REACTION | Jamie McGrath, Kevin Horlock & Tommy Smith Post Match Interviews | Royston Town v Needham Market | 28.10.2023 | League #12

REACTION | Jamie McGrath Post Match Interview | Royston Town v Needham Market | 28.10.2023 |

In the first of 3 post match interviews, double goalscorer & MOTM Jamie McGrath reflects on yesterday's win.

DK: Three goals in 2 games now for you, you're on a roll! 

JMcG: Yeah, that's nice, obviously coming back from injury it was frustrating to be out, but just wanted to come back in and hit the ground running, which I thankfully have done. So it's a great start, but it's only a start. 

DK: Nice to see you hit a brace! 

JMcG: Yeah, it's nice! I think it's the first time I've got a brace for Needham, so yeah it feels good, but obviously the most important thing is coming here and getting the win. It was a tough game, we battled it out, but a very important 3 points! 

DK: Yeah, you were clinical when you needed to be! 

JMcG: Yeah exactly, it wasn't a game of loads of chances, so that meant when we did get chances we had to finish them off, and thankfully I was able to do that today. 

DK: Especially for the second goal, with the pressure from the defender. 

JMcG: Yeah, it was just one of those, it was a good flick on from Ingers, and I think it could've been set to Dan or Ollie, but like you say, just managed to get on the turn and just sort of bundle it over the line to be honest. So just pleased to see it go in the back of the net! 

DK: You were hungrier for it?! 

JMcG: Yeah exactly, that's what you've got to be in the six yard box, it's what we've spoken about at training, is for me and whoever is playing up front, to get in that 6 yard box, and get the tap ins and thankfully was able to do that! 

DK: What you call it a perfect week? 

JMcG: Yeah, perfect week like you say, 2-0 & a 3-0 both away from home, yeah defensively brilliant again, even with Keiran out today Jake Dye stepped in & was excellent again, just really pleasing to be honest! 

DK: Yeah, with the late change of Keiran not being fit, did it hamper preparations? 

JMcG: Yeah, to an extent, but like I say we've got such a strong squad people can fill in different positions that course we're going to miss Keiran, but thankfully we were able to get the job done without him today. 

DK: Onto the County Cup on Wednesday! 

JMcG: Yeah, Wednesday, got to recover from today, go again and like you say just focus on the next game, obviously we want to do well in the county cup again, so it'll be a game we'll give our full focus to and we've got to go there and put in a similar sort of performance and hopefully get the win. 

DK: After that, without looking too far ahead, we've got two league home games coming up! 

JMcG: Yeah, it's always nice to play at home, thankfully our away form has been a lot better this year than it was last year, but even so we love playing at home so looking forward to that as well. 

DK: Is the more pleasing thing that we're currently being consistent all across the board, home & away? 

JMcG: Yeah of course, consistency is the most important thing in football and it was what we were lacking a lot last year, we knew we could beat the top teams but it was about going everywhere and performing on a consistent basis, which so far we've done this year, but obviously it's still fairly early days, so we've just got to keep that going.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Royston Town v Needham Market | 28.10.2023 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's 2-0 victory at Royston.

DK: Another win on the road, clean sheet, perfect! 

KH: Yeah, we're in a good place at the minute, obviously winning games gives you confidence and we've been picking up points home & away. So we come here a little bit under strength, obviously Keiran wasn't fit to play, tried the warm up, Tev obviously not available but it's opportunities for others,  and even Tommy Smith was probably touch and go, but he got through the game. Credit to the lads again, we weren't at our best  today, we've been better, but we're not going to be at our best every game, but again we were still by far the better team and deserved to win. Scored 2 great goals, Jamie, I'm made up for, he's sort of finding his feet at this level now, he looks sharper and one thing never changes is in front of goal the goal doesn't change shape. The boy can finish, it was a great finish the first one, we've asked a lot of the lads lately with games on Tuesday & obviously the FA Cup exploits, but they keep delivering so I'm made up for them today. 

DK: Is it still nigh on a perfect start, given the fact we're currently consistent home & away? 

KH: I wouldn't say perfect, obviously Stratford game (DK: Since that!), but I would've liked to have beat York, I would've liked to still be in the Trophy today, but I suppose the silver lining being knocked out of the Trophy meant we had a league game today, and it's a league game we've won. So we'll take that, but the lads have been brilliant. I can't give them enough praise, everything's fell into place. Tom, my assistant, he's unbelievable, gives the lads information, the detail he gives them they're listening and learning, and taking it on board and taking it into games, and they're seeing the success from that, which again breeds confidence. So we'll rest and recuperate as much as we can, we've got a fair few knocks to deal with, and obviously big game Wednesday against Melford.  

DK: Is there anything today that you'd have liked the lads to have done better, or is it the perfect performance? 

KH: I think I'll always push for more, like I've said in previous interviews, but I can't really knock the lads. We've obviously had a really tough game on Tuesday, we've had the FA Cup exploits but the bounce back from that, and the reaction from the FA Cup, which can sometimes be negative has been massively positive. We looked a bit tired today, obviously Jake Dye has got in at centre half again and been unbelievable. When you find out your captain's unavailable half-hour before kickoff you start to have doubts a little bit maybe, but I shouldn't doubt these lads. They are unbelievable to work with, they don't question anything, they can be played out of position, they just get on with it and week in week out they're showing how good they are at the minute. So we could've scored more, kept another clean sheet - I don't know how many it is now, it's getting actually ridiculous, but that again gives us the base to go and win games. It's not just the back 4 and Marco, when I say another clean sheet, it's the midfield working bard in front, the wide players working tirelessly, the front man shuffling left and right. As a team we're hard to beat and that sets it up nicely for you to win games today, like we did. 

DK: Last season we didn't really score goals like we have today & Tuesday. 

KH: No, and I suppose people always say we're missing an out and out number 9, I know Jamie can play there and scores goals - possibly better as a 10, I don't know - Ingers has played up there, scored goals, and we've obviously got Seth coming through that's going to be an out and out number 9 and score goals, but people will question it. You're still missing a number 9. I'm not sure we are, we've got lads that work hard, prepared to run forward and can finish. So until that special number 9 that isn't available anywhere becomes available I'm pretty happy with what I've got. 

DK: Who needs that number 9 when Jamie's twisting defenders, and scoring goals! 

KH: Yeah, he's been big for us this season, obviously it was a big step up from where he was playing but his attributes are transferable to this level, he knows where to be, he's good in the air, and the lad can finish. You see today, the first 1 was so composed, didn't slash it, he just passed it into the net, so like I said, he's found his feet this season, he started off really well in how we want to play and link off him. Unfortunately then got the injury that sort of kept him out for a bit, but he's back now and we're much stronger for it! 

DK: Today's been a bit of a carbon copy of Tuesday, albeit not totally the same. 

KH: The first half we was a little bit rushed, and I would've liked a little bit more composure, but the pitch needs time to get used to, and in the second half I thought, well I asked them to be a little bit more aggressive out off possession, to push onto them more, win the ball back higher up the pitch - which I thought we did. And obviously the goals come, which gives us a nice little cushion to then see the game out, but it's going alright. It's going alright, but we won't let them rest on their laurels. Me, Tom, Munno now, we'll be on them, and we want more. I want more, this team's capable of big things in my opinion, and we've not even started yet. 

DK: Onto Wednesday, back in the County Cup! 

KH: Yeah, big one for us, obviously Melford it'll be obviously a big game for them, playing ourselves who are flying high 2 divisions above. We'll respect that and go there, but obviously I'll be forced to make changes in terms of injuries anyway, but I want to win this competition. I've said it all along, we're proud of the fact we've won it 3 times on the spin, and we want to make it a fourth. So we'll go there as strong as we can and try and do the job.

REACTION | Tommy Smith Post Match Interview | Royston Town v Needham Market | 28.10.2023 |

Left-back Tommy Smith concludes yesterday's post match reaction, providing an insight into the defensive side of yesterday's win.

DK: Another win, you must be pleased? 

TS: It was a bit different today, a little more ground out the result, but overall good performance, another 3 points, and another clean sheet which is all that matters. 

DK: Would you call it a perfect week? 

TS: Yeah, perfect week, we keep winning, we keep not conceding goals so you can't do much more than that when you step onto the pitch, so it's good. 

DK: As a defender, are the clean sheets more pleasing than the actual performances? 

TS: Both really, I mean clean sheets don't come without good performances, so it's a little bit of both. If you don't play well it's unlikely you're going to keep a clean sheet, so it's definitely both. 

DK: Coming away from home to a place where we have only won probably once or twice must make it even better? 

TS: Course, obviously I didn't play in any of those games, so I can't really comment on how it was in the past, but I thought today we put in a real performance, as well as we could in hard circumstances, so you know it's just credit to everyone! 

DK: After more of a physical battle first half, we kind of turned the second half into more of our preferred style? 

TS: Yeah, we did. That happened again on Tuesday night as well, we sort of had a bit of a slow first half, but then we kick into gear in the second half, which is always good, but you have something in the locker that you can bring out, but overall really pleasing! 

DK: Onto Wednesday, back in the county cup away to Long Melford! 

TS: Back in the cup yep, another big game! We obviously love that competition, so we'll do everything we can to come away still in it after that game! I'd love to get a Suffolk cup under my belt, but we're not really thinking about that at the moment, we're just focused on every game that comes in front of us, but that is the next game.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK + TEVAN ALLEN POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | STAMFORD AFC 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 24.10.2023 | THE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL PREMIER DIVISION |

Kevin Horlock and Tevan Allen react to last night's league win at Stamford.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | STAMFORD AFC 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 24.10.2023 | THE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL PREMIER DIVISION |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's return to league action. 

DK: Back to league action in ideal fashion.

KH: Yeah, it was a good performance tonight, obviously we had the highs and the disappointment of the FA Cup, but I asked the lads to just try and get over it as soon as we can and get back to what they've done all season, and that's performing to a really high level. And I thought to come here on a Tuesday night, a team one place above us, albeit they've had a couple of extra games, and to win in the way we did we were dominant. I think if anyone had come and said it was 4/5 it wouldn't have been hard on them, because we had chances, I think there was a goal in the first half - which the ref openly said he made a mistake - so yeah it was a really good performance from front to back. We defended well, like we have done all season, and looked really dangerous, and played some really good football tonight, so I'm really pleased!

DK: Very clinical and another clean sheet!

KH: Yeah, look I said it all along I think the plaudits will always go to the lads who score goals, and created things but the back 4, Marco and the lads in front of that work so hard, and are the reason why we're winning games. They give us that platform to go on and win games, and when we defend like that and are clinical it's a good combination, and it will more often get you three points than not.

DK How important was it after the York game to return to how we were in the league?

KH: It was important, of course, but I didn't worry about it - the lads not turning up - sometimes there can be a dip, and I understand that, but this group are different. I'll say it again, they're the best group I've had, they work hard for each other and I didn't doubt that they'd be a dip, I knew we'd come out firing, and we played some really good stuff. Obviously missed Dan tonight, and Jake's slotted in alongside Keiran and you'd have thought he'd have played there all his life, back 4 were unbelievable and the lads ahead of that showed guile, showed guts and determination, and we scored some great goals. I know from the untrained eye it'll probably look like taps in on the back post, but we work on that finishing areas, getting in areas to score goals exactly like what we scored tonight, so that's pleasing as well!

DK: Were the manner of the goals something that was spoken about?

KH: We talk about it all the time, we've obviously been scoring a few goals, but often we're not in the areas that we need to be, and we've worked on it, spoke about it, and today lads arrived in the areas that needed to and they got tap ins. It's not coincidence, it's not fluke, it's something that we've looked to add to our final third, entries into the box and chances, so it all came together tonight!

DK: Ollie got his first senior goal!

KH: Yeah, made up for him, obviously he's going to be one heck of a player, obviously he's still young, still learning the trade, but I had no doubts he'd get there to the level we're playing at, and beyond, he's a terrific talent, so it's always pleasing when a young lad gets his first goal at senior level. He'll cherish that and remember that for the rest of his life, but he's got loads more to come!

DK: Tonight it didn't feel like it's been a month since our last league game!

KH: No, no it didn't! Has it actually been that long? Wow, yeah look, the lads took off exactly where we left off, playing to a high level, giving everything, dying for the cause, and they're willing to improve, and again we're in there and got more to give. This isn't us, we're not the finished article, and I said it's nice people saying really nice things about us, their manager said we're the best team they've played. That's lovely to hear, but we'll rest and recuperate and look back on how good we've been at the end of the season, not during it.

DK: Is it scary how we're going so far?

KH: No, I know the potential, I know we're capable of what we're doing, the big question is can we keep that momentum going, can we be consistent with it, so far we have been but there's still a long way to go.

DK: It'll be nice on Saturday having everyone back available, with Dan back from suspension.

KH: Yeah, it's always nice to have a full squad obviously, the squad's in a good place in terms of I think the lads recognise playing are playing well, doing well, and the subs that came on I thought they were good again. I thought they affected the game, they have to come on and affect it to give themselves a chance of starting, because I don't care how old you are, or how young you are, how experienced you are, if you're doing well you'll more often than not keep your place in the team. So we've got competition for places, we've got players that can play in different positions, we're a threat, we're going well, we're full of confidence, but we're not done.

DK: Moving onto Saturday, Royston away will be another tough game.

KH: Yeah, we always have tough games against Royston, more often than not we often come out on the losing side (away), so we generally play quite well at Royston, so I'll be looking to put that right where hopefully we can come away with 3 points. There's normally quite a lot of goals, so hopefully they're all in our favour and we keep another clean sheet! Clean sheets give you chance to win games, obviously our goals against record is very good at the moment, hopefully that will continue, but we are going to concede at times, but we look at the minute that we've got goals to outscore teams as well, so we're in a good place!

DK: Is it frightening that going into tonight's game we're fifth in both home and away form tables?

KH: I'd love it to be higher than that, if I'm honest, and hopefully it will improve and we'll get better. The home games are the ones they always say you need to win and pick points up away when you can, but we seem to be doing both at the minute. So I'm not going to grumble, I'm not going to jinx it, or say anymore on it.

DK: Are you currently hailed as a genius for the summer signings?

KH: I don't know, I think they were astute, and a lot of that goes to Tom as well, because Tom does his homework and we get our heads together, what do we need, they've been brilliant, probably exceeded what I first imagined. When new players are coming in it's sometimes difficult to fit in and get up to speed, but they've took to the group, the group have took to them, they've got the same work ethic, they're good lads, which is important as well, but more importantly they're good players so they fit into the football club really well!

DK: One of them Tev was pretty much MOTM tonight, a goal and an assist!

KH: Yeah, he's been unbelievable, scored again tonight, he's got that infectious personality where he drives others on, and he's full of energy. He asked questions of the defenders just by running beyond them, and when he ends up in areas like he did tonight he's going to get his fair share of goals, so I'm made up for him. I just hope his hamstring was a little bit tight, so I'm hoping that's not too bad and he'll be fit for Saturday!

DK: Is it a perfect performance, nothing to be critical of?

KH: It's a difficult one to criticize, I must admit, because defensively we blocked everything that we had to, we could've scored more, we should've scored more. Obviously the header from Keiran wasn't a foul, but we could've been more clinical and I think if we'd scored 6 tonight I think no-one could've begrudged us.

REACTION | TEVAN ALLEN POST MATCH INTERVIEW | STAMFORD AFC 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 24.10.2023 | THE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL PREMIER DIVISION |

Goalscorer and MOTM Tevan Allen reflects on last night's victory.

DK: Nice to get back into league with a win!

TA: Yes, I think, everyone will say it as well, it was a very professional performance, we come in first half nobody panicked at 0-0. I think they had spells, but we rode it out and I think it's perfect when you come away from home, it's a perfect result. Three goals, none conceded, think we played really well, going forward it could've been 4 or 5, and at the back we were unbelievable as always. Even with Dan not being here, Jake filling in, didn't feel any different - like I say it's a credit to the lads, sticking to the task and great win overall!

DK: You must be pleased to get a goal and an assist yourself?

TA: Yeah, it's unfortunate that I had to come off injured, I'm not too sure what I've done, but I injured myself when I went I scored, so hopefully in the coming days we'll find out exactly what happened, but yeah really pleased again. Found out a good stat, that apparently I'm joint top goalscorer, which is absolutely unheard of for me, so that's new terrority. Yeah, just keep thriving with it, just keep pushing like the whole team does really. It's good to come back to the league, we said before the game this is a real marker, a real marker performance that it's not that we're not to be messed with, but we're serious about what we're doing now, and at the moment we'll take all the plaudits, but we won't ever get too high, never be too low, so we'll keep grounded, keep humble, keep doing what we're doing and hopefully the performances can show.

DK: Is tonight one where the hopes and expectations from pre-season starting to flourish?

TA: Yeah, I think we all had the belief that we can do this, what we are doing at the moment, some may say we are overachieving, which is perfectly fine, but I think we're just a reflection of how we've been playing, and how we've stucked together and it shows that a group of players that can come together, and that can grind out results, and just play well can go and do whatever we want. So, hopefully we just keep doing that, and continue to do what we do.

DK: It was 3rd v 4th going into tonight's game, and we arguably dominated.

TA: Yeah, we wouldn't look at that, I don't think we look at anything in the league tables, I think people buy into the hype of it too much, we've just got to steadily do what we do and grind out (Luke Ingram: Nice to get a win!) performances, and make sure everything's good enough in our camp, and don't really focus on anyone else. So, again where they are in the league, they're still a good club, it's a good setup, but we've just come today and just had a very good performance. Same again Saturday hopefully!

REECE HARRIS | GET TO KNOW Q&A #4 | 18.10.2023 |

Midfielder Reece Harris is next up in our Get To Know Q&A series!

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Hot Chocolate 

Favourite Cold Drink: Ginger Beer

Favourite Snack: Twirl

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Noodle Bar (Thai Food) 

Favourite TV Show: Sopranos & Seinfeld 

Favourite Film: The Hurricane (Denzel Washington) 

Team you Support: Spurs 

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Messi Currently - All time Ronaldinho for the flare.

Favourite Song/Musician (if any): Tupac - Changes

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Boxing/MMA, - aside from the technical aspect of seeing someone figure out how to win a fight, seeing people get hit feels relaxing to watch. 

If you could’ve been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? Utd Champions league final v Bayern Munich. Being part of that utd comeback team the buzz and the atmosphere plus I imagine the one heck of a party afterwards would've been off the charts. 

If you could swap places with anyone else in football (player, coach), who would you pick and why? Phil Foden. Just to be able to see what it's like to work under someone like pep and train and be around all those players would be a unreal experience I'd imagine. 

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? Now. Experienced who knows the game and knows how to adapt my game to most given positions on the pitch. 

What’s the one thing you think you’re personally known best for (playing wise) and why? I would probably say freekicks both assisting and scoring would be that. 

What are your standout moments from your career so far and why? Playing in the Conference Premier for Welling for 2.5 years was a great experience playing with an against good pros an ex pros. Getting to the second round of the FA Cup and first round a couple of other times also. One being on TV against local side too. - Winning promotion a couple of times via play offs also would be the stand out bits so far. 

What inspired you to be a footballer? I can't put my finger on one thing particularly but I would say having an older brother who I can remember before I started he was already playing so I think it would've been going to his games and wanting that same buzz and feel but also seeing if I can be better than him when I was younger wouldve been part of my thinking as I was ultra competitive as a kid. 

Best Player Played With and why? Such a hard one this, probably someone who wouldn't be as known as some people I could put on the list but I'm gonna go with Dom Vose - Just cause at times he would hardly look like he's bothered. Hardly warmed up what you would call a modern day warm up, would be doing kick ups and step overs whilst you're stretching etc but would just go out or in training glide past people like they just wasn't there. But also had a football brain too. So I'd go with him yeah.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V YORK CITY | 17.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAY |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's heartbreaking Emirates FA Cup exit.

DK: Heartbreaking way to go out?

KH: Yeah, I'm devastated for the boys, they've over two games put in such a shift, and it was a horrible goal to concede and so late on, but they're obviously really dejected in there, and I understand it, but I couldn't be prouder of them. They put in an unbelievable shift in over nearly 3 hours of football. They've gone toe to toe with a National League team and there wasn't much in it. As much as it hurts now I said to them down there, they've took this club, they've elevated this club to levels it's not been to before, with nights like this. So we're doing alright, it's just to bounce back now, they're deeply disappointed and rightly so, because they deserved more, but they're doing great!

DK: Is it more gutting considering we've probably had the better of the chances and possession tonight?

KH: Yeah, the game was slightly different tonight, we was a little bit more front foot, and was obviously it was going to be that way with us being at home, slightly different so, we had chances. They had (chances) as well, let's not kid ourselves, I'm not deluded, they've hit the post - we've had a bit fortunate with that. The lad should probably score when he's twisted inside and blazed over, but we've had chances. On another night we score and it could've been different, but fair play to them, they obviously over two games they battled away and they've gone through, so we wish them well in the next round.

DK: From our point of view though, like you say, the fact that we've held a National League team home and away for like 200 minutes is pleasing.

KH: Yeah, look they had a lot of possession first game - tonight I think it was a little bit more even. We've had chances, and it just wasn't to be tonight, obviously disappointed to concede the goal so late on - in the manner it was conceded, but that comes from tiredness maybe, lack of concentration. I don't know, but I'm so proud of all of them, and this is where we need to realise what potential this team's got. This is where we need to stick together, and now take it into the league campaign, and obviously vthe Premier Cup - which are the two things we've got to play for. So there's nothing in the background to stop us pushing on, so it's important that we keep that hunger and drive that the group's got, be disappointed and want to replicate nights like tonight next season in the FA Cup - and we concentrate on the league, and try and accumalate as many points as we can.

DK: To literally be a slither away from the first round must make it more gutting?

KH: Yeah, just losing football matches. This group don't like losing, none of us do, but to be so close to the first round, and obviously you don't know - you're in dream land, you don't know where it can go - to be so close and fall short at the final minute or whatever it was is heartbreaking, but moments like this and heartache of football, because it's a cruel game at times, can be things that fuel your fire as well. So a football career is never going to be all highs, there's going to be low, and this one - albeit is a high as well for the football club and the lads, because we're punching above our weight - is a low as well, because we knew how close we were and we probably deserved more on the night.

DK: Like we've said, it's a proper - yes Saturday was more of a defensive performance while getting forward at times, let's not kid ourselves, but tonight it was a proper Needham performance so far this season. Solid at the back, but looked dangerous.

KH: We had to add that front foot tonight, at home we had to take it to them and I thought we did. I thought we did it really well, yes they had moments still - which you expect but - I couldn't be prouder of this group of players, and I'm hoping the supporters are proud of them and they continue to support them this year, in numbers, hopefully numbers grow and we keep putting on performances like this, because even as manager I'm in the moment, and in the game, but at times we play some unreal football that's a delight to watch.

DK: In their ranks they've got a handful of players who've got over 100 EFL or higher appearances and it's taken that type of goal to beat us.

KH: Yeah, that's the FA Cup, that's the heartbreak of it, but you can't be too disappointed, because like I said we've nearly got to the first round again. The lads have been magnificent over the two legs, anyone who's watched the games will have seen that, and look I couldn't be prouder of them. I'm just hoping that the Needham fans are proud as well, because this group could end up achieving something special. 

DK: Of the 604 tonight, by the looks of how people were standing second half, it looked like the majority were supporting us.

KH: Yeah, it was a great atmosphere, obviously the drum was playing, and again they make a difference, they have made a difference this season the group of Needham fans, the young lads that come with the drums, the lads really appreciate it, and they were that extra man tonight when we needed them. So I'd just love to see more nights, not only in the FA Cup, numbers increasing in the league to get behind these lads, because this group of players is special.

DK: What's your message to the fans?

KH: I hope they enjoyed the journey this year in the FA Cup, but we've got more to come from this team, this group of players have got more to come, and obviously we want to kick on in the league, Premier Cup, and then we'll revisit the FA Cup next season and try to get to that first round again.

DK: It was nice to see McGrath back starting!

KH: Yeah, I thought we did well, he gives us something different in terms of his hold up play's really good, obviously he's not played a lot of football of late, and got tired up, but up until that moment I think he got us a foothold in the gamewhere we take possession higher up the pitch. So he'll probably be sore tomorrow and tired, as will all of them, but we'll get together Thursday for training, have a loose one, have a loosen up and have a stretch and see where we are, and Saturday's massive. Back to the league campaign, obviously teams have played extra gamesnow and we've not dropped too far, so we just want to start winning games in the league again and see where that goes.

DK: Bit of a surprise to see Pagey come off the bench, after the injury Saturday?

KH: Yeah, look assessments were done, at first he thought he'd pulled his hamstring, but it loosened off and it looked like it was only cramp in the end, so he had the test and said it was fine.

DK: How far's Reece from being back match fit?

KH: Reece was about to come on in extra time actually, obviously we didn't get that opportunity to do, so Reece is there or there abouts, so there may be a few changes on Saturday, we'll see.

DK: If it had've gone to extra time did you have other subs planned?

KH: I hadn't thought that far ahead, obviously I was just doing it in the moment and what was needed in the game at that time, but Reece was going to be coming on unfortunately we didn't get the chance to.

DK: Is there anything that you wish that the lads would've done differently tonight?

KH: Score! No look, the lads were brilliant, the chances, they weren't great chances on other day a little bit more conviction maybe it may get you a goal, but I can't ask more from than what they give me, which they keep giving me every week, so I'm a proud manager, even in defeat.

DK: Moving onto Saturday, back in the league after cup after cup game, that should be a big one?

KH: Yeah, like I said they're upset and tired, but like I said that's fine. That's fine because football is about growing and developing and learning, and pain and upset is part of that, so they can be upset, but like I said be very proud of themselves and this is our moment of learning where we want to kick on and try and get to a place where we're playing teams like York every week, and to do that you need to get out of the division we're in. So that's what we're going to try and do.

DK: What reaction's needed Saturday?

KH: Not a reaction, I don't think it's a reaction I'm after, because we were good tonight, I think it's just more of the same, them energy levels, that commitment, that desire which I know this team give me anyway, so I don't think I need a reaction. I'd be quite happy with it staying the same, because if we play like that against most teams we'd win.

DK: Is that we've come like that save from Ingers, Keiran's headed a header just wide, still pleasing for you?

KH: Yeah, I'm disappointed we've lost, of course I am, but we've gone toe to toe with nothing in it, and had a threat as well surely gives the players, it doesn't give me anymore belief, because I've got total belief in this group, but I'm hoping it gives themselves that they're good individually and a really good team and a really good group. So I'm hoping, as disappointing that it is tonight, it gives them that bit of confidence as well.

PREVIEW | TEVAN ALLEN PRE MATCH INTERVIEW | 16.10.2023 | NEEDHAM MARKET V YORK CITY 17.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAY |

Midfielder Tevan Allen reflects on Saturday's draw, the season so far, the Emirates FA Cup run so far, and previews tonight's (Tuesday 17th October)'s 4th Qualifying Round replay with National League side York City. 

DK: Starting with Saturday's game, you must be proud of the team's performance? 

TA: 100% to a man I thought we were excellent in terms of resilience and putting our bodies on the line. The best thing about it is that we didn’t actually play our best and we have much more to give and hopefully we prove that on Tuesday. 

DK: How did you find the game on Saturday? 

TA: It was an amazing experience for myself, I haven’t played in a game as big as that and it can be daunting however I really enjoyed the experience. 

DK: How do you feel the cup run has gone so far both as a team and personally, having faced some strong sides so far - including two great goals for you? 

TA: I couldn’t ask for anything more from both myself and the team, we have come up against different challenges and we have overcome them all so far and hopefully we can do that one more time. Getting the goals I have on the way is just a bonus! 

DK: What are you expecting from tomorrow's game, and how much would it mean to you if we win? 

TA: I expect them to come and throw everything they possibly have at us and we definitely respect the level and standard of football that they play. Being at Bloomfields tomorrow night hopefully we can use that to our advantage as I don’t personally believe they will be able to be as expansive and we can capitalise that with our hard work and endeavour. To win it would be massive because we truly do have an opportunity to get into the second round proper. 

DK: Will you approach tomorrow's game any differently? 

TA: I think we will all approach this game as any other, we know what’s at stake however it doesn’t change the fact we will be playing against the same opposition and if we do all the right things well we have every chance to win the match. 

DK: Should we progress, what do you make of the draw for the first round? 

TA: I think it’s a great opportunity even though people may have wanted a team in a higher league I think it’s a good draw because we have more of a chance. Of course not being naive and thinking we would win it as it’s still a higher league opponent but the groups of lads we have we are brimming with confidence. 

DK: What do you make of the start of the season so far, and how far do you think our recent form could take us for the rest of the season? 

TA: It’s been almost too good of a start because of the expectation and almost making a team a scalp for people to have a swipe at however we couldn’t ask for anything more. I believe if we keep everyone fit and together there is no telling how far we could take this season!

REACTION | KEIRAN MORPHEW + KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | YORK CITY 0-0 NEEDHAM MARKET | 14.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND |

Captain Keiran Morphew reflects on yesterday's draw.

DK: Still in the hat, you must be pleased?

KM: Yeah, it's pretty good to be fair, obviously we'd like to win but it's important we didn't lose and see if we get one decent on Sunday.

DK: As captain and defender you must be pleased with the defensive performance?

KM: Yeah, we done well. Obviously we didn't have a lot of the ball. Normally we're used to having a little bit more of it, well a lot more of it, but I thought we had decent shape. They obviously were knocking on the door at the end, couple of goal line clearances, but it's what it's about - FA Cup football - when you're the underdogs, put your bodies on the line and see if you can dig something out.

DK: Is that the kind of game that you expected?

KM: Yeah, I think everyone knew, we like to pass the ball, we probably could've done better at times but when you're against good teams that make the pitch big and you're doing a lot of running, it is hard to then, as soon as you win the ball back, it's hard to then relax and keep it. We done alright I think.

DK: Going forwards, when we had possession, do you think we looked a threat?

KM: Yeah, at times, we had a couple of moves. We had some half chances, I think Dyl probably could score really, but obviously we didn't have too much going forward. They're a good side, they're full time, they're professional, but they're going to have to make an annoying trip down to us on Tuesday. It is a long way, as we know from today, but obviously they're full time, so it is a bit different, but still it's a game they weren't expecting. It's a game they're going to have to play, it's another game in the legs, so we'll just go from there, and hopefully get a big crowd at the ground and make some money for the club. 

DK: How does today rank for you, in terms of big games/results?

KM: I don't know, draws are pretty unemotional to be honest with you. Nil-nil draws, obviously I'm pleased we get to play them again, we're in the hat Sunday, but realistically it's a nil-nil draw.

DK: What will you be looking for from the draw?

KM: Either one of the big clubs away or winnable tie at home. Anyone at home, or a big club away really is what you want.

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

KM: Everyone worked their socks off, good day out for the club, good turnout from the fans - who were screaming and singing all game, it was brilliant.

DK: Will you be expecting a similar game on Tuesday?

KM: Oh yeah, they're going to have lots of the ball again, we're just going to have to defend and work hard again, and keep it 0-0, and see if we can dig something out.

DK: Today we were supported by 101 loud Needham fans, that must've been good?

KM: Yeah, they did brilliant. I heard a lot of them throughout the game more than the York fans to be honest, but I think the York fans are probably a bit down on the season this year, because they're not doing so well. We've been there as well, it is hard, when fans are on your back, it is hard to play and you can see that today.

That's natural when the team is playing attacking football, and they are knocking on the door, the fans are going to get up, and last few minutes of the game we've had (kept) two off the line. Jake Dye shouldn't block that one on the line, I think the ball's just whacked him in the head really but that's unbelievable defending.

DK: How did you find the game yourself?

KM: Obviously the beginning I was a bit nervous, but that's natural for me, once you have a few passes, few touches, the game does settle down, so you play yourself into the game really, and then second half I didn't have loads to do, there was a lot of running up and running down - a lot of shouting, a lot of talking, so that was about it really.

DK: We showed that we step up to the occasion in big games.

KM: Yeah, we have got a good group who turn up for big games.

Manager Kevin Horlock also reflects on yesterday's goalless draw in the Emirates FA Cup.

DK: Still in the hat, you must be pleased?

KH: Yeah, I couldn't have asked for more from the lads. I think the ultimate, which like you say, was to be in the hat, which we are, and I thought the lads were brilliant. We had long periods without the ball obviously, which you expect, but I thought our shape defensively and our willingness to put our bodies on the line was clear for everyone to see, and we actually had a few chances. I think first half going in, we had about 3 shots, they had 1, so the game plan worked and the lads gave everything and they deserve the replay, and hoprfully we can rest up and recouporate and raring to go Tuesday, and who knows get in that first round!

DK: It was a good all-round performance?!

KH: Yeah, it's not shocked me, they've done it bar the first game of the season, they've been magnificent all season. They give everything, they work hard for each other, they demand off each other, they want to improve, and they're good footballers. We're good team on our day, and yes we could've done maybe with a bit more of the ball today in possession, but I can't grumble. We worked so hard out off possession, when we landed on it we got tired towards the end but I'm made up for the lads, they deserve it. I said to them in there (changing rooms), this isn't the job done, the job done is trying to get into the first round still, which again we'll still be massive underdogs, but it's at home. We haven't got to do the travelling, we've set ourselves up for that, so can we go and finish the job off?!

DK: It gives us a bit more of a chance, having home advantage?

KH: They're a good outfit, they're obviously going to come and play and be strong, but we've come to their place, kept another clean sheet, still not conceded in the FA Cup, which is unbelievable in itself and can we add that goal that gets us in the first round? Obviously we're going to know who we will face tomorrow, so we'll be looking forward to that, and then all raring to go on Tuesday.

DK: At times, I believe you expected from what Keiran said, we had to dig in defensively, but when we got forward like you said we looked a threat?

KH: Yeah, we've got threats, we've got players who carry the ball, we've got players that are willing to run forward. Look, it was a good performance, that was what I was hoping for, them (the lads) to show what a good outfit we are, which I think we have, hopefully we've shown it. 

DK: Having put our bodies on the line, I think Jake, however he kept it out, getting it onto the post herocially, Dylan firing over, it was another proud day.

KH: Yeah, look these lads, I've said it in multiple interviews, they're the best group I've had, the togetherness, the willingness to work hard, put their bodies on the line, that summarised it for me at the end. Yeah, we've had chances, yeah on another day Dyl might score that, but the tackle he made late on and I'd love to see a still picture of that last 30 seconds of it and then you've got 3 bodies diving across the goal to put their bodies and faces in the way, and I don't know where it hit Jake, but what a picture that've been. That sums up what this group are about, I might have that picture framed and put above my desk.

DK: Were you going through the motions during the game?

KH: I was pretty relaxed, because I know what this group are going to give me, they're going to give everything, and look even if we lose I know they're going to give me everything, so I was pretty calm. Obviously the last couple of minutes were nervy times, but inside I was nervous, but on the exterior I'll always try and stay calm, because I think that's a good reflection for the lads to see. In their moments, they stay calm, they were in the right place at the right time so hopefully that transcends into them, and I want them to play without fear and know that they're capable of coming to places like this, because like I said to them at the very start, before they come out, which one of you don't think you could play at this level, and rightly none of them put their hands up so I think they all could. 

DK: Seth came off the bench and was instantly involved.

KH: The first few seconds he landed on the ball and it sort of took a slight deflection and took the power out off it, but that would've been some moment for him, but it's not just the starting eleven, it's the lads that come on. I thought that Ollie came on and affected it, some lads haven't got on today but we're in it all together and if we're going to be successful, we'll need every single one of the players and all the staff, which we're thankful to have as well. We're a good group.

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

KH: They please me every week, it's just their endeavour, their willingness to listen and learn, and willingness to work hard for each other, and I said these moments are great, they're about creating memories as a group that you can take to your grave and we've got a couple from over the last couple of years, this is another one. There could be another special one come Tuesday and beyond that hopefully.

DK: Keiran's expecting a similar game on Tuesday, are you?

KH: Yeah, I'm hoping it may be slightly different, in terms of the fact that - I don't know why but it tends to happen - because we're at home we might have possession hopefully, obviously they've got to travel down, which adds to their problems a little bit, but we've got a good pitch as well, so it's not like they're coming to a non-league ground with a rubbish pitch where it's going to be muddy and tough. Our pitch is very good, so they'll probably come down and play a similar style. I'm hoping it gives us a lift, hopefully there's a fairly big crowd there cheering us on, that gives us that extra bit that gets us over the line.

DK: Yeah and with them being a full time team we dealt with that quite well?

KH: Yeah, we did, but like I said, I think, a lot of my players can play at that level, nearly all of them. Obviously the younger ones still need to develop, but you take any player out of the team that you've seen today in a Needham shirt you could put it in their team, and they would be more than comfortable. So we've dealt with their threats really well, but it's only half-time. We've got another 90 minutes.

DK: What are you looking for in the draw?

KH: I don't think you can look, I think like always, you're looking for a plum tie, but it means nothing getting a big club in the first round if you don't get there, so it'd be nice to get a big club obviously, financially the rewards from that for the football club are massive. And more importantly it's that character of, 'come on, let's get there,' because it means nothing if you get a big club then lose Tuesday.

DK: Clean sheets galore lately.

KH: We've not conceded in the FA Cup, which is a feat in itself, so it'd be nice if that continues.

PREVIEW | TOM ROTHERY INTERVIEW 11.10.2023 | YORK CITY V NEEDHAM MARKET 14.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND |

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery previews tomorrow's trip to York City. 

DK: How will you treat Saturday's game?

TR: Like any other cup game to be honest. We will prepare some analysis on them through audio and visual and then work on those bits on the training pitch to prepare the lads as best as we can. Obviously the time we have is limited but we will do that and then on the day of the game as we’ve done that preparation work we will then focus mainly on us. How we play and what we do that can cause them issues hopefully and what we do to try and contain their threats.

DK: What's the mood been like in training going into Saturday's game?

TR: It’s good the lads are disappointed after Saturday but we’ve spoken briefly about that and now the focus is purely on Saturday. 

DK: What will you be expecting from the lads on Saturday? 

TR: No expectation as such. The message from myself or Kev is consistent when it comes to what’s deemed as a big game, don’t play in fear. From my perspective it’s always about trying to be the best version of ourselves. Ultimately if you do that then you can have no regrets. 

DK: How important is it that we travel to York with better away form to the majority of last season?

TR: I haven’t really thought about last season aside from what we spoke about at the end of that season and in pre season. We all knew we had to be better and that was the real drive from myself and Kev. So far I’d say we’ve been a lot more consistent not just away but at home also. Our performances have been better and the results would suggest that too. The changes we made to the squad have helped and so that’s pleasing but we still have a small squad so keeping everyone fit is really critical and that is tough at times especially with the schedule we’ve had recently. 

DK: Equally how important is it that other than last Saturday that we've been consistent home & away recently?

TR: Whilst I don’t think we played well as we have recently I still think more times than not if you replayed Saturdays game we should win it with the chances we created and the possession we had. We didn’t though so we just need to move on from that and the message has been really clear from Kev and I. We set standards and we look to hit them every training and game day and more times than not the lads do that and that’s what we will be looking for Saturday. So far we’ve shown that consistency but equally we are only in October so the desire is to have important games in April and May. 

DK: How do you reflect on the cup run so far?

TR: It’s been good, we’ve not conceded had 3 tricky away ties, no really easy games but we’ve dealt with them professionally and then dealt with the replay against higher opposition well also. The revenue it creates helps the club so that is also pleasing and the buzz you get from progressing is good for the players and supporters creating days like Yeovil, Burton and now York is good for all of those reasons and to raise the profile of the club also is a huge plus. 

DK: What are you expecting from York (i.e. playing style, tactics, formation)?

TR: At the level they play we know they’ll retain the ball well and I’ve seen that for myself. I expect a certain style and formation but I don’t know what changes they’ll make on the day but once we have the team news I believe I’ll know the shape and we will deal with that on the day if it’s different to what we expect which is what the lads will get from the analysis. I’ll keep that for now close to my chest.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET v CRAY WANDERERS | 07.10.2023 | ISUZU FA TROPHY 3RD QUALIFYING ROUND |

 Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on Saturday's disappointing FA Trophy exit.

DK: Not the ideal way to go into next week's trip to York.

KH: No. Obviously we want to be winning games of football, and we have been. We have been really good, and today we were below par. We was a little bit lucklustre at times, we're making mistakes that we haven't done, and you've got to give them a little bit of credit. They come with a game plan, they obviously looked to hit us on the break, and camp in on the edge of their box, which obviously worked and albeit I'm not sure how we haven't scored today. We've had chances, and we've snatched at things, and missed the target - but fair play to them, they obviously progress and it's a massive disappointment because although we've started well in the league, and had a good FA Cup run, I want to do it on all fronts and I think it's the second time now that we've gone out at this stage of the Trophy with a whimper really in the end. We just didn't do enough, so as much as I'm disappointed - and the lads are as well - it's difficult for me to be too critical, because they are a good group, we've had a good start - but we need to obviously take it on the chin and suck it up, and realise how crap it can be to lose a game like that - in a game we should be winning and try not to let it happen again. So, yeah, it's a tough one to take.

DK: Do you think there was any signs of not wanting to get injured ahead of next week?

KH: No, no, I don't think so. I don't just think we really moved the ball quick, I think we kept the ball really well, obviously they let us have it a little bit, but we just didn't move it sharp enough. We didn't have any zip, we didn't have any sharp movements in the final third - or passes slid down the side of the two centre-halves, and they were fairly comfortable. I know they've cleared a last ditch couple off the line, but other than that they just headed and kicked everything, and we sort of looked a little bit short on ideas if I'm honest.

DK: Not clinical enough?

KH: No, definitely not, and it costs you in the end, I don't think either keeper's made that many saves - I can't really remember Marco making 1, and we had chances. We got in good areas today quite easily, we passed the ball around ok, up to the final third, we got there at will really at times, but then we just didn't have that cutting edge or that bit of ruthlessness to go and score a goal, and get back in the tie and go on and win it. So we more or less got what we deserved.

DK: Would you say we weren't quite as defensively sound as we have been recently?

KH: No, look they were a threat, and to be fair it sort of lended itself to type of game once they got the goal, which was a little bit poor from our point of view, they just then sat back even more - which meant we had to come out, we had to commit more bodies which at times left us a little bit short at the back, but we didn't really threaten after that, which is disappointing that we probably controlled the majority of the game and not really asked too many questions of their goalkeeper, so they'll obviously be delighted with that. They've obviously kept their shape, their defenders have headed and put their bodies on the line, but we need to do more.

DK: To perform like that at home is disappointing.

KH: Yeah, that will always be disappointing, whether we perform like that I think the bottom line is we're in an industry where we want to win games of football, and this competition - obviously we know the experience we had two years ago. It was a good one for everyone involved, especially the young lads as well, and we've missed an opportunity there to try and emulate that again by going out at this stage in a game, where if we'd have played anywhere near we could've we would've won fairly comfortably. 

It's difficult to say (that the signs of lack quality in the right areas from last season showed) that, because the lads have been fantastic. I think we've lost in 15 games, I think we're a long way from where we were last year. You're not going to win every game, but it's just frustrating that we have created chances when we've not been at our best, but we've just not been ruthless enough to take them and we've ended up going out of the competition that I wanted to progress in. And I know people will say, 'oh you can't compete on all fronts,' but why can't you? Look, we haven't got a big squad by any means, but we've got an Academy with young players that can backfill squads when they're needed so I wanted to win today. I'm massively disappointed, and the lads are too that we haven't.

DK: On the flip side on the unbeaten run we were on, and how good we have been, this defeat was pending, so would you kind of prefer it, with no disrespect to the Trophy, be today rather than interupt our league rhythm or our FA Cup run?

KH: Yeah, potentially, but I just think as a manager, as a player, whoever, you just want to win every game - and today was one that was massively winnable. Respect to them, they come up here, they've travelled here and put a hell of a shift in, they Cray players worked ever so hard. But it is just so disappointing. Look, if you lose in the FA Trophy, FA Cup, league, they all hurt. So they're all the same to me.

DK: Nice to have Jamie back on the bench!

KH: Yeah, obviously he's not really fit to start, or play, obviously he's put in the squad today just to bolster the bench up. He's trained on Thursday, done the warm up today, so yeah he's not a million miles away, and we've got two training sessions this week, so he could be on the bench again for York, and potentially get minutes.

DK: Any update on Reece?

KH: Reece is not a million miles away, he's probably going to be another week maybe hopefully, it's not as bad as first thought, so I'm hoping he'll be back a week/10 days touch wood.

DK: Too early for York?

KH: Maybe a bit soon, obviously not trained, so we'll see. We'll give him as long as he can, and if he can do anything Thursday, then great - if he can't then it'll probably be a bit longer.

Byron's obviously played a couple of games, and he's not played today in the 23s, but we'll just keep an eye on it. Obviously we don't want to throw Byron straight in, and rush him as he's been out a long time, nearly two years. So we'll just sort of take it game by game, and see how he goes really. We'll do it at Byron's pace and take it slow, there's no point rushing him back now, after so long being out - so we'll make sure he's right, rather than throwing him game after game. 

I think looking at how disappointed the lads are pleases me, because I want to feel that. I want them to be disappointed when we don't win games of football, other than that in the game we just weren't good enough, and that's the biggest disappointment, I can't really take any pleasure out of that unfortunately. 

DK: 

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET 3-0 PETERBOROUGH SPORTS | 03.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 3RD QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAY |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on Tuesday night's win over Peterborough Sports.

"If you keep working hard, it could end up being a good season for us."

DK: York City here we come!

KH: Yeah, the lads were magnificent again tonight, without repeating myself in interview after interview, it's a special group - players in terms of football, in terms of people, they're prepared to go that extra yard for each other as a group - so you'll always in with a chance. I couldn't be prouder tonight, and without sounding arrogant, because I'm not an arrogant person, I had a feeling if we played as well as we can and they played as well as they can, we win - because I think we're better than them, and people may say I may be biased, but I know what I've got. I see them obviously every training session, I see them every game, and they (the lads) just keep producing, so they deserved everything they got tonight. The trip to York is well deserved, and again it's good for the football club to go a football club that's been a league club, that gets big crowds. It's a tough ask, but FA Cup you never know! If we go there and perform as well as we can we'll have a chance again.

DK: Yeah, 3 well taken goals in a dominant second half.

KH: Yeah, we sort of spoke about at half-time, not that we was really poor but, we didn't play with that front foot mentality - we was a little bit off them - maybe the fear of losing, but I just said go out and do what you do, I'm not saying go expansive but go enjoy it, go and get further up the pitch, and we do that that's when we look the most dangerous, and we did that brilliantly second half, obviously with again keeping a clean sheet gives you that platform to go on and win games, and the goals we scored were brilliant.

DK: We rode a bit of an early storm in the first 10-15 minutes, but after that we looked like the better side.

KH: Yeah, we just sat off them, obviously we expected them to come out more and be more aggressive, I don't think they pressed us that much at their place, and they definitely upped that and we just sort of sat off them a little bit, and didn't really back ourselves as much as we should of. I tell them all the time what good players they are, what a group they are, and go out and just show it - and that's what they did, so I couldn't of asked more from them, all of them, every person that was in the squad tonight - even the ones who didn't get on - they're part of this group and when you're winning games it becomes a habit. If you keep working hard, it could end up being a good season for us!

DK: Tonight we've showed how free flowing our football has been in the league.

KH: Yeah, we're dangerous, we're dangerous, we've got players that are willing to run forwards unselfishly, not always to receive the ball - which creates pockets for other players to land on it - we look a real threat, and we look a force going forward. That coupled with having an unbelievable defensive record, with Marco again making a couple of saves - top, top saves, by the way - and a defence in front of him, and more importantly players ahead of the defenders that are willing to track back and work hard in front of them, it's a good recipe. So long may it continue, but it'll only continue if we continue to work hard, and push for more, which is obviously my job ultimately, and Tom's to keep pushing the lads to really achieve what could be possible. 

DK: One of the even better statistics is that we've still got a clean sheet so far in this competition!

KH: Yeah, Tom - statto - Tom my assistant's unbelievable, he knows all the stats and he mentioned it down there (in the changing room), if you take away the six we conceded at Stratford in the league, coupled with the FA Cup no goals against we're pretty solid. So credit to the lads, that's across the board, and obviously Marco's included in that, it's going well, but football has a habit of knocking you when you least expect it, so we won't take it for granted. We'll keep working hard, we'll be training Thursday, we'll be looking at the clips of them (Cray) for Saturday, so we'll keep striving and continue to keep winning games and getting better.

DK: What is the most pleasing thing about tonight?

KH: That the lads just keep turning out, giving everything, I couldn't ask for more, and showing everybody - I know already - me and Tom know how good they are - but showing everyone else what good footballers they are individually , but more importantly football's a team game and what a good group they are, and what a good team they are.

DK: As we've talked about, York away in the next round, without getting ahead of ourselves, it's another winnable tie.

KH: Yeah, it's winnable! Obviously the lads will enjoy tonight, we'll have a light session on Thursday and get ready for the Trophy on Saturday, which is massive for us. I want to try and compete on all fronts, obviously two years ago we had a good Trophy run but not so good FA Cup run or league, then we had a good FA Cup run, but went out first round of the Trophy when we went into that and not good league. This year we're going strong in the FA Cup, started really well in the league, I want to have a good run in the Trophy as well, and yes it might stretch us, but it means opportunity for others and squad rotation, but I want the lads to want everything.

DK: You talk about the Trophy, it's important that after a night like tonight that we don't rest on our lourels and we go out there and repeat tonight.

KH: I won't let them (the players), I won't let them, but more importantly, and it's what makes my job more easier, they won't let it happen themselves. It's a self motivating, self managing team, yes obviously I have to lead it and Tom, but they manage it themselves, so there's no way they'll take their foot off the gas, and like you said in the last question the trip to York is nice, and we'll be focused on that once it's upon us, but it's winnable. It is winnable, it's the FA Cup, you've seen it so often, yes we're massive, massive, underdogs - call me biased - I think a lot of my players could play at the level they're playing at so we'll go and have a right good day out and we'll give it a right good go - and if we win then we'll be estatic, if we don't and we give everything then hold our hands up and say the better team beat us.

DK: In the second half as the goals flew in, the ground erupted, which was nice to see.

KH: Yeah, look, I'm glad! When I first come to Needham obviously I wanted to first and foremost create an environment for lads to develop and get better, for me the person is just as important as the player. So what I mean by that is that I want good people that are willing to roll their sleeves up and work for each other, which I've got, and I wanted to bring good football. I want football to be good to watch, obviously successful football is a mixture of good football, attractive football and the dirty side, which I think we've done really well at this season. So I'm pleased that the fans are enjoying it, I'm pleasing that we're scoring goals, and like I said I'm pleased that the lads are showing what a good team and what a great team they could potentialluy become.

DK: Is there anyway that we could actually improve?

KH: Yeah, loads of ways. Loads of ways, tonight - and look I don't want to be critical because we've won 3-0 against a team higher up, we've kept a clean sheet - we could've had more. We could've had more, we was opening them up at will at times, and that final little bit of quality, look I'll give the lads the benefit of the doubt, obviously getting tired the shift the put in, but there's always room to improve. You'll never the finished article, and I won't let them think that. When we're getting patted on the back, we've got silverware, or we've achieved something, broke more records in terms of the furthest the club's been in certain competitions, then I'll still let them give themselves a pat on the back but I'll still push for more! I'd say if we win the FA Cup, I'd allow the lads to say that we're a good team!

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK + DAN MORPHEW POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | PETERBOROUGH SPORTS 0-0 NEEDHAM MARKET | 30.09.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 3RD QUALIFYING ROUND |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's goalless draw.

DK: Still in the hat, what do you reckon?

KH: I think we come into today's game, and you want to be in the draw for Monday, and if that meant obviously going away from here with a draw, instead of a win, then you take it. Obviously, it's a tough place to come, we've been here a few times over the years, league above, so we were underdogs, but I thought in the game, I thought we were the better footballing team. Obviously they're very direct, we expected it, we knew that was coming, but we just didn't have that final bit of quality in the final third. A real close call on Seth for offside, I don't think it was personally, but I would've took it at the start of the game. I think if you would've said to me we'll take them back to Bloomfields on Tuesday, I would've took it. So obviously I'm pretty pleased, the lads have again put in an unbelievable shift, we've got (our) skipper pulling out before the game, Keiran Morphew with a sore neck, which obviously leaves us a bit short, then obviously Reece Harris has done his hamstring fairly early on. So we had to shuffle the pack a little bit, and Jake (Dye) did unbelievable at centre-half, I think in Keiran's replacement, so all in all I'm pretty happy. But it's half a job, we've got to finish the job off Tuesday.

DK: As you say with those 2 enforced changes, before and early into the game, it didn't trouble us.

KH: No, we've got a good squad, obviously we are a little bit light with lads missing, but Keiran was always going to be a big blow for us, he's the leader, he's the captain, he's obviously - in my opinion - one of the best centre-halves in this division, and the one above, so obviously for him to be made unavailable was a massive blow, but I thought the lads coped with it really well, they didn't really look fazed by that. Jake just went in there and looked as if he'd played centre-half all his career, which he did at left-back last year. So, look, it was a big loss with Keiran, but it didn't really weaken us that much, we kept another clean sheet - which is good - and it probably gives us another bite at the cherry - and it possibly makes us less underdogs on Tuesday with it being at home.

DK: Although, like you say, we were the better footballing side, in terms of chances did you think either team really had a proper go at it (winning the game)?

KH: Not really, I can't remember too many chances, I think they put in a couple of decent balls in late on, which is obviously their threat, other than that, like I say Seth's offside is really tight. I'm not so sure it was offside, but it is what it is, and Seth had that little run late on, but it was a weird game actually - I've not seen one for a while with referees normally giving free-kicks for everything. Today, there was free-kicks for nothing, there was clothes line, WWE maneuvers happening out there and there weren't free-kicks given. Bizarre, bizarre, but he was consistent, he didn't give them all afternoon, so you can't really grumble, it's just a little bit confusing when it happens, you're not really used to referees being like that. It was like a throwback to when I started my career, when anything goes, but I thought the lads battled hard and certainly deserved to stay in the hat for the draw on Monday.

DK: Seth, when he came on, added that extra kind of bite - in a way - to us, and changed it a little bit more into our favour.

KH: Yeah, he had fresh legs, obviously he's not played as much football as the others - Ingers and that - up top, and obviously we've worked tirelessly up there for a number of games now, and today he had to work up there quite isolated and on his own, so I think Seth just gives that little bit of energy, like I said I think the goal that got ruled out offside wasn't, but yeah he did well when he came on - Seth - and added that little bit of injection of pace as well, and he llooked frightening as well. He looked dangerous, but we couldn't get the goal, so we'll take 0-0, go back to Bloomfields, we'll rest up, and we've got a few knocks and tight muscles in there, but I'm hoping Keiran will be back first and foremost. I don't think Reece will be, but other than that I think we'll be full strenght hopefully, and we can give it a right good go under the lights of Bloomfields.

DK: Hopefully, aside from obviously with Reece, the flip side of it is that it gives another opportunity for someone like Ollie to come in from the get go.

KH: Yeah, I thought Ollie did well today, he's got that burst of pace, he goes past people for such a young lad - and he's not a massive lad but yeah, good body strength - keeps hold of the ball, I think going forward he's got massive potential and he'll add goal threat to that as well. So I thought he did well today, Ollie, and like you say when people miss out it means opportunities for others.

DK: Do you reckon Tuesday's game is going to be much the same of today?

KH: I hope not, I blooming hope not, look I think our pitch is much better than the one we played on today, we'll look to get the ball down like we normally do, and I don't really want it to turn into a fight off, and it being so aggressive. I'll want to get the ball down and play round people and hopefully we can get the ball in the final third and cause problems like we do to most teams.

Stand-in captain Dan Morphew also reflects on yesterday's draw.

DK: Still in the hat!

DM: Yeah, it was a tough game, hard fought draw, pitch is tight, a bit bobbly, they're direct and big and physical, so a draw's a good result away from home, no complaints really.

DK: Obviously with the County Cup game initially scheduled for Wednesday, is it a problem to have more games?

DM: I think you don't really care what game's when, you play them as they come really, so it's not really a big deal that the County Cup gets moved to another week when you're doing well, when you're playing well - winning games - you expect to have a lot of fixtures built up really. So if you win in the FA Cup, or you win in the FA Trophy, win in the Premier Cup youexpect there's going to be a fixture build up, so we just play one game at a time. There's no difference to us when they're Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday so let's keep going. 

DK: With playing a team a league higher today, does it make it more pleasing to have got a clean sheet away?

DM: Yeah, to a degree, look the last two years we've played loads of teams higher up than us, two or three years since Kev's been here I think we lost away, I remember maybe 3 seasons ago, or 4 seasons ago, Gloucester away in the FA Trophy when we lost. I think it was 4-2 we ended up losing, I think since then we've done really well against higher oppositions, that sort of game I think Gloucester were top of the league at the time, obviously we had a lot of belief. Ever since then I feel like every time we play a team from a higher league we've got a chance, well even the Burton Albion game last year in the FA Cup, we were 1-0 89 minutes, they just got one right at the death and we were in the game the whole time so I think every time we play a Conference North or South, or a Conference team I think we've got a chance. I think we showed that here today, we're more than capable of competing with those teams at that level.

DK: Obviously going into the game - and we still are - second in our league and they're 23rd in theirs, could you see there wasn't much of a gap in terms of positions in the tables?

DM: Yeah, I think they'll admit they're struggling in the league, they're maybe not in the form they'd like to be in, and we're playing well and winning games, I think those things become habits. We may be full confidence, they may be struggling for confidence a little bit, maybe searching for how they're going to win games, and we're sort of got a way of winning games at the moment, and I think that - like you say - that gap didn't look that big, which - well in my opinion - the goal we got disallowed for offside shouldn't have been disallowed for offside, so we should've really been coming away with a 1-0 win. They had a couple of chances, crosses in the box, but other than that it was very even on a bobbly pitch, the referee let it be very physical which suited them, and I think we stood up well to that challenge, and showed that we're more than capable of competing with them.

DK: With Keiran being injured, and Reece getting an injury in the first half, we showed great resilience to defend how we have been.

DM: Yeah, absolutely, I think we've got complete confidence in Jake dropping into centre-half and Kyle going right-back, you know, don't get me wrong Keiran's captain, he's been a standout player for Needham Market for the last decade, so every time he's not on the pitch it's a miss, and especially in a game like that, because like I say they're a physical side and to be honest Keiran's probably our most physical player, in terms of strength and heading the ball and agressive ness. So you know, we definitely missed him to an extent, but in his absence I thought we defended really well as a team, and sort of we more than stepped up to the challenge without him, and it's a shame to lose Reece early on. I think he started really well in the game, he was getting on the ball nicely, and setting things up. I thought it obviously weakened us when he went off, to a little extent, we sort of missed him in there, bit of composure on the ball, he was doing really well, so it's a shame to see him go off, but we'll turn around Tuesday and hopefully Keiran will be back, and we'll go again and we'll look to push on.

DK: As stand-in captain, what would you like to see from us on Tuesday?

DM: The only thing I care about every week is eleven players giving everything they've got, if 1 to 11 we work hard and full of endeavour, and give everything, as a captain, as a player, as a manager, I'm sure as a coach, that's all you ask for. You know, people are going to have bad games, and they're going to have good games, but you know as long as everyone's giving a hundred percent that's all we ask for, as a team, of each other, I think if we do that we've got a chance to win every game.

DK: How important is this competition to you, personally?

DM: It's always nice to do well in the FA Cup, it's a special thing to achieve, we had a good year last year getting to the first round, when I was really young I was part of a Leiston squad that close to that, and it was all a memorable thing when I was younger, it was really great to do it again (the) next year sort of being an instrumental part of the team and to do it two years on the trot (now), would be amazing. So if we manage to get into the first round, 2 years on the trot, it's great for the players, it's great for the club in terms of financials, it's great for the fans, with the teams you could end up playing against, but as a player it's just another game really. I just want to win every game, if it's the FA Cup, if it's the league, it's the FA Trophy, I want to win every game and yes they can lead to more special days out, but a win's a win at the end of the day, and that's the most important thing. 

DK: So no concerns about fixture congestion then?

DM: No, I don't think so, just one game at a time, just play the next game at a time, you don't look too far ahead, you just look towards the next game. I'm not thinking about who we've got when in the future, just playing one game at a time and trying to win one game at a time. That's all we can do I think as a squad, and players and manager, it's all we have to do.