REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET 6-1 ST IVES TOWN | 26.09.2023 |

 Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last nights victory over St Ives.

DK: 6-1, you've got a jacket potato, what more do you want?!

KH: Yeah, I'm living life mate, yeah it was brilliant tonight. Obviously it was a concern, obviously we've had a great run of form, we had a great win on Saturday, and the biggest thing tonight was us being up for bit as we have been for the other games, because the worst thing that could happen for us now - or tonight - would've been complacency. I thought the lads were brilliant, energy, playing into areas, forward runs, and then keeping the ball. We scored some unbelievable goals tonight, as well. So, I'm as pleased as I could be.

DK: Speaking of the goals, saying we were clinical was probably an understatement?!

KH: Yeah, look, we could've still had more, obviously the penalty, we've had a few chances, hit the post, so it could've been more. But to score goals that we did they're all top, top, draw, top, top, movement. Clinical, good finishes, and it put us in a good place and sometimes when you do score 3 or 4 sometimes it doesn't always go on to be a really good performance throughout, but tonight I thought we were. I thought we went to the very and we continued looking dangerous, we continued asking questions and like you say ended up getting six goals, so it was really good. I don't want to get too carried away, because I know things can change, but I've said it so many times this group of players is the best I've had at Needham, with the depth improved massively from the squad from last year, and I think that shows, in saying that we were doing quite well in September last year, and it sort of changed so my job, and Tom's job, is it keep the lads grounded - look I know that's not going to be an issue, because the lads are really driven, they're fuming that we conceded, which is a good sign and they'll continue to work hard. So the potential in this squad is massive, it's about me and Tom getting it out.

DK: Other than conceding the goal, perfect night, second in the table.

KH: Yep, it's nice, look don't get me wrong do you know what I mean there's a long, long way to go, we've obviously got big games ahead of us - one no bigger than Saturday, Peterborough Sports in the FA Cup, but I'll take this - second in the league, I still think there's more. I think we can improve, there's areas we can improve, and get even better, and the good thing for me is the lads are willing to listen, they're willing to work hard and you can see fruits of the labour where we're working on things in training - week on week out and you can see it in the game, in matches, and the lads can see that as well. That must give them confidence, because to get individually they're really good players, but collectively dare I say it we're looking like a really good team.

DK: Similar to what we've already said, a nice variety of goals - outside the box, inside the box, Keiran even lashed one in!

KH: The group from, I include when I say the group the whole squad, I think the subs affected the game as well when they came on - and like I say - they work individually and collectively, which is good, the goals variation, yes there's been talk - and it's getting a bit boring about - we need a recognised centre forward. We've tried for 3 years to get someone in, obviously Ingers has played up there, he's a right winger by trade, he can play up there - he's scored 4 goals in the last 2 games so yes that elusive centre forward gets you 25-30 goals that gets you right up there isn't about. We haven't got the budget to do it anyway, but we're scoring goals, we've got players that can score goals, we've got players that are willing to run forward and work hard, and that's always going to create problems and opportunities. So, the elusive number 9 that scores 25 goals can wait!

DK: Who needs it when you score 6 goals and in the form that we are!

KH: Yeah, exactly, and I think the big thing - I know 6 goals are always going to get highlighted and rightly so - there was some really good technical goals tonight and not just the finishes, I mean the build-up play that we've worked on, but the defence give us that opportunity to go win games. I know we've conceded tonight, but we've not conceded - take away the first game of the season 6 goals - we've hardly conceded any goals. That gives you a chance and that comes from Marco, the back 4, the midfield is working hard, up front the wide players are working hard, as a team we're all working so hard defensively, and it gives you that platform to go on and be able to win games, and sometimes when you get it right in the final third you end up winning comfortably like we have done tonight.

DK: Well we've only conceded in 4 games, one was Coalville, tonight, Stratford and I can't remember the other, so it's not bad is it?

KH: Nope, it's going well, but I'll always strive for more, me and Tom will always strive for more, we'll keep working, keep demanding more of the lads, because I've said to them in there they're bloody good players. I've got good players at this football club, it's about coming together collectively and demanding off each other, and pushing each other and seeing where we can go.

DK: And at 6-1 still with the best part of half hour still to play, we're still dominant, we're still smashing shots towards goal, willing for more to go in.

KH: Yeah, look, I don't want these lads to have a rest, they can get rest when they're away from here, when they're here we'll work as hard as we can, in games I want them to push themselves to the limit - and if they get tired then others can come on and replace them, and I think thsat creates the right atmosphere, the right development, the right everything to be successful so this group will continue doing that, and we'll see where it takes us - so it was so pleasing tonight. Sometimes I've been critical that we don't put teams to the sword, and put the game to bed, tonight we've done that empathically and it was nice to see!

DK: On the flip side, like you said, we could've scored more, with the penalty from Ingers.

KH: Yeah, yeah, he'll be disappointed, but obviously I took a few lads off with Saturday in mind, and I said to him it is what is he, he'll be disappointed but I'd rather him miss that tonight and score one for us on Saturday.

DK: Could you imagine Saturday, we've played Peterborough Sports before in the league, obviously had some really good battles with them so could you imagine he repeats Dartford?

KH: Yeah, you all dream, this is the FA Cup, it's massive for the football club, all football clubs at our level, we had a really nice experience in it last year, we want to emulate that! It's tough, we're the underdogs there's no doubt about that, but we're pretty confident at the minute, we're on good form, we'll go there thinking we've got a chance. I certainly believe we've got a chance to progress, so we'll see I'll let everyone else write us off outside of the dressing room - all the pundits, all the people that predict results will say Peterborough home win, we'll see!

DK: This is the last league game for at least 3 games, so cup games galore now!

KH: That was important as well, knowing that, obviously we've got the Premier Cup, the FA Cup, we've got the FA Trophy obviously before we play another league game, so to finish this little run of league games on a high with 6 goals pushing us up into second was important. Now we can focus on the cup games, and give it our all in that, and then when we resume in the league hopefully we can pick up where we left off in good form, and hopefully by then we'll have Jamie McGrath back potentially, and a full squad. Byron's not a million miles away, I know he's not played for a long time, but he's getting there - he's playing games, Patch is doing bits as well, so yeah it could be a tough time for me in terms of picking the squad, but it could be a good time when we've got a full squad and we're in good form, and hopefully when we next talk about a league game - or after a league game - we've won 3 cup games as well!

DK: What at the very least do you want to get out off Saturday's cup game?

KH: A good performance, I think a good performance with energy where we've given everything - I think that's the minimum you ask for, if they've done that and we end up not getting the result we want then you can hold your hands up, but if we do that I think we've got a chance, so I just want the lads to turn up and show how good they are and show what a good team they are, how together they are, and play with a smile on their face, if they do that they have a chance!

I don't want to put Byron under any pressure, he's a great kid, great player, it's been a long time, but he's back on the football pitch, playing for the Under-23s, which is really good, and really positive - so I'm hoping in the not too distant future - he's been training with us - he'll be maybe in the squad, because he looks like he's getting there, he's still a few games off obviously, because he's been out so long, but the steps he's made in terms of the rehab. Getting over the injury, the operations he's had, and thre mental side of it, where he's had to dig deep for over two years, he's pulling on a Needham shirt and hopefully it'll be a first time one in the near future. 

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | AFC TELFORD UNITED 0-2 NEEDHAM MARKET | 23.09.2023 |

 Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's 2-0 victory away at AFC Telford United.

DK: Another win!

KH: Yeah, it was always going to be difficult today, obviously they're a massive football club, they've got a strong squad, it was a big crowd - 15 hundred here - today, so we was up against it. Long journey, we've had to walk half a mile to come into the ground for whatever reason, don't know what that was about, but the lads were brilliant, they worked so hard, they give everything. Obviously Ingers has scored a cracking goal the first one, I don't think he'll ever score another left foot like that, but he scored from a set-piece, and again it's not by chance, obviously we look at them and we look at how we can hurt them, and Tom's brilliant at that. Tom's said they're not great at set-pieces, put into this area and we got a chance, and we scored from it, so we work on things and they've started to pay off. So, I couldn't be happier, yeah, a clean sheet as well, which obviously they're (players) buzzing about as well, so yeah, it's a massive, massive win for us!

DK: The early goal from Ingers set the tone.

KH: Yeah, it obviously came at a good time, there's never a bad time to score obviously, but it's sort of just quietened the crowd down a little bit, give us a bit more belief, but we've got belief. We're winning games and doing well, so we come here thinking we could win, but obviously the left footed shot from Ingers going top bins gives that extra spring in our step, and obviously getting the second just before half-time, it didn't make it comfortable, because they tried to rattle us and obviously try and put bodies forward, and we weathered that, and I thought we were brilliant.

DK: We defended well today, even when they did come at us second half, so do you think overall we deserved it?

KH: Yeah, look I think Marco made a couple of saves in the first half, can't remember much more. We defend really well, we've probably - I don't know, I've not looked at the stats - but we haven't conceded many - takeaway the goals from Stratford, the 6-1 - we're good defensively. With Marco in goal and obviously everyone ahead of the back four we work so hard as a team, so it's not just defenders as such, but they defend well and as a team I thought we were brilliant across the board today.

DK: It's another win ticked off, another away win, so we're improving on last year. 

KH: Yeah, look, I've said it in many an interview now, the league is our priority this year, in terms of improving. We were way below where we should've been last year, we've improved the squad. I think the players that have come in have made us better, there's no doubt about that, the proof's there. So it's just now, my job is to obviously keep lads grounded, keep them focused, which I don't think I'll have much problem doing because they're an unbelievable group, and we just need to keep hungry. We've got another massive game Tuesday, the problem with football is once you believe you're good, once you think, "oh this game is going to be easy, because we're at home," you get kicked in the teeth. So, we'll be focused, we'll be ready for Tuesday, obviously we've got a few knocks and that, obviously Hammo was missing today through suspension. So we'll be looking to just stay focused and carry this good form on.

DK: Yeah, with only two subs available it shows how closely knit the group is.

KH: Yeah, it's strength in adversity, I don't think the lads even noticed, nothing massive was said about it - it's not ideal, Lettsy, James Letts, obviously was unwell, we wish he gets better soon and was unavailable. So it is what it is, we've come here with two subs and we didn't need any more than that anyway, so it was an unbelievable performance. There'll be a few tired legs, I'll imagine, because we have worked really hard today, but they're fit, they're hungry, they'll rest up and we'll be ready Tuesday, and it'll be nice to play a league game at home.

DK: What's the most pleasing part for you today, especially with at least 2 players unavailable, and with the long trip?

KH: Obviously the 3 points is what you're after, but this group pleases me every time we play, everytime we train, they're really close knit - like you said - they're willing to run through brick walls for each other, and the staff, and that says everything. I've said potentially this could be a really bit season for us, so we're going well, we'll stay focused, we're looking forward to the league game at home on Tuesday. We've got a tough game in the FA Cup, which again we want to progress as far as we can, and hopefully get to the level we did, or the round we did last year, and possibly go further. We've got Premier Cup, we've got the Trophy, so there's so much to look forward to, but we'll just stay focused and we'll all do that, and we're all hungry for improving week on week, season on season. 

DK: It was good to see Ingers get his first two goals of the season!

KH: Yeah, the first one was unbelievable, as I said, he's cut inside and caught it really well, it was an unbelievable finish. The second one I didn't see much of, to be fair I've turned away and actually missed the finish, but again that's two goals. He could've had a hat-trick, half chance second half, but he'll be made up with that, and he'll always score goals, he's shown it in the past. He's not an out and out striker, he's played predominantly on the right of his career, but I put him up there one season he was our top goalscorer, he's massive, and he has been massive for the football club for a number of years now, so I'm really pleased for him.

DK: Like you say, St Ives at home on Tuesday, who've always been a difficult team to play, albeit without jinxing it we've got a good record against them.

KH: Yeah, we have, but that's when it becomes dangerous, because you start expecting an easy win, it won't be, I'll let people outside the dressing room think that. Yes, if we play as well as we can, then it should be a game that we win, but they'll be fancying their chances as well, so we just need to stay focused, and it's as simple as that and it is a bit of cliche, but one game at a timeand that's next - so we don't think we've got the three points in the bag, we'll be doing everything to get them, and if we get them and play well, or as well as we can then we should, but if you never do know. 

REACTION | KYLE HAMMOND + TOM ROTHERY POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | HASHTAG UNITED 0-1 NEEDHAM MARKET | 16.09.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND |

REACTION | KYLE HAMMOND POST MATCH INTERVIEW | HASHTAG UNITED 0-1 NEEDHAM MARKET | 16.09.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND |

Midfielder, match-winner and Man Of The Match Kyle Hammond reflects on yesterday's win away to Hashtag United.

DK: Nice win, you must be pleased?

KH: Yeah, it was a good win, we'll take quite a good away performance, so at the end of the day it's about getting through to the next round.

DK: Talk us through your goal.

KH: To be honest with you, I think Pagey passed me the ball outside the box, I just took a touch and it sat up for me perfectly to smash (home). All I was doing was hitting and hoping and it went top corner.

DK: How pleased are you to be chosen as our Man Of The Match today?

KH: I think everyone was probably at a 7, 8 out of 10, so probably the only standout moment was the goal. So I don't know, maybe if you said I was Man Of The Match then fair enough.

DK: Like you say it was a good all-round team performance and at the end of the day that's been a key feature for us of late.

KH: Yeah, this season I think something's just clicked, something's changed, we've got good personalities come into the building with Tev, Reece, Tommy Smith they've all just brought something different to the team from last year. I think they've improved us massively, and we already had a good core group I think, and now we've just added that extra bit of grittyness, bit of that hard work, obviously quality as well and I just think it's just working for us at the moment. So yeah, we're all really pleased about how the season's started, but at the end of the day we haven't actually won anything, you know how this league can change so quickly, in terms of results. Because this time last year, September, we were probably in a similar position, so look where we ended up last year, so we've just got to keep our standards really high in the changing room, everywhere, keep performing out on the pitch, and I think we're probably the hardest team to beat at the moment, in terms of goals conceded, bar the first game. I think we've only conceded in 3 games now, but that's only by the odd goal I believe, we've got six, seven clean sheets and another one today. So if we just keep doing that I think we'll be alright this season.

DK: Was it a case of if we keep a clean sheet that the rest should look after itself?

KH: I think we work hard to keep clean sheets, if I'm honest, I think we can do better to kill teams off and we get in such good areas but I think sometimes, whether it's just we're just rushing things or, we're just lack a little bit of quality at the time - I don't know, but that's something that we are improving on at training every week. So I think 1 if we took up front, I think we're comfortable in games, because I think generally our defending as a team, our defending individually, from Marco, back four, and us 3 in midfield and everyone up top, pressing from the front I think we always give ourselves a good chance ti win a game. 

DK: Now we're back through to the 3rd Qualifying Round, is this the priority for you, the league or a bit of both?

KH: Just whatever game comes really. I'd say it's nice for the FA Cup because of the club, and us players, because we want to get in the first round again and try and beat that maybe, but league is your bog standard week in week out. Personally, if I had a choice and money wasn't involved, because  money at the moment for any club is vital, so if money in the FA Cup wasn't involved I'd say the league means more to me. 

REACTION | TOM ROTHERY POST MATCH INTERVIEW | HASHTAG UNITED 0-1 NEEDHAM MARKET | 16.09.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND |

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflects on the Cup win over Hashtag.

DK: Another good win on the road, in the cup!

TR: Yeah, of course, I think apart from Stratford the first game we've done well away from home especially in comparison to last season so the main thing is you're in the hat, and that's what we've done today so yeah, brilliant, another clean sheet which is really pleasing. Could've done some things better on the day, but overall it's just getting yourself in the hat, that's the main thing.

DK: Would you agree that we just about edged it and the scoreline just about reflects it?

TR: Yeah, I think they, I don't know possession wise, but they had more of the ball than maybe we normally let teams have but they hit the bar in the first half, can't think of other threats apart from they put a lot of balls in the box, which I think we defended it really well, and I think there's times where we could be a little bit more clinical in the final third and maybe get a second. But yeah I thought we edged it personally, just because I felt we carried more threat when we did have the ball personally, and like I said, although potentially they had a little bit more of the ball today, which is a little bit unusual for us really, but yeah we just edged it. It was tight, it was a tight game no doubt about that.

DK: Yeah, we took the goal well with a perfect strike from Hammo and looked good defensively - like you say.

TR: Yeah, it was a great strike, yeah, defensively - that's what I've just said in the changing room - for me personally the manager the other day from Kettering said that we turned up not wanting to be beat - that's obviously meant to be a little of a diss. I don't see that as a diss, I think that's the crux of football, if you make yourself hard to be beat then that gives you a platform to then go and win games. I just think defensively we looked really solid and again we did that today, obviously the back four and the goalkeeper will get the plaudits, but I just think as a team we just looked really solid. Everyone's really working hard and, you know, you can see everyone's buying into it.

DK: Yeah, we worked hard as unit, started off with a brilliant high press then as the game went on we kept working together.

TR: Yeah, especially with the heat today you're not going to be able to press for 90 minutes, you've got to pick and choose where you're press and where you're going to from, so there was times where we just had to go into that mid-block or deeper block, and like I said, fair play to them they worked the ball well at times and were looking to try and create overloads and then get it into the box so you've got to deal with what the opposition bring haven't you?! So we knew they were going to do that and they're not a bad side, they got promoted last year. I don't know how many home games they've lost in the last sort of 12 months but it isn't many so yes, it's a good performance. Solid performance and just edged the win.

DK: With them having hit a rocky patch of form we kind of expected some kind of performance like today but we dealt with their threat fairly well.

TR: Yeah, I've been watching them for the last 12, 15 months or whatever, so I know exactly what they do and what they don't do so I don't think they're a bad side, but like everyone finds that adaption going a league higher, especially going step 4 to step 3 is a big jump, so it'll take them time. I'm sure they'll do it, they've got good players, they've got good ability within that side and obviously Devs and Joe Keith have been around football a long time, so I have no doubt in my mind that they'll be more than good enough this season to stay at the level they're at, and kick on from there. I'm sure they will.

DK: We just have that momentum that, like we've said before, we're grinding out games, we're having another good September.

TR: Like I said, after the Stratford game I just think we've been really solid and, like I said, it just gives you a foundation to go and win games from. Like I've just said to the lads in the changing room, I think the only - if there was a criticism- was that I think we could've killed them off. There's a spell after we scored the goal, sort of 10-15 minutes little spell where we had a lot of the ball, few short openings and we just didn't really kill them off, and that's probably the criticism, if there is one at the moment. Same as Kettering the other night, when we scored the goal, we had a couple of chances after that to put it to bed and when you don't and it's 1-0 there's always that chance that they get a stunner like Hammo, or a header or whatever. It is a slight criticism, but like I said we've always got to try and improve, so that's something we do need to improve on. 

DK: All around though, pleasing.

TR: Yeah, definitely, after the first game if you would've said we're going to lose 6-1, be third in the league and then be in the Third Round Qualifying of the FA Cup you'd bite someone's hand off, wouldn't you?! It's nine or ten games now, seven or eight clean sheets, eight games in the league so ten in total, seven clean sheets. We've, so far, only conceded in 3 games, so yeah not bad, you've got to be happy with that. That gives you a really solid foundation to then kick on from so we've just got to not get ahead of ourselves and make sure that we keep doing what we're doing at the moment, and keep working hard- and like I said if we want to add anything to it, it's just being a little bit more clinical and putting games to bed. You know, getting that second goal, which then gives you a little bit of sort of space, little bit of comfort to not be on the edge of your seat towards the end of the game.

DK: Moving onto Telford next Saturday, long trip and another tough game.

TR: Obviously they've came down from the league above, it's a big club, so I've watched them but I don't really focus on teams until we play them so I'll watch more of them next week. I know they've got Montel Gibson up front, he's a handful, so they'll be a good side. They beat Nuneaton 7-0 at home, they've had a few good results at home, it's a good set up. It's a big club, so we'll expect a tough game and the journey obviously does add complications, and it is a really long journey, but we're used to it now there's not that excuse, and we won't use that as an excuse and we'll be prepared and ready for a tough game and looking to get more points on the board. 

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | KETTERING TOWN 1-1 NEEDHAM MARKET | 12.09.2023

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's draw.

DK: Late heartbreak but a good point on the road. 

KH: Yeah, obviously it feels a little bit like a defeat, when you're so close (to winning). I thought it was another good performance, obviously they're not in great form, they're languishing near the bottom of the league, and it was always going to be a big game, they were going to be mad for it, but I thought we stifled them. I thought we were the better footballing team. Obviously it gave me a chance to rotate a little bit, Ollie came in, Dylan got a start, Ingers come back and started, because I thought obviously it was a hot day at the weekend, and it took a lot out of the front 3. So I just felt they could come on and affected the game, which they did, obviously Jacob's popped up with a goal with five minutes to go, and it was sort of going perfectly to plan, and a freekick at the end ricoshades out for a corner, and last touch of the game, weren't it, scored with a header. We just fell asleep a little bit last minute, it is what it is, look it's another point on the road, so it is a bit heartbreaking not to take all 3, but a point on the road and we now focus on the FA Cup - try and progress in that and then we get back to league form, and we're in good form. There's no doubt about it, we've dropped down one place, but we're in good form, we've not conceded many and we've picked up points. So we'll take it on the chin. 

DK: Main thing is we took the goal and took it well, just unfortunate we couldn't hold on. 

KH: No, look they got a free-kick, I think we could've probably left it in areas, it got cut out in midfield, obviously it led to the free-kick and then the corner. It was a good delivery, let's give them a bit of credit, it's driven in and the lad's made the run across and got good contact with it, so we'll take it, at the end of the day. Marco's made a save, we huffed and puffed, we were definitely the better footballing team, we played the better football, but we didn't kill them off, and that's what happens. If you don't kill teams off, there's always the risk of them nicking a goal and an equaliser late on, which they got, so they're celebrating like they've won the league, which tells me how far we've come - and how far we've respected, so we'll take that as a compliment. 

DK: Super Sub Jacob with the goal! 

KH: I just had a feeling, obviously Pagey and Jacob have played a lot of football, and Seth obviously came on and did a lot of unselfish running on Saturday, so I just freshened it up a little bit, give Ollie a start. He's a real good young prospect, so he deserved that start, and Dylan needs minutes, so Dylan started. Moved Tev to the right, and Ingers come in and started. So got minutes into lads and were able to rest a couple as well, in terms of minutes in the legs, after the work they did on Saturday, in the sunshine, we look forward to now a massive game for the football club in the FA Cup. 

DK: Previously, we said it on Saturday, do you think that kind of game ends in defeat last season? 

KH: Yeah, like I've said it many times, the group's definitely stronger, we've improved, we've got a little bit about us now, where we put bodies on the line, we do the rubbish stuff - or the crap stuff to do in football - really well now, and we stick by it. We work hard, and we make runs, obviously Jacob's come on and made a great run, Ingers slid him in, it was a great finish. I didn't see them scoring, I must admit, it sort of come out of the blue, the free-kick was a good opportunity for them quite close in, but we've defended that really well and unfortunately we just fell asleep at the set-piece, but it happens, do you know what I mean? It just proves to me that we're human, but I've got a good group. I couldn't be prouder, they're in there as if we've lost. We've got a point away from home at Kettering Town, so we'll take that and move forward. 

DK: Like you say, on Saturday a massive game in the FA Cup, away to Hashtag with a huge following. 

KH: Yeah, it's a banana skin, like they all are. They're the same level, but they're well documented, they've went up, won the league below last year, pipped Sudbury to it, so it's a tough ask, but I fancy us. I'll always back my squad against anybody's. We did it last year, and no-one gave us a chance, we did it the year before in the Trophy down at Yeovil and all that, so I'm looking forward to it, and the lads will be ready. We'll train Thursday, and then we'll be ready to go! 

DK: I know you'll say we focus more so on ourselves, and rightly so, but do you watch their videos? 

KH: Yeah, we'll get clips together, Tom will give lads info on Thursday, so we'll know what we're up against, we'll know probably what formation they're playing, we'll know what team they're probably playing - albeit if there's injuries then maybe it might change, but we'll be prepared. I think that's important, I think at all levels, to give the opposition the respect they deserve and know what you're coming up against, but we'll be focused on us. We've got match winners in our team now, and we've got lads who'll put their bodies on the line and give us the platform to go on and win games so we'll go there looking forward to it! 

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET 1-0 STOURBRIDGE | 09.09.2023 | THE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL DIVISION |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's league win, the heat, Tuesday's trip to KEttering and Saturday's Emirates FA Cup visit to Hashtag United.

DK: Good win, clean sheet, pushing up the table, albeit early days, all round good day's work?!

KH: Yeh, second! Yeah, I know this probably, well it is too early to be reading anything into that but it's hard not to look do you know what I mean? The lads have been a credit again, I enjoyed today as much as the Coalville 6-1. Alright we didn't play as free flowing football, or score as many goals, but do you know what the group showed me again today that they're willing to fight for each other. They're willing to scrap it out and put their bodies on the line, and we're in a bit of a habit at the minute of winning, and that can happen so I'm made up with today. 

DK: Grinded out a result in absolutely scorching temperatures!

KH: Yeah, it was red hot, obviously temperatures weren't nice to play in by any means, but I thought we managed it quite well. Obviously they're a threat, they started really well this season, stronger than they were last year, I think they were second when we started play today. So we knew they were going to have a threat, and yeah first half especially I thought they had the lion share of the ball and possession, but teams are going to do that. I think in seasons gone by I think we would have probably not, we could've, lost it but we'd have probably drawn that and not gone on and won it. This group's got something special, there's a dynamic there, it's just under the radar at the minute, but it could build up into something really special, because they're hungry to work hard for each other and like I say grind out results. You can see how much it means to them at the end. 

DK: Would you say it was a fairly even game?

KH: Yeah, yeah, look, did any team deserve to lose, did any team deserve to win? Probably not, but I'm glad we did, that's what football's about, you're not always gonig to play free flowing football and smash teams and win comfortably. There's going to be fine margins in games, and today was certainly fine margins, it ebbed and flowed, they had chances, we looked to have chances. We hit the post in the first half and think is it just going to peeter out into a draw, which looked likely for a lot of it, but I knew if we just hung in there (we'd win), we kept trying to leave it in good areas and obviously we then go get the penalty which Dan dispatched really nicely. So 1-0 win's up there with the best of them.

DK: Talking of the penalty, it was won by Page, and as you say, dispatched well by Dan.

KH: Yeah, don't know really what was going on there, there was a bit of a delay, he's took it - (was disallowed) apparently because his run up wasn't free flowing, but I've never seen that before, and stopped but he kept his composure. Obviously Pagey's dangerous when he gets running in the box, you can't go near him because any little touch is going to be a penalty, so it was something that we was looking to do, get our wide players running at them in the box and, yeah, Dan was really calm in that situation.

DK: Yeah, last year we would've struggled in that game.

KH: Yeah, and that's the strides we've made forward. We've had good times over the last few years, in terms of obviously the cup run(s), and creating history for the football club. I said at the very start, even when we won in the FA Cup last week it's nice, and yes we want to emulate what we did last year, if we can. It'll be a tough ask in the FA Cup to reach the first round, but we'll strive to do that, but my main focus - and I've told the players - well our main focus is the league position. Because we underachieved last year, we should have never have finished and been in a little bit of a scrap come the end of the season to stay in this division when we're way better than that. And at the minute, like I said, we've added, we've lost a couple of players and we've added and made ourselves stronger, the strongest squad I've had. And we're going alright at the minute, so we won't get carried away. We're happy with our start, but we still walk on. 

DK: The game sort of got off to the worst possible start with Jamie being injured within the first five minutes.

KH: Yeah, it's tough because he's done really well, he's obviously had an injury back in last season, he's come in and he's sort of picking up the pace of this division, obviously as he's come from leagues miles below, but he's a hell of a good player, his ability and what he brings to the table can go into any league. So I feel for him, because he has been good for us, he's been that focal point, especially the way we play he's been that focal point when we can play into him. He holds the ball up really well, and so it's harsh on him so early, just hope it's not a serious one, it's settled down slightly, but it's fairly swollen his ankle. But I just thought it was another opportunity for Seth, who I thought again did really well. He chased channels and on a hot day asked him to make runs, which he did, which is why I then changed right at the end and put Ollie on - to share the load a little bit.

DK: Talking about the attack, without getting carried away the defence was superb again with Marco equal to anything on target.

KH: I don't know, we must be right up there with the best defensive record in the league, I'd imagine - we've obviously conceded 6 on the first day, I think we've kept 7 clean sheets out of nine (all competitions) in the rest, so we're pretty solid, and obviously having Marco who - in my opinion - is the best goalie in this division makes us pretty secure at the back. So it gives you that platform, and that chance to win games 1-0, the tight games like today, you don't concede you have a chance of knicking it, knicking a goal, and that's what's happened today so we'll always hopefully have that foundation to build on and hopefully we'll have a few more 1-0s before the end of the season.

DK: With the squad suffering from a few injuries, including McGrath, these wins feel even, even, more important!

KH: All wins are important, massive, especially at home! I think obviously on your home turf, clubs and teams are travelling to you, it's important that you win as many games as you can at home. That then takes the pressure off having to win a lot of games away from home, albeit we have done. We have won, but you could then afford to knick points away from home, and odd wins away from home means you'll be at the top. So we're in good form, I won't get carried away, I'll enjoy tonight, because we've worked hard and the lads deserve it, but we've got to rest up because there's another tough game Tuesday away from home, and it's one that we're going to go there, and we're going to try and emulate today and work just as hard. Because that's the non-negotiables that the lads set themselves, and then obviously looking for 3 points. 

DK: It's been a while since we've played Kettering.

KH: Again, I think last year, maybe the year before that (physical games) would've concerned me. I don't care if it's a nice game, we can do that ugly stuff, we can defend, we can put our foot through the ball, or we can leave it in areas and we're willing workers. We've got lads that are willing to chase things down, and when you've got that you've always got a chance.

DK: The cup meanwhile has drawn us up against well known Hashtag!

KH: Yeah, never played against them obviously, they're well documented, you see them all over the place because of their social media presence. They've done well, they've obviously gone through the leagues, got promoted last year, I think they won the division below. So, yeah, it'll be a tough game, away from home on 3G, which I don't mind because we train on that anyway so it'll be a game that. again, we go there to try and perform to a high level, work as hard as we can, and then we've got a chance.

DK: With Hashtag getting big crowds, do you think it's crucial that Needham fans hopefully come out in numbers to support our lads.

KH: Yeah, hopefully, obviously the win's we're getting and the little bit of success that it brings you at the weekend, hopefully a few fans will continue to come watch us and hopefully a few will travel down to Hashtag (Bowers ground), make a bit of noise, the Needham faithful, the young lads that bring their drum. They've added to it, they've added to the groove, the team recognise it, appreciate it, and they've been a massive help for us.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK & TEVAN ALLEN POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | FC ROMANIA 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 02.09.2023 | 2023-24 | EMIRATES FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND |

Manager Kevin Horlock and goalscorer Tevan Allen reflect on yesterday's win in the Emirates FA Cup.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW| FC ROMANIA 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 02.09.2023 | 2023-24 | EMIRATES FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND |

DK: A good 3-0 win on the road.

KH: Yeah, it was a really good team performance today, obviously a potential banana skin, they always are in the FA Cup when you come away. I got the impression that they fancied their chances, they were a little bit arrogant, but we coped with that well especially after the most blatant penalty I think you'll see all season first half waved away for whatever reason. And you think, 'cor, this might not be one of our days,' but the lads were brilliant. Defended well, created problems, scored 3 really good goals and another clean sheet - I think that's six in seven, so onto the next round we'll take that!

DK: Yeah, very professional performance.

KH: Yeah, across the board we did the right things at the right times, we looked hard to beat, and we lookred dangerous as well so there's still other things that we obviously pick the bones out of and want to improve on, because that's the group we are. We want to improve every game, we want to get better and better, but we've been good up to this point in the season, take out the Stratford game, and even in that we were quite good first half, it was just errors on the day that cost us. We've looked solid, we've looked hard to beat and we look like we're going to create and I've got a good bench as well so squad's looking way better than last year. More rounded and it looks bright, but it only stays looking bright if you continue to work hard and do the right things and do the fundamentals right.

DK: You must be pleased with two of the goals being from set-pieces?

KH: Yeah, yeah, we don't get many. We've looked more threatening, obviously Reece Harris' delivery into the box as well has took us up a notch, so the ball's coming into the right area and we spoke about making sure that we attack areas with a bit of intensity and desire and that's what happens. We've done that today and like you said we've got two goals from it, so yeah very pleasing!

DK: Yeah like you mentioned, after the Stratford game we've been unbeaten, we've been near enough from game to game perfect in different areas.

KH: Yeah, we've been good, we've been consistent, which is good, we should've really got 3 points at Leiston as well, we looked a little bit leggy I think on another day we would've (won), so even the draws have been quite good as well. We could've won the draw at home as well, so yeah it's positive, we'll take it up to this point, but we won't rest on our laurels and we'll keep working hard and pushing and see where it takes us. 

DK: The last couple of the seasons we've had tomes when we've lost too many games, drawn too many games, it's just about right at the moment.

KH: Yeah, if you can nick points away from home and obviously win your home games and win odd games away from home you'll be there or there abouts. It's still really early doors, but it's pleasing. This competition's obviously massive for us, every non-league club, that the prize money, the glamour, that comes with it - like we got last year at Burton - so that's what we're striving for. That's the benchmark, we want to get as near to that or to the first round like we did last year. So we'll be doing our best, but I just want to keep the lads feet on the floor, which I won't have trouble doing because they do that themselves, and we'll keep working hard and see where it takes us, and see where the season progresses to.

DK: What's been the most pleasing thing for you today?

KH: I just think dealing with what they had to give, they had players in offensive areas that were quite dangerous, but we snuffed that out and we stayed solid. We didn't get involved in the stuff that was going on off the ball and didn't get too disappointed with the, like I said, the most blatant penalty. how that's not given I don't know, but the lads stayed focus, kept their mind on the game, so it was a real good professional performance away from home in the FA Cup, which was massive for us.

DK: For you in the FA Cup, would you be happy with just emulating last season run, or do you want to try and go further?

KH: I just want us to be consistent and play well in games, to give us a chance. Sometimes you'll come up against a team that's better than you on the day, or from a higher level, but we're going to give it everything and if it means we emulate and get to the first round, then we'd be made up obviously. IF we don't, but if we've given it everything, then you can't be too disappointed.

DK: What's the priority for you, obviously the league, but would you take an FA Cup run if the league's not so great again?

KH: No, no. I think from the club's point of view, obviously, we want a good run in the FA Cup for financial reasons, every club at our level does. I want a good cup run for the lads to experience what they experienced last year and the new ones experiencing that. Young players that's really good for their development, but the league's where it's at for me. The league is where we needed to be improve, the league is where we need to be consistent, and the league is where you find out whether you're a good team, because if you are you'll end up near the top. 

DK: Saturday we're back at home to Stourbridge, who've also had a good start.

KH: Yeah, tough game, but we're in good form, we're in good spirits, I've got a group of players that don't rest on their laurel. I've got a group of players that will approach it in the right way so it should lend itself to be a good game Saturday.

REACTION | TEVAN ALLEN POST MATCH INTERVIEW| FC ROMANIA 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 02.09.2023 | 2023-24 | EMIRATES FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND |

DK: In the hat, nice win!

TA: Yeah, perfect win I think, something that summed it up that we said in the changing room, it wasa professional win. It's always a hard place to come, playing a lower opposition, you have to give them respect because I thought they did well, passed the ball when they could. It was a hot day, not on the greatest of pitches so again a professional performance, no goals conceded again, so yeah happy all round really.

DK: It kind of reflects how well we've started the season overall.

TA: Yeah, I think we've had a real good start to the season, obviously bar the first game, but I think that's a blip - it happens sometimes in a season, it's just about how you react. We could've went one way, and not necessarily thrown the towel in but, we could've just not performed really. We've come out swinging from that game onwards, and I think we've just excelled from there, and hopefully it continues. 

DK: How've you found your first competitive month or so with the club?

TA: Yeah, I've found it really good! I think with the players, again before I even signed we had the interview and I said the players that I've always wanted to play with and it feels comfortable. It feels kind of like a home, so the players have obviously made me feel welcome, so I think it's been easier to adapt, and easier to put my style of play into what was already here, and I think it's worked really well, and yeah we've started to pick up good wins, and good performances. That's the main thing, all of them have been good performances.

DK: A lot of clean sheets and been clinical when we've needed to be. 

TA: Yeah, I think that's another thing about last year, I think I heard that we struggled with about being clinical, being ruthless, keeping over teams in a game and that can be a banana skin, like today when it was 1-0 we were saying that, or they were saying, last year potentially it could have been squeaky bum time and they could've scored a goal and it could've been a hard affair, but obviously luckily I got the second goal and then Jamie goes and gets the third and makes it much easier for ourselves, and just act professional about it. Do what we need to do and go away being in the hat!

DK: Definitely, you speak about the goal, do you think you took it well?

TA: Yeah, I think it's not one of the best goals I've ever scored, but like everyone was saying, you've got to buy a ticket to win the raffle so I've took the shot, I've took it nice and early, luckily the keeper's not caught onto it, it's gone into the bottom corner, a goal's a goal really, I'll take any of them at the moment.

DK: It's your second in three games!

TA: Yeah, nice little run, I think last season when I was at Stow and not Brightlingsea I think I had one of the best goalscoring runs seasons that I've had, and I think in the role that Kev and Tom have allowed me to play in this year it's really allowed me to be able to get there and to be able to be in chances to score goals. Like even after the goal, still had a chance and hopefully more goals will come and that's something that's been lacking in my game since I've been a kid, so hopefully it starts now and keep scoring goals, and keep doing what I need to do. 

DK: You talk about the team performance being brilliant, but do you think your personal performance deserved that goal?

TA: Yeah, I think, look I think I've done well. I'm not one to blow smoke up my own arse as they say, but I think I've done well, adapted to the league, I think that's a big change for me being in a league that's much more physical and demanding physically, and I think I've adapted well. I think I've done what I've needed to do and I always ask questions so with Tom and stuff, as it is a bit of a different role to me, getting closer to the striker, but I've asked everything that I need to do and at the moment they seem happy with it, so yeah long may that continue, and obviously can always adapt in games when needed, but I think I've started really well and hopefully again that continues.

DK: You talk about adapting to the league, have you found it much different to the Isthmian divisions?

TA: In a way, I think it's much more physical. There's a lot of good technical players, but I think they're tactically more aware, and it just seems like you're more in a football match. I just think that in the Isthmian North and Isthmian Prem there's a lot of good techincal players that kind of stand out, it's not like a good technical team, but in these leagues I think they're tactically just aware. They know where they need to be, hard to break down, and at times you're always in a tough game, so it's good. I like the challenge as you can see, like tenacious player myself I love having that physical challenge, having that battle and not being underestimated really.

DK: You were Man Of The Match today, would you say that's fair?

TA: Firstly, appreciate it, if anyone says that I'm Man Of The Match I'm not going to grumble. I don't know, I think it's a good team performance, I can never say that I'm going to be a stand out player because I know what I can bring to the team and more often than not I'll try my best to be consistent, at least 7 out of 10. So hopefully I've done that so far, and if it was better today, it's better today. If it's better next week, if it's not then it's not going to bother me, I'll just keep trying to do what I've got to do. 

DK: Next up we've got Stourbridge, who've started well as well.

TA: Yeah, I don't think we need to look at anyone else to be honest, I think we need to continue what we're doing, because everyone's said the same about Coalville, and we went there with the mindset of we had to give them respect, of course because they are a good team in that league, obviously for me personally it's a clean slate. I know absolutely nobody in the league, so I just turn up to a game and play, every game is a game of football, no matter who, which eleven you play against. You play against Chelsea, yeah it'd be different tactically with better players, but you've still got to look at a game of football against eleven other people. So I think yeah it's good to know they're on a good run, because I think they'll be surprised if we do exactly do what we've been doing, and change up the style of play when we can, I think they'll be in for a shock hopefully. And if they're not, if it turns out that they're better than us on the day so be it, we just go onto the next one. 

DK: It's nice to have a free week!

TA: Yeah, I feel like it's been absolutely nonstop, but I'll never grumble at playing football. I don't care how consistently it is, I'm getting to that age that I am getting there, I'm not threre yet, but I'm getting there and one day it's all going to be gone so I'm playing as much football as I possibly can really, until I physically not do anymore. So it's still good to have a week off, but it's nice to play a lot of games in a small time period anyway. 

DK: You speak about not knowing so much of the league, does it help having things like Tom's tactical knowledge?

TA: Yeah, it sets you up for a game just to know, because obviously if I'm someone completely unaware of any kind of player, don't know who the players are, if he tactically sets you up and he tells you what a player's going to do it'll put in your mindset you kind of know how to react off of them. But I've always done it to be fair mate, I've always not looked at the opposition, because I think psychologically it can put you 1-0 down. I just think if you focus on what you bring to a game and win your second balls, first balls, try battle as hard as you can think sometimes that outshines tactical. It's just building from that foundation, then being aware tactically so yeah it does help, but at the same time I don't really play into that stuff.