl an exquisite strike away from the keeper into the top right-hand corner from 20-yards out, making it 3-1 to Needham.

Dan Thompson bravely blocked a fierce 72nd minute strike from 20-yards out, although keeper Bloom was off his line smartly to thwart a 77th minute interception high in the Needham half, denying the eventual shot as the visitors drove down the right-hand side.

The young Castlemen fired a free-kick narrowly wide in the 80th minute, prior to Needham going close to a fourth two minutes later.

Brock's pinpoint right wing corner found Riley Coote unmarked at close range whose header was instinctively saved well by Bargewell, behind for another corner.

Needham extended their lead to 4-1 in the 84th minute, excellent football saw Tyler Wright whip an exquisite defence splitting pass round to Fin Brock, driving clear on goal to smartly fire home into the bottom far corner - despite a touch from the keeper.

Brock (86') saw a low venomous strike beaten away by the stopper, diving low to his left,

Konik (88') curled a great right wing free-kick just wide of the top far corner, while Zac Collings (90') fired a low shot straight at Bargewell after creating space from 20-yards out.

Wright raced through smartly on the left wing (93') to cross low for Brock, the forward neatly held the ball up to tee up Roper to shoot - albeit the latter's 20-yard first time strike was rifled wide.

Wright (94') was fed into space whose great effort was held by the keeper in the final action.

Riley Parker said, "very delighted. It's a big tournament that we want to go far in. It's important for us as a club, for other teams to recognise us and show how good we are. So, yes, good performance. Obviously, a bit of a poor start the first 10 minutes. We didn't keep the ball as well, so I gave away the ball for the goal. We didn't get back quick enough, but a good response from the goal. Yes, good to get on the score sheet. Good to score from a set-piece. We haven't scored many from a set-piece this season, so it's good score from that. But yes, good performance. 

"As I scored, I was just thinking, just have a shot. It's my first goal this season, so I really wanted to get on the score sheet. So, the only thing that's been going through my mind when I get around the edge of the box is just have a go, so, I'm pleased." 

Speaking about continuing the team's form in the competition, reaching the Final frequently in recent seasons, the midfielder said, "yes, obviously, a big crowd in the final that we would love to play against. If I'm right, I'm pretty sure the final is at Colchester again this year. So, it's a big stadium and a big occasion for us."

The Reserves host Holbeach United on Saturday (3pm) with a trip to AFC Sudbury Reserves on Tuesday (7:45pm), with no game for the Under-23's - who travel to Little Oakley next Saturday. The Under-18's travel to Woodbridge Town on Thursday (7:45pm).

Needham Market:- 1 Jake Bloom, 2 Kaio Brittain (61' L.Coote), 3 Tyler Wright (68' Konik), 4 Riley Coote, 5 Dan Thompson, 6 Riley Parker, 7 Kyle Roper, 8 Josh Tennial (61' Fox), 9 Henry Vieira (C)(61' Collings), 10 Alex Breeden, 14 Fin Brock. Subs: 15 Leyton Coote, 16 Charlie Fox, 17 Danylo Konik, 18 Zac Collings, 19 Fenton Grimmer.

Framlingham Town:- 1 Riley Bargewell, 2 Zack Banyard, 3 Liam Mitchell, 4 Bobby Dunnett, 5 Sam Shaw, 6 Leo Martinez (C), 7 Seth Pland, 8 Jacob Dawson, 9 Alfie Potter, 10 Sebas Alarado, 11 Ivor Whitefield. Subs: 12 Lucca Di Franco, 14 Kit Russell-Hoare, 15 Francis White, 16 Louie Davey, 17 George Smith.

Booked:

Goals: Kyle Roper (25'), Alex Breeden (34'), Riley Parker (65'), Fin Brock (86'); Alfie Potter (8').

QUICKFIRE TWO GOALS FIRE MARKETMEN UP TO FIFTH

Needham Market v Bishop's Stortford | 20.10.2026 | Bloomfields | The Pitching In Southern League Premier Central Division Game 13 |

REACTION FROM PATRICK BROTHERS, JAKE WATKISS AND KYLE HAMMOND

Needham Market decisively struck twice in two first half minutes in clinical fashion to defeat Bishop's Stortford 2-1 at Bloomfields, for a third successive league victory, moving up to fifth after 13 matches. 

Three changes from the 2-1 win at Leamington, Jake Dye came in for the injured Tommy Smith, Ollie Saunders returned in place of Keiran Morphew and Marcel Lewis started for Tevan Allen. Dan Morphew captained the side. Returning loanee Jake Watkiss started on the bench, as Academy players Tyler Wright and Josh Tennial completed the bench with Reserves captain Harry Hopkins with the young Marketmen away at Newmarket Town Reserves.

The two sides exchanged a win apiece last season, as 7th in the current table faced 17th (3 wins from 11 games and 7 defeats). Stortford won 4-0 at Bloomfields in September 2025 (goals from Obidinma Onyeagwara 3', Jake Dye 13'og, Cole Dasilva 52'pen, Scott Kashket 80'), while Needham got revenge in a 2-1 victory away from home two months later - MOTM Myles Cowling (45', 90'+1') responded to Fabio Virciglio's 24th minute opener.

Stortford had won 1 lost four of their previous five away league outings, sitting 17th in the away table. The visitors had lost their last 3 league outings - with a 3-1 loss at Redditch United (top-scorer Baker with 4 goals) sandwiched between defeats at home to Bury Town (2-1, Norris) and a 4-2 loss at home Racing Club Warwick lost time out (Baker and Wellens, with Thompson sent off).

Needham meanwhile, with 6 wins from 12 outings, and unbeaten in their last 4 games - 2 from 6 with 2 draws at home, sit 11th in the home table, but are unbeaten in their last four home outings. A thrilling draw with Peterborough Sports, followed by wins over Worcester City and Stamford, ended with an even 1-1 affair with Anstey Nomads last Saturday. That home draw was succeeded by two away victories last week - as top scorer Ryan Miles struck 3 of the 7 goals across those two matches, netting both on Saturday at Leamington in a 2-1 win while Liam Pearce's hat-trick and Luke Ingram secured a 5-0 win over Bury Town. Needham, who are fourth in the overall form table, with 4 wins, a draw and a defeat at Rushall Olympic, while Stortford sit 12th.

After Dan Morphew's clearance was tipped over by James Bradbrook and Luke Ingram saw a shot tipped wide by Barnes, Kyle Hammond (36') put Needham in front just as they grew into the ascendancy.

Luke Ingram's long range powerful strike was spilt by Barnes, Hammond's initial effort at point blank range was denied by the keeper only for the midfielder to head home over the line at the second attempt.

Within no time, Needham League top goalscorer Ryan Miles (38') doubled the Reds' lead with a fine low strike into the far corner to give Needham a 2-0 goal lead, with his ninth goal in the Division.

The visitors' top goalscorer Tyrone Baker (78') halved the deficit in search of an equaliser, though Tom Rothery's side held on for another big 3 points.

A good start from the Marketmen saw Jake Dye (8') fed free down the right wing to cross low to Luke Ingram, arriving 8-yards out from goal at the near post, who poked narrowly wide.

The visitors meanwhile created a good chance on 17 minutes, a long cross-field ball to the right-hand side was whipped dangerously across goal but Dan Morphew's looping clearance was tipped over by James Bradbrook.

Needham suddenly sparked into the life (20'), James Bradbrook's free-kick, midway through his own half on the right-hand side, threads Dye through down the right wing who crossed low for Ingram whose close range low strike was tipped wide by Calum Barnes.

Luke Ingram (21') then smashed narrowly wide of the bottom near corner from the left-hand edge of the box, before Needham went close again (26'). Ben Hunter drove in from a partially cleared corner, but his low driven strike towards the bottom far, left-hand, corner was doubled deflected away.

Needham began to grow in control, Marcel Lewis (31') latched onto a long kick, the winger weaved into the centre outside the area but his deflected effort is gathered by Calum Barnes.

Stortford top-scorer Tyrone Baker (35') weaved into space outside the area but blazed narrowly over, though Needham raced into a quickfire two goal lead.

The Marketmen - who struck twice in two minutes - broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Luke Ingram's 30-yard venomous strike was shovelled away by Barnes, as far as Kyle Hammond (36') running in whose his initial effort was saved but headed home the rebound, for his fourth league goal of the campaign.

Ryan Miles (38') doubled the Reds' lead with his ninth league goal with an excellent finish. Ingram again the creator, after a back-heel found the Needham number 7, he released his fellow winger down the left to rifle home into the bottom far corner!!

Liam Pearce (45'+3') raced free down the left-hand side only to flash a great strike narrowly wide of the bottom far corner, in the final action of the first half as Needham led 2-0 at the break.

At the break, Needham withdrew Ollie Saunders for Jake Watkiss for his second Needham debut - on loan from Hemel Hempstead, as Ingram went close (56').

The winger was fed free on the right-hand side but lashed narrowly wide of the bottom far corner at an acute angle, while Lewis (58') crossed into a dangerous area on the left but just evaded the head of Ingram arriving at point blank range.

James Bradbrook (59') produced a smart save to deny Stortford, as the away side (63') crossed low from the right wing but saw their unmarked close range cushioned effort saved comfortably by Bradbrook.

Harlyn Palmer (66') replaced Marcel Lewis, as Powell (71') shot straight at Bradbrook's chest guarding his near, right-hand, post.

Watkiss (74') crossed for Palmer free at the far post, albeit the fellow substitute thundered his volley - at an acute angle - into the near side-netting.

Stortford shot over, while Miles (76') drove down the left but saw his low dangerous cross cleared.

Stortford (78') halved the deficit, Tyrone Baker netted his fifth goal of the season, free down the right-hand side to fire home low across goal.

The visitors (84'), buoyed by the goal, forced Dan Morphew to bravely head clear among high feet to deny a point blank standing overhead hook at goal, in a very nervy end to the game.

Stortford (89') shot just wide, as James Coton replaced MOTM Miles.

In stoppage time, James Bradbrook was alert to deal with a swerving Stortford strike from distance, to swat the ball over the crossbar (93'), in the final action in a game of very few major chances.

Needham held on to record a third straight league win, ahead of a home Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper clash with Wingate and Finchley (3pm).

Needham Market:- 1 James Bradbrook, 2 Jake Dye, 4 Kyle Hammond, 6 Dan Morphew (C), 7 Luke Ingram, 8 Ollie Saunders (HT' Watkiss), 10 Ryan Miles (89' Coton), 12 Liam Pearce, 16 Marcel Lewis (66' Palmer), 17 Ben Hunter, 19 Kell Fiddy. Subs: 3 Tyler Wright, 11 Josh Tennial, 14 Jake Watkiss, 15 James Coton, 18 Harlyn Palmer.

Bishop's Stortford:- 1 Calum Barnes, 3 Aaron Powell, 4 Tye Barton (52' Njie), 5 Jake Thompson (C), 7 Tyrone Baker, 9 Frank Norris, 10 Bradley Russell, 11 Alfie Wellens (53' Virciglio), 14 Jack Smith (64' Colletti), 15 Nikolay Zlatev (53' Greene), 16 Scott Simmons. Subs: 2 Joe Nardelli, 12 Fabio Virciglio, 17 Aaron Greene, 22 Gibou Njie, 20 Dylan Colletti.

Goals: Kyle Hammond (36'), Ryan Miles (38'); Tyrone Baker (78').

Att: 244.
Needham MOTM chosen by match sponsor John Grose Group: 10 Ryan Miles.

WATKISS RETURNS ON LOAN

Needham Market are delighted to announce the return of Jake Watkiss on loan from Hemel Hempstead.

Watkiss was previously at the Marketmen two seasons ago, during our National League North season, on loan from Watford.

The left-sided player goes straight into the squad ahead of tonight's Southern League Premier Central Division home fixture with Bishop's Stortford (7:45pm).