REACTION | Kevin Horlock + Jake Dye Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Bromsgrove Sporting | 26.11.2023 | League |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's win.

DK: Well, good win from behind that.

KH: Yeah, we got there in the end. I think first half we lacked a little bit of urgency. We needed to play a little bit quicker and obviously they scored. The goal we conceded is a little bit of a calamity where we've left the ball and the lads got in. It was a good finish, to be fair, but then it puts you on the back foot because teams that we've seen and Bromsgroves were no different. They come and tried to bank up a little bit and when they get a goal, they do that even more. So we had to be patient. We said we had to take risks in the second half and have a little bit more tempo about us and run forward and keep the ball alive and on regains when they try and clear it. And we did that, I thought, and in the end, I don't think anyone can grumble that we deserve to get the 3 points. At one point, it didn't look like it was going to come. We ve obviously missed a few chances today, but we've got the two important goals that get us to three points and that's what it was all about.

DK: Yeah. The only thing you probably could say is it could have been more goals for us.

KH: Yeah, it should have been. I think we've missed several today, but I don't mind that because it means we're getting in the right areas. I'd much rather miss chances than not create them at all. So on another day, I think we score probably four, five, six maybe, the goals disappointed that we conceded. Obviously we've sort of set our stall out to benchmark and the goals against is why we're where we are. This gives us the platform to win games. But yeah. we could have scored more, because other othe than the goal, I can't remember Marco doing too much. Maybe the free kick, save from the free kick, but it was pretty comfortable.

DK: Yeah. Having had a break without a game, it's good to obviously get the result, especially with players back.

KH: Yeah, that was important, obviously to get a result today. We're in amongst it, there's teams playing

each other today, so it was important that we did our job, which we have, full squad back playing

albeit some obviously not done a lot. So Reece didn't start, but yeah, it was a good three points and

we roll on to the next one!

DK: And good to see Seth with his 6th goal in two games now.

KH: Yeah. Seth's turned into a really good player. We all know from a young age what potential he had. I think he's sort of taking really big strides now. He's got a lot of goals, obviously, in the Premier Cup

last midweek, and today he's missed a couple, but he's a lad young lad, he's put himself in between the posts and he's there to miss them and fair play to him. He could have been a shrinking violet after he's missed a couple of chances, but he kept getting between the posts. The one he scored, he sort of tried to miss it, he's hit the post and come back to him. But fair play to him because it's not just his goals. I think he's maturing as a player. He's obviously a good size and he's starting to use his body more, hold the ball up more. And he's a real problem for defenders.

DK: And we're starting to get used to saying now, Jake dive with a header

KH: Yeah. To be fair, Jake's been tremendous since I've been back here, not just this season. He's matured as a player now. He's played a lot of football. Physically, he's as good as I've seen him and he gets forward, and yeah, he's got a couple now and it's a great ball. I thought Jacob Lay was magnificent today, caused the right back, no ends of problems, I think he went off with twisted blood in the end, I think the right back, but he's just stood it up backstick and Jake's come in, backstick. Hang time. Rose like a salmon, like you said, and nodded it home.

DK: Did I say he rose like a salmon?

KH: I thought you said it on Twitter.

DK: Oh, you saw the tweet!

KH: I saw the tweet mate!.

DK: That's nice. And obviously he's injured today, but it's nice to have Nico signed.

KH: Yeah. Disappointed for the lad, really, because we got it over the line and he trained with us on the

Monday and just felt a twinge in his ankle, which has unfortunately put him out today. But he's here

and he could be a good signing for us, just to add to what we've got. We're not a massive squad by any

means, but a fresh face and obviously he's a very good player, he showed that on Monday. So we're

looking forward, hopefully, to welcome him into the squad next week.

DK: Like we said before, wins from behind hasn't been something we've done this season, so it's another tick in the box!

KH: Yeah, it can be frustrating because obviously, like I said, teams do or are tending to come here and sit behind the ball anyway. When they get a goal up, it becomes a lot more difficult. The goalie is taking a minute and a half on every goal-kick and throw ins are taking longer. But once we got the goal,

obviously the game, there wasn't as much time wasting and it gave us that impetus to go and get the

win and and we got in in front quite quickly, which really helped. Obviously, then the goal kicks were taken a lot quicker, throw ins and I thought we was, to be fair, was going to go on and maybe win it by more. but weren't to be. I'll take that 2-1. And I thought we managed the game really well at the end.

DK: Two goals in two minutes. Perfect.

KH: Yeah. If you're going to score, it's nice to score back to back and we're just in that vein of form at the minute. We're confident, not too confident, because I think that's important. You need to still have that edge and that little bit of nervousness and butterflies when you play football. But were in a good place, but we got to keep going and working hard, training hard and see how far we can go with it.

DK: And having lost, I think the last few games between us and them, it's nice to finally get a win.

KH: Yeah, I think it was quite convincing, I thought, look, I thought they started really well, considering they're not in great form, they showed good energy and obviously the goal give them that lift, but we deserved winners, I don't think anyone can deny that. And like you say, it is nice to get one over and we obviously got the long journey to their place, which will be a tough game, but hopefully it'll be the double over them this season.

DK: And as you say, Saturday, Barwell way. Another tough team to play.

KH: They're all tough, there's no easy games, I think we've seen that. So going to Barwell, I can't remember getting too many great results there, so on 3G, but we go there, like I said, in good form, with confidence, with a full squad, so there'll be no excuses.

DK: Full squad, finally!

KH: More or less. Apart from Patch and obviously Byron, but yeah, everyone else back.

DK: Well, as long as Nico's back then that should be a full bench.

KH: Yeah, hopefully. Hopefully in competition for places, I say Jamie again, he's done well and done well when he went on, and Jamie missed out today, but I've said at the very start, if we're going to achieve things and have a good season, then we're going to need everyone and sometimes lads have to miss out.

Jake Dye reflects on yesterday's win.

DK: Nice win from behind. What do you make of it?

JD: Yeah, I thought first half wasn't bad but wasn't great from our standards. We didn't really retain the ball too well, didn't create too many chances. Played into their hands a little bit. And when the away team goes 1-0 up against a team up top, then they're going to camp in. And I thought we played into their hands a little bit, but, yeah, second half we showed the side, which is fighting at the top of the table and, yeah, ruthless when it counted. And, yeah, three more points onto next week.

DK: And another header for you for the collection.

JD: Another header. Yeah, just creeping around the back post but to be fair, Jacob Lay hung up a really, really, nice ball and yeah, just one to attack. Thankfully I was in the right place at the right time and yeah, chuffed with it.

DK: When we've had a little break without a game, it's nice to keep the ball rolling.

JD: Yeah, definitely. I think it works one of two ways. You can either be complacent and eleven days off, be a little bit rusty potentially going into the game, but we trained hard, got a few of our bodies back, which is important because they're key players. And yeah, hopefully. We can now kick on. And it's going to be a busy Christmas, but points up for grabs, which hopefully we'll do really well in.

DK: Yeah we've not had to come from behind much this season, but to do that is just another thing to say we can win anyway.

JD: Yeah, definitely. It shows us being a great team, we don't really concede too many goals, we usually wipe the floor with teams in the sense of we punish them when we can but yeah, show a different side

to us where come from behind. We dug them deep, made chances and then put them away when they

really mattered and to be fair, we probably could have scored four, five, six on another day. So yeah, signs of a good team..

DK: Yeah, we took our chances within two minutes we went from one nil down to 2-1 up and the game changed.

JD: Yeah, and like I said, we could have then easily added more to it. Unfortunately we didn't. But saying that we didn't really allow them back into the game, we sort of took control of the game, took control of the ball and kept it and yeah, we tried to push off it down as much as possible but I think

all round a good performance.

DK: Yeah, they didn't have many chances on our goal, maybe more so you could say because they might have sat back in a bit more but it also shows that defensively we're solid as a rock.

JD: Yeah, 100%. We gave a few sloppy set pieces away and they're quite a big team, they brought a big lad on towards the end so set pieces probably always going to be a danger, but like you say, we're defensively sound. We defended really, really well. And three more points.

DK: Confidence is flowing through the team at the minute, would you say?

JD: Yeah, we've got that sort of attitude about us and that little bit of, we know we're good enough, we don't really have too much arrogance as such. We've got a bit of a swagger about us, but rolling into each game more confident each time and, yeah, everything we're doing seems to be going

right for us. So long may it continue!

DK: On Saturday, away to Barwell, a team we're used to playing, long trip and hopefully should be a decent game.

JD: Yeah, 4G. So we should be able to get the ball down, play our style of football. Yeah, they're a good team. They've got a few decent players. We do our homework on them, we know what to expect. So, yeah, we shouldn't be fazed by it. We'll go straight into it and, like I say, hope they'll have three points.

Nico Valentine | NMFC New Signing Interview | 22.11.2023 | Ipswich Town Loanee |

New signing, on-loan from Ipswich Town, Nico Valentine discusses joining the Marketmen on loan, how it came about and his aims for his spell with the Marketmen.

DK: What do you already know about club so far, and why did you want to join? 

NV: I already know a little bit about the club because through the years I've had friends that have been involved in the setup at Needham, most recently Seth Chambers who has been proving himself and making his mark over the past couple of seasons. This has also meant that I've been down to a few games over the past couple of years including the two very good FA Cup runs the club has experienced recently and I think that is part of the reason I wanted to be involved at the club, to take the next step in my career, it's clear to see there is a good vibe around the club and a group of experienced players that all want the same thing which I think is crucial for the next step of my development into the men's game. 

DK: How have you found it training with the lads so far? 

NV: The lads and coaching staff have been great even from the minute there was even slight interest for the loan. The boys have been welcoming and just trying to make it as easy as possible for me to feel comfortable and part of the group which allows me to just focus on the football and show what I can bring to the team. It's obviously different training with players that are much older and have a lot more experience, the physicality being the main difference however I've enjoyed that part of it so far and enjoy the intensity of training and willingness to learn from all the players. 

DK: What can we expect from you, and equally want do you want to get out of this loan? 

NV: I always like to be a player that has supporters on the edge of their seat and make them believe that something could happen every time I get the ball. I would say I'm a very technical winger who likes to be direct and drive at full backs with pace with the end goal of either a shot or cross/pass to a teammate in a better position. I also have standards set within myself to make sure I give 100% effort regardless of the score line or if my performance isn't quite coming off from a technical aspect. From this loan the main goal is to just try pick up as many minutes as possible in a men's environment and take myself out of the comfort zone of academy football, I also want to try and transfer my performances from academy football over to the men's game where results matter much more and prove that I can still perform in more pressured environments. 

DK: Can you tell us a bit about how did this loan come about? 

NV: It all happened very quickly I had contact from one of the members of staff at the club that there was interest and an opportunity there for a loan and I instantly felt that this was the natural next step for my career, and loans can also be difficult with part time clubs round this area as there aren't many in a reasonable radius to go to but Needham was a perfect fit, being a local boy it's a great opportunity right on the doorstep. 

DK: You must be excited to get started, what would be the ideal start for you? 

NV: I've been itching to get started ever since the move got confirmed unfortunately picking up a slight knock in training has delayed it a little but I'm ready to hit the ground running as soon as I'm back up to speed and fully fit. A goal would obviously be the ideal start for any attacker! However also picking up as many minutes as I can and performing to a high level is just as important for me as this will leave my development in good stead for the next few months. 

DK:Has it helped having already played at Bloomfields with Ipswich this season in terms of getting used to the facilities/pitch? 

NV: Yeah definitely, I always enjoy getting the opportunity to have different experiences at Ipswich and the two games under the lights at Bloomfields have been my favourite this season so far. I've also played at Bloomfields in a couple of school finals over the years so I'm very comfortable with the facilities and pitch and hopefully I can be showing what I can do and helping the team push forward in their very impressive season to date in the near future.

REACTION | Nathan Munson + Seth Chambers Post Match Interviews | Needham Market 7-0 Stowmarket Town | 14.11.2023 | Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter-Final | Bloomfields |

REACTION | Nathan Munson Post Match Interview | Needham Market 7-0 Stowmarket Town | 14.11.2023 | Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter-Final | Bloomfields |

Goalkeeping coach Nathan Munson reflects on last night's win.

DK: Nice win in the a cup, against your former team.

NM: Yeah, I think so. You know, it's an important competition.
Tom and Kev, would quite rightly would say that all the time, it is animportant competition. We know that it means a lot to the fans, re-run of last years's final, but a very different result.

DK: And you were on the other side of it in the final as well?

NM: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. On the other side of it, that day was a game of,
well, quite high quality actually. This game Stow, of course, have taken a bit of a different direction since then. Wilks, you know, is a fantastic manager, he's still there at the helm, so they're getting good guidance. But we see that they've taken a different direction than they seem to have a really young side out today
that worked hard. But you could see that there was a gulf in class. 

DK: Yeah, very clinical from us and Seth in particular.

NM: Yeah, absolutely. I think first half we weren't brilliant. I think it probably flattered us possibly a little bit.
We went in at half-time three-nil and, you know, we were really keen to make the point at half-time, you know, you've got them where you want them now, but we really wanted you to push on. And second half is an opportunity to really put them to the sword. So that's why Tom and I are particularly pleased that second half we were clinical. Seth was absolutely fantastic. He was climbing up to score, was excellent, you know, he's come on an enormous amount since I was last at the club. Really impressive, but all round I thought the boys, you know, really put it in second half. You can see Stow, actually their started to drop a little bit, but it was, you know, in the end of it, really, a really, really, sort of clear result. So we're quite happy with that. Put it away two months, the semi-finals, the latter part of the season.

DK: I think so. First half when Seth got his second, two-nil already, but it was a bit of a big moment because Ingers just had his pen up save, put the ball straight back in, scored.

NM: Yeah. Yeah. I think that's one for that there'd be an honestly deflated with that one, because I think the penalty save just gives them a little bit of a glimmer, and then, like you say, literally it's a straight ball over the top, they're not defending it, Seth's in, scored, three-nil half-time. You know, they've got a mountain to climb, we've got the cushion. So then, you know, how are they going to play it? Are they going to sit in and try and, you know, just damage limitation or are they going to come out? Which obviously opens up the opportunities and space for us in the second half. So yeah, that really finished the game I think as a contest in the second half. We come out and we did the right things. We kept our standard high, we kept passing, we kept working hard and that told in the end.

DK: Spoken about Seth and getting five goals and assists, but, Tev got three assists as well and a goal himself.

NM: Yeah, Tev was really good tonight. He's really agile, saw that last year of course at Stow when he was there. He really adds a lot of energy to the team.
You know, the assists were great and had some real good qualities as well, which I don't think people always recognize actually the level of quality he's got in his game. Seth was excellent, I don't know if he's got the match ball. Did you see Drew? If we've got a second match ball, then the club would be in a bit of trouble!

DK: Don't think we have one!!

NM: He'll have to pay for it! But yeah, good I mean, I think in all the all-through side, the clean sheet was really important today, you don't want to leak a goal and then turn it into a battle again. Marcus had to make saves, but you know, thoughout the team everyone's done their job, really. 

DK: Yeah, a solid team performance, and it was good for Ollie to get his second senior goal as well.

NM: Yeah, and a really good header, actually. You know, at the back post, it's a great header back across, really pleased for him as well. It's nice when you can, you know, rotate and give some of the lads a few more minutes, than ordinary they'd get in league games. They come on and make an impact. That's absolutely what you want. I mean, Seth, you know, five goals, it's a selection headache for Kev when he's back with us for the next game, for sure.

DK: Yeah, for Ollie's goal in particular. It's quite unusual, because you don't usually see Jamie whipping them in, he's normally on the end of it, and Ollie the other way around.

NM: Yeah, yeah, yeah, but a good ball in and I think we had an overload in the back post,
because I think Ollie was there and I don't know if there was someone else who looked like that might've been Ingers, like an overload sort of queuing up to head it back in, but it was a really good ball in and a great header back across, yeah.

DK: It's difficult to kind of compact it, isn't it, into one interview?

NM: Yeah, yeah. Yeah, there was a lot of goal action. I mean, quite, you know, a decent crowd as well, which is, which is, you know, good. Lots of goals, good endeavour from the boys, clinical. No game, Saturday, so we're all good, we get rest and repaired now, we have one or two knocks, gives us the opportunity just to get the boys all ready for the next match, Saturday week, Bromsgrove at home.

DK: It's a question I normally ask Kev, but what pleased you most tonight?

NM: Me, ex-keeper, clean sheet! Done!

DK: How have you found it being back at Needham?

NM: Yeah, great. Yeah. I mean, it was just work, really work commitments that made it impossible for me to  stay at the time, and so I won't be able to make all of the long away trips, but, you know, I love being in and around the club. Tom and Kev Barty, you know, Bex everybody involved on the management side, are excellent. I've known a long while, of course.
I've known a lot of players for a long while as well, so it's great to be back. It feels like the right place to be, so yeah, thoroughly enjoying it, and it makes it a lot more enjoyable when you win more than you lose, so that's nice. 

DK: Yeah, not much has changed, but also you're coming back into the building with us flying, did that give you any nerves if you didn't want to sort of jinx it?

NM: No, not at all, I mean it's easiest time to come into a football club, isn't it, when you're coming in,and the team are playing well, they're winning, they're keeping lots of clean sheets, but I mean it's massive credit to Tom and Kev, they've both known again inside out. They've made some really shrewd additions to the club during the close season, obviously, they didn't have the season that they wanted to last year, you know, from a league perspective, and did really well in the cups. You know, the Premier Cup winning that, and the FA Cup great run, but I know Tom and I know Kev really well and they've been bitterly disappointed with their league position, so really pleasing that they've made additions that they have in the summer, and you can see out there today, well, this evening that they're starting to bear fruit, and you know, to be second in the table, listen, nothing's handed out in November. We all know that, we've been a game long enough to know that, but to be second in the table to have the clean sheets that have had, the number of wins that they've had,
and now to be in the semi-final of the Suffolk Premier Cup, which we pick up again in March,
and a good run in the FA Cup is really testament to how they've pushed the club forward in the last period of time.

DK: With being an ex-keeper, the amount of clean sheets that we've been keeping, which has been frightening, must be even more pleasing for you?

NM: Yeah, I mean, I can't take credit for many of them, to be honest, just the last two or three, but, yeah, I mean, that is a fantastic base to build from. There have been a number of games this season that just through not giving anything away, enables you to nick one late on is a winner, and that is why keeping clean sheets is so, so critically important, because it always keeps you in the match. I mean, you look at some of the players that you've got, it's no surprise. I mean, Marco, excellent, excellent goalkeeper, been around this level an awful long time, you know, and then in front of him, really solid defensive unit. They all know each other and have played together for a long period of time as well.
So, you know, it's a real team effort, but the clean sheets are excellent reward for real team harmony as well.

DK: And to finish off, we've got a break, like you're say, until we played Bromsgrove
but they're another difficult side to play.

NM: Yeah, Bromsgrove, I mean, I don't think they're having their best season this year.
They're a funny side sometimes, you know, some years there, they have a big budget and they're all up there, and then other seasons, they'll be less so this season, but never the less they'll be a really tough match. They'll come down there, you know, they'll have watched a bit about us, and they'll prepare properly, as we will, and it'll be another, you know, important match, another big match. You know, from our perspective, the lads have got a little bit of time off now, we've got one or two injuries, and we need to clear up, and then we'll hit it hard next week with training Monday and Thursday, and go through the preparation. I'm sure Tom will have some details on them for what'll be an important match,
and we hope that we can get another three points.

REACTION | Seth Chambers Post Match Interview | Needham Market 7-0 Stowmarket Town | 14.11.2023 | Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter-Final | Bloomfields |

Five goal hero Seth Chambers reflects on last night's win.

DK: What a night for you, Hey. 

SC: Yeah, yeah, it's a good team performance, going forwards I think first half especially, I thought we could be a lot better. I know we've scored seven and people look at that and think we've played really well, but I think we can play a lot better than that. We maybe lowered our levels a little bit. I know we've got lads that are struggling, but I think we got the result. We got seven goals, so that's the main thing. 

DK: Five for you as well. 

SC: Yeah, the ball kept coming in the right area. Thankfully I was on the end of it. I missed a few earlier on in the season from some angles and positions that you'd never want to miss from, so I'm just glad that I can get on the end of a few tonight. 

DK: You must be indebted to Tev for getting the assist for three of them. 

SC: Yeah, Tev put in some good balls tonight. A lot of the lads put in good balls whether there for my goals or the other ones and we're getting players in the box attacking crosses, which is the main thing, causing their defenders trouble.

DK: I can't remember many games, if any, where a player's got five goals and an assist, six out of seven goal contributions. That's something, isn't it?  

SC: Yeah, it's good. I mean, just trying to make those runs use the energy I have. Obviously a lot of the lads out there have played a lot more minutes than me, so it's only fair that I do a bit of running for them, try and be busy and get in the areas where they're going to struggle with and I think I managed to do that a few times tonight, but lads found me very well and it made it quite easy for me, really. 

DK: You've scored eight goals in this competition now this season, 10 in all competitions, five in one night. You scored the winner in the final last year. Is this competition, the Seth Chambers cup or something? 

SC: No, no. It's a competition I like playing in. I think as a team we like playing in and it's one we take seriously. We'd love to win it again this year. It's definitely a priority of ours and onto the next game really. 

DK: How does that sound, when I that you've scored 10 now in all comps, top scorer for the season and obviously eight in this one?

SC: Yeah, it's nice to hear, of course my job's to score goals, so I've got a few tonight, but I could add a lot more this season than I feel. I feel I've got to keep working harder now, making sure I deliver over however many games. It's long season ahead. I like to get a few more than I've got at the minute. I wouldn't have to stop now. 

DK: I think this night couldn't have been any better for you, could it? 

SC: No. Yeah, the Ollie goal, he's headed it back across goal. I'm nearly, if I had a bit more energy I might've been able to sneak that off him as well, but no, I'm proud. A few of the lads got some goals as well, and Ollie got a goal, which I know he'll enjoy. Yeah, I think overall performance wise, going forward, especially we work hard at training with the runners and making sure we've got a lot of energy and that paid off a few times tonight, so hopefully we can continue to do that. 

DK: Only two other players scored when we scored seven is quite incredible, isn't it? 

SC: Yeah, well lads are putting in great areas for me. I'm making that run. I mean, like you said, Tev's found me in the six yard box, you don't get that all the time. The service was second to none really, and it's my job to get on the end of them. They should be asking the questions if I'm not there or if I miss it, so I've got to thank them for that. Really, they made it easy for me tonight. 

DK: Well, the first goal, well, is from around eight yards out. You had to pedal back and over head kick it in. 

SC: It's one of those ones, you don't score those every week. The balls kind of bounce before me and I'm not really shooting. I'm just trying to get it back into an area. It's hit me right on the top of the toe and managed to go in, but yeah, it's one of those nights I think have a game like that every time, but I think some of the habits were good. I know energy, I was a bit knackered towards the end, to be fair because not played many 90 minutes, but fitness is good to get a full game and hopefully I can get a few more minutes over the season. 

DK: Where does this rank in terms of your first team career so far?

SC: Yeah, it's a good game. It's one that'll probably stick in their mind over the next few years, but I'd like to push on some of the FA Cup games are good, obviously, but you want to make those regular, you want to keep striving for more, so I'm not trying to rest on that at the minute, not resting on the laurels. 

DK: The more goals, the merrier. 

SC: Yeah, a hundred percent. A hundred percent. Like I said, that's what I'm here to do. That's what they ask of me to try and score goals. Thankfully, I've got a few tonight and hopefully I can continue. 

Byron Lawrence | Get To Know Q+A #8 | 13.11.2023

Midfielder Byron Lawrence continues our Get To Know Q&A series, and also discusses his return to injury after 2 years out.

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Hot Chocolate

Favourite Cold Drink: Orange Juice

Favourite Snack: A chocolate flapjack

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Cannelloni

Favourite TV Show: Friends probably all time favourite, but The Bear is my current favourite.

Favourite Hobby (other than football): Walking my dogs

Favourite Video Game: Don’t play it anymore but Crash bandicoot was the best game.

Team you Support: Manchester United 

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Wayne Rooney  

Favourite sport other than football, and why? It changes but i started playing golf earlier this year and I love it, even though I’m still crap!

Favourite moment in a Needham shirt so far and why? My one and only adult Hatrick, against Hitchin. Luke was a legend for giving me the penalty that day for my third.

If you could’ve been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? I’m probably a rubbish United fan for saying this but it would have been class to be Aguero scoring that winning goal in 2012. 

If you could swap places with anyone else in football who would you pick and why? Its got be Messi, won’t ever be a player as good!

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? A midfielder that likes to get on the ball and start attacks, who can chip in with the odd goal or assist. 

What’s the one thing you think you’re personally known best for playing wise and why? Maybe hitting the ball as hard as I can from distance and hoping it goes in the back of the net. 

What are your standout moments from your career so far and why? Probably waking up in the ambulance the day I got injured, I was high as kite! I've played in some really good teams but I haven’t got a promotion yet so hopefully I can achieve that at some point, fingers crossed its with Needham!

What inspired you to be a footballer? Probably watching my older brothers play football every week, I've always loved playing football.  

Best Player Played With and why? Thats a tough question as I’ve played with a load quality players. But I’ve never played with or against a better goalie than the main man, Marcus Garnham!

Being back playing:

How did you find it being back out there for the first team against Long Melford, must've felt good? Yeah its been a long process getting back to football and I still need to manage my ankle moving forward. But I loved playing again, I've missed it a lot these last two years. 

Did it make it any more special being captain? That was nice of Kev to do that. Kev's been great with me throughout my injury and I know how pleased he was to see me back on the pitch. Even if he had to close his eyes every time I went into a tackle! 

How do you think you did, as you got a couple of good shots off at goal? Those shots weren’t my finest! But yeah I thought I did alright. I just wanted to make sure my ankle coped with the game which it did, so I was happy with how it went.  

We've spoken about it over time, but how did you find the recovery process over all? Full of ups and downs. Its been frustrating at times, especially when I wasn’t sure if I would make it back onto the pitch again. But that makes me proud of myself that I’ve got to this point. So I’m going to try and enjoy every minute I get to play because it can easily be taken away. Jenks and Bex have been really helpful through every step. Day to day having my girlfriend and dogs keeping my mind healthy has been the most important thing. 

The support you had during your recovery must have made it even more special to be back playing both with the 23s and first team? Yeah I’ve had incredible support from so many people willing me to get back on the pitch, so it feels great to finally get there. 

With our start to the season, did it make your return back to the team more seamless? Yeah the boys are flying this season which makes it a really enjoyable team to get back involved in. Hopefully as time goes on I can contribute to a successful season!

REACTION | Kevin Horlock + Luke Ingram Post Match Interviews | Mickleover v Needham Market | 11.11.2023 | League

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Mickleover v Needham Market | 11.11.2023 | League

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's draw at Mickleover. 

DK: Good point on the road?!

KH: Yeah, I think so, obviously it was hyped up, top of the table clash, they're a good team there's no doubt about that so we were travelling up, playing on a 3G which they're used to training and playing on. It was a big ask, and it was a good performance and to take a point I'm very pleased. Players missing, and I'm as honest as can be we weren't particularly good today, I thought we looked a bit tentative, sat off them a little bit too much first half. We improved second half, and I thought Seth was brilliant when he came on, and we end up getting a point. Did we deserve it? Probably not, they're probably going to rue missed chances and they'll be kicking themselves they didn't get all 3, one thing we did do was just stay in the game and that gives you a chance. Obviously the penalty is a nailed on penalty so they can't moan about that too much, so yeah it's a great point for us!

DK: Took the best chance we got to earn a point.

KH: Yeah, there were a couple of half chances late on, Ingers and it looked like we might've nicked it - which would've been daylight robbery I think - but over the course of the season you earn days like this, where we're going to play better than that and lose. I thought we were very good against Nuneaton and ended up losing 2-0, so to be under par, to come to the league leaders who are tipped to run away with the league and get a point under strengthed is massive for us, so we'll take that!

DK: At the other end Marco was brilliant again between the sticks.

KH: Yeah, he had saves to make today, unfortunately he was a lot busier than we'd like him to be, but you've got to give them credit, they're a real threat going forward. They looked dangerous, they're sharp, they get shots off so he was always going to be fairly busy today, but everything that was asked of him he comes up trumps.

DK: With players already injured, it was an added blow to lose Tommy.

KH: Yeah, he's obviously gone over on his ankle again, which he had a couple of weeks ago, so it's not ideal. Obviously we have a massive game against Stowmarket on Tuesday, we're going to be really light but we'll get the wounded strapped up and we go again, like I say Tuesday's massive for us. Don't think we've got a league game for 11 days, so we need to get through, not just Tuesday's game but we need to get through, to the next round. It's a competition that we want to progress and win again.

DK: With players out injured and Tev unavailable it was a good reaction to going behind early on.

KH: Yeah, look that's the real pleasing thing. I thought the goal was poor from our point of view, they're good players, we sat off them and we let good players have time and space in your box they're going to punish you, which they did, but from that moment we hung in there. With players missing, obviously players getting shuffled about and we were plugging gaps at times but I thought we hung in the game and that gives you a chance for anything to happen. Obviously the penalty comes late on, which is a sucker blow to them, but like I say after that we had a couple of half chances, and I thought we could've nicked it but in all I think we're delighted with the point and they're probably going to be ruing missed chances, like I said.

DK: Before Jamie won the penalty did you think we were going to get an equaliser?

KH: I thought we had moments, I think Seth come on and added that little bit of aggression, he's a younger player still and he's improving week on week, and I can see real improvement in him lately. He's looked slightly stronger, he's dealing with the physical side of football at this level and he looks a bit of a player, and from that it meant we had a little bit more possession higher up the pitch and in and around their box and that's what resulted in the penalty. So yeah, I was unsure whether it was going to come, but we've seen in the past when it's 1-0 you've always got a chance, and luckily enough it did.

DK: Any news on when Dan, Kyle and whoever else might be back?

KH: Well Tev's obviously back for Tuesday, I think Dan's a definite no, Hammo - Kyle Hammond's- a definite no, Tommy will now be a definite no and there's a few with knocks and niggles but we'll go as strong as we can - obviously add a few of the kids in and then aim to get through to the next round.

DK: It's a big local derby, given the short distance between the two clubs.

KH: Yeah, locals rivals and people will say, look Stow shouldn't have a chance but maybe they shouldn't, obviously a league below and not having a great season, we're flying but that goes out of the window in a cup game. Obviously they'll raise their game, they'll be a fair crowd I reckon, bit of rivalry, they'll be higher tempo, so we have to turn up. We can't just think we've got to turn up we'll just win the game, we've got to be at it and firing on all cylinders.

DK: Plus it's a repeat of April's final.

KH: Yes, slightly different. Obviously they've had a big turnaround of players and their club's changed direction slightly, so maybe it won't be as high quality as that was, it was loads of goals and lots of quality but it's a cup tie, it's a local derby, just down the road and it's about getting bragging rights for your club, because it's that close proximity, so hopefully come Tuesday night after the game it's the Needham fans that are cheering.

DK: Returning to today, what pleased you the most?

KH: Just staying in the game, we're not going to be brilliant every week, we've been really good this season, we've been frightening in some games but you're not always going to play that, so at times when you don't - like today - you've got to show resilience, bravery and toughness and that willingness just to keep working hard for the cause and staying in the game was the most pleasing thing, and to get a point I'm made up for the lads.

DK: Like you said, second half it was more like us.

KH: Yeah, we was better, still not near where we've been but again, like I say, you're not going to play at that level all the time but we've come to the league leaders, they were 5 points clear at the start of the day, we come here short, missing key players and we walk away today still only 5 points behind. So that's a positive result for us.

REACTION | Luke Ingram Post Match Interview | Mickleover v Needham Market | 11.11.2023 | League |

Goalscorer Luke Ingram gives his thoughts on yesterday's draw.

DK: Big point on the road.

LI: Yeah, great point, weren't at our best today but sometimes that's a sign of a good team that play well and you get a point. 

DK: Talk us through the penalty.

LI: Was nervous to be fair, felt the pressure but I went the same way that I always do and luckily for me through the keeper's hand and in.

DK: That puts you back in front of the current (season) top scorer charts.

LI: Yeah, I mean Tev's dying to be top scorer so it's nice to just edge in front of him, shouldn't have gone away should he, but yeah it's nice so hopefully get some more.

DK: Coming into the game with how big it looked in terms of the table, did that add any pressure onto you lads?

LI: We always knew it was going to be a hard game and I think having 3 or 4, or 5, players injured you sort of fear the worst coming here. Like at the end of the day we've dug in well and showed character, so I think everyone's got stuffed to be pleased about so it's a good result.

DK: Onto Tuesday's local derby against Stow now.

LI: Another Suffolk Premier Cup game, they're always fun so hopefully, they got a good draw against us in pre-season so hopefully, we can put that right and sort of show that we're a good side and beat them Tuesday.

DK: Lastly on today, how important was it to earn a draw from behind with players missing?

LI: Yeah, I mean if Mickleover had come down to ours with 4 or 5 of their best players out missing they wouldn't be the same side, so at the end of the day a point away from home, top of the league, with players missing I would say that's a good day's work!

PREVIEW | Tom Rothery Pre Match Interview 10.11.2023 | Mickleover v Needham Market 11.11.2023 | League 2023-24 |

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery previews tomorrow's trip to Mickleover. 

DK: With the disappointment of how the FA Cup ended is it pleasing how we've continued in the league?

TR: It was disappointing but only in the fact of how late the goal was. I was pleased with how we played over the two games. Pleasing that we’ve continued back in the league in good form especially with some of the injuries we’ve picked up recently. 

DK: On top of the league, we're still in the hunt for a fourth straight Premier Cup, which must be pleasing? 

TR: As Kev always states, we always aim to win that. Nothing has changed but every game brings challenges, they’re all local derbies which always adds a certain challenge and alongside league games we try and use all the squad whilst still obviously trying to progress through the rounds. 

DK: Did you imagine at the start of the season we could be sat where we are in the league at this stage?

TR: I listened back to the interview I did with you after Barwell. Both Kev and I said we’d be better and we’d look to strengthen the areas where we felt we lacked last season. You never know how it will play out but we both felt we’d improved pretty well during the summer. The squad is still small in depth but has real quality and experience so not surprised as I know the quality we have but you still need things to go well to be where we are so I’d say the players deserve a lot of credit for how they’ve started especially when you factor in the amount of games and different competitions. 

DK: How important is tomorrow's game to you, do you see it as a top of the table clash or is it still too early, and what do you expect from the game itself?

TR: It’ll be a tough game. It’s a long journey and they’re a good side obviously sitting where they are in the league. They’ve only drawn one at home and won the rest so we know it’ll be tough and the games I’ve seen they’ve shown they have real quality. I think it’s too early to say it’s anything other than a league game where the winner gets three points or a draw gives you a point each. I don’t think at this stage only a third through the season does it determine anything but I guess a potential winner would give that team even more belief. 

DK: What's the minimum that you want from the lads, and would you be happy with a draw?

TR: Like we always ask, non negotiable, work hard, stick together and play our game, no regrets. You start with a point that’s what we say in the changing room and see how the game plays out and then judge it at the end. 

DK: Similarly, how pleasing and important has it been that we've been consistent home and away so far this season, especially in the goals scored & against departments?

TR: It’s very pleasing as I think it shows that we are showing consistency in our performances which gives you a good chance of doing well in the league. Last season we didn’t do that so that’s a very pleasing aspect. The goals for is good as again shows how hard we’ve worked to correct that and again the lads deserve credit as there’s been a lot of repetitive work at training and we are seeing the reward for that. Defensively last year we were good and adding Tommy into that has made us even stronger and the back 5 have been excellent but as a team we’ve defended well also to help that. 

DK: You must've been pleased with the way the lads bounced back to winning ways on Tuesday?

TR: Yeh I thought that was more important than this coming Saturday really. We’d lost a couple at home after Saturday in league and cup so it’s important to stop that run and reacting after defeat is always important. Like I touched on earlier the injuries have to be considered too so to do that with some good players out was also pleasing.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock + Seth Chambers Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Berkhamsted | 07.11.2023 | League |

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Berkhamsted | 07.11.2023 | League | 

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's victory.

DK: Back to winning ways in the perfect fashion.

KH: Yeah, it's always pleasing after the disappointment of the result on Saturday, where we wasn't really poor on Saturday, but obviously didn't take our chances, end up losing, so to bounce back in, well scoreline's convincing manner, another 3 goals, clean sheet. Albeit we weren't at our best, but again that pleases me because to win ugly, to find a way to win when you're below par is a good trait, so yeah I'm made up and I'm buzzing that Seth got a goal as well - come on and got a goal, so yeah all round it was a good night in the end.

DK: As we were just debating pre-interview, was it an OG or Keiran's goal?

KH: Yeah, I think it was an own goal, and it was a big moment actually, because like I said we was below par a little bit, and you've got to give them a little bit of credit - obviously they're the other end of the table, they're fighting for their lives and they had a right go at it, and put us under a lot of pressure second half. So to get the goalat that point from a set-piece we actually do work on. We've scored from it before, ball into the near area, the near post area, I think we did it in the Premier Cup, and (tonight) I think it come off the defender. Keiran's not claimed it, so that means it definitely come off the defender, because he would've been all over that, but it was a big moment and gave us that little bit of a cushion, to obviously score the third to finish the game off is pleasing. 

DK: Like you say, having struggled to take our chances on Saturday doing so tonight is important.

KH: Yeah, I thought we moved the ball really well, the pitch was in really good condition, so fair play to Ken getting it in that nick after the rain we've had. I thought we moved the ball around really well first half, and created chances, looked dangerous, well 1-0's always dangerous so was under the cosh. We had to defend for our lives, which we've done, Keiran's done it all season long with the rest of the back four. Hugh done well coming back into the team after being on-loan to Thetford, so another clean sheet and obviously the second goal means all that dogged hard work, putting your bodies on the line was worthwhile.

DK: Dylan got the scoring underway, with his first of the season!

KH: Yeah, it was a great goal actually, on his left foot. He's just sort of shimmied to go one way and sold the defenders and still had quite a lot to do, but he found the bottom corner left footed. It was a good goal, and sort of it was a big moment again, because we was on top - like we had done in a lot of games. It's important that you score when you're on top, and that's what we did, so it was a big moment for us.

DK: Moving onto Saturday, a top of the table clash.

KH: Yeah, one's obviously looking at that, and even before now they're looking at it as a massive game, which it is - of course - but tonight was big. Tonight was big after the defeat against Nuneaton, to get a result tonight was way bigger than Mickleover, the Mickleover game, but now it's the biggest game because it's our next one. So we'll go there, obviously we'll be underdogs, away from home against a team that's obviously been on fire, think we're five points behind them. So a win there would be nice, but going there and getting a positive result would be a good result as well, so we'll go there, give it all, and I don't care losing games as long as we approach it in the right way, and give everything and sometimes you've got to hold your hands up and say the other team's better, so we'll go there and give it our all and see where we're at.

DK: Ingram hitting the post could've also been a big moment tonight.

KH: Yeah it could've been, it was a great move actually right on half time. It was a good header, just a little bit unfortunate just come back hit into play and follow up obviously couldn't get onto it, and that kept them in the game. So that gave them that impetus to carry on working hard, which I thought they did, they worked really hard and knocked on the door, but just obviously couldn't break us down - which a lot of teams haven't done this year, so yeah it was a little bit tense at 1-0 abd obviously we're having to put bodies on the line, and conceded a little bit of possession at that point, but we always look a threat going forward, and obviously the set-piece goal was pleasing but the third goal was a great move, great run from Jake - who's been excellent all season. Like I said, I'm made up, young Seth's got a goal and he deserves it, in the area. At the right area, at the right time and ended up a little tap in for him.

DK: The goal gave us that foothold in the game to just do what we needed to do.

KH: I think even more so like the third goal, obviously was really late on, but the second goal think just took the wind out of their sails when they're obviously pushing, putting bodies forward and when we scored the second it sort of just took the legs off them and killed them off a little bit which was a good time to score.

DK: Another game where Marcus has been relatively untroubled.

KH: No, a couple of saves I suppose, but routine saves, and crosses to deal with - which I thought he did really well but he's done that all season, we know what to expect from Marco. Takes the pressure off, along with the defenders is a big reason why we've got so many clean sheets - I don't know how many it is now, but it's a lot. So if that keeps continuing clean sheets give you the platform and foothold to go and win games, so the more we get of them the better.

DK: Speaking of the defence, Jake Dye in particular was outstanding tonight.

KH: They have been all season, the lot of them; Tommy, Keiran, Dan. Jake Dye's played in a number of positions and been outstanding, like I say they're a big reason why we're winning games of football. Goalscorers always get the limelight, always have done, always will, but we appreciate them as staff, as teammates, the team appreciate what Marco and the rest of the defenders do, and I've said it before the midfielders working hard in front of that. We defend as a team, wide players tracking back, forwards chasing down defenders, it all starts from the front.

DK: Keiran also had a good game on his return from injury.

KH: Yeah, look he was magnificent today, he has been ever since I've known him, he's a player that's massively improved. I think initially he was a little bit of a dog and work horse that gives everything, he's much more than that now. He's cultured, he can play, he knows where to be and he's a head on a stick, I don't think he's lost a header today. So he's enough at this level just with that, if he scores goals as well I've always said he should be playing higher. I don't want him to, only with Needham obviously, but he's a wonderful little player and we're lucky to have him.

REACTION | Seth Chambers Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Berkhamsted | 07.11.2023 | League |

Striker Seth Chambers reflects on getting on the scoresheet last night.

DK: Nice to get back to winning ways!

SC: Yeah, I don't think we played as well as we could've but got the win, that's the most important thing, and onto the next game, onto Saturday.

DK: As we talked about before, you're now on five goals, joining a few of the other lads level at the top of the charts.

SC: Yeah, it's good for the team to have a few scorers, I think we all want to score more, and we all know we can score more. Just making sure we keep working hard in training and bring into the matches really.

DK: Goal off the bench, you love to see it!

SC: Yeah, getting in the right areas, I'm just trying to put myself about really and lucky got one today, but hopefully can keep getting them.

DK: Marco was saying earlier that you nearly hit the bar!

SC: Yeah, Marco loves to say a little bit, he's glad he got a clean sheet I'm sure.

DK: Big game on Saturday, away to Mickleover.

SC: Yeah, well every game is as big as your last one, won today onto the next one. We'll make sure we prepare right on Thursday and do what we can, hopefully show them what we've got and hopefully get a result.

DK: How important is it that we're going there off the back of tonight's win?

SC: Yeah, it's great preparation, like I said I don't think we played as well as we could, but scoring 3 goals is never a bad habit, and yeah another clean sheet as well, so good preparation.

DK: The start to the season's almost been perfect, would you say?

SC: It's been a good start but we're only a handful of games in, you don't win the league, get promoted, or anything, thirteen, fourteen games into the season. You've got to do it for the whole season, and we all know that, and we need to keep working hard. Long season ahead.

Callum Page | Get To Know Q&A #7 | 04.11.2023 |

Forward Callum Page answers the questions for our seventh instalment of our Get To Know Q&A Series.

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Hot chocolate.

Favourite Cold Drink: Coke, just normal coke mate, Coca-Cola. 

Favourite Snack: Probably those Squares bars, the little Rice Krispies thingys.

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese.

Favourite TV Show: Power.

Favourite Film: The Wolf Of Wall Street.

Favourite Hobby Other Than Football: That's a tough question Drew, probably gaming.

Favourite Video Game: Call Of Duty.

Team You Support: Liverpool.

Favourite Player - Current or All Time: Of all time, it's Stevie G. Current, it's Messi.

Favourite Sport Other Than Football: That's a tough question, I don't know. To play, probably darts.

Favourite Moment In A Needham Shirt So Far And Why: It's got to be Yeovil, the penalty shootout alone. The up and downs of emotions, like them being one penalty away from winning it, Marco saving

3 times and then us going to score the winner, probably the best day I've had in football.

DK: That's the day your one looped in, almost giving us an anxiety attack!

CP: Yeah, the keeper put into the top corner for me, thankfully!

DK: If you could've been involved in any sporting event so far, what would it have been, and why?

CP: Probably Liverpool, Istanbul 2005, the Champions League Final.

DK: If you could swap places with anyone in football, who would it be and why?

CP: Right now, I'd probably say somebody like Rico Lewis from Man City, being young and working under Pep. Obviously if he stays there his whole career, he gets to learn from the best his whole career. Like Phil Foden, as well, that's another one. 

Player Profile:

DK: How would you describe yourself as a player?

CP: A big confidence player, I'd say I'm direct, quick, skillful and can produce a moment of magic.

DK: What's the one thing you think you're personally known best for as a player and why?

CP: It used to be a goalscoring midfielder, but I'd probably say now movement and taking people on in and around the box, making something happen. I'd wouldn't really say there's one thing about me that stands out, maybe finishing or shooting.

DK: What inspired you to be a footballer?

CP: Probably Gerrard to be fair mate, always watched him when I was younger, I kind of played similar to him when I was younger. I used to be like a holding midfielder, just used to be bigger and stronger than everyone and just ping the ball from left to right. Yeah, I just loved the thrill of scoring a goal to be honest mate, and never fallen out of love with it.

DK: Who is the best player you've Played with and why?

CP: I'll say Idris El Mizouni at Ipswich, in training, unbelievable.

DK: At the minute, including you, there's four or five level for top scorer, that must make it quite interesting?

CP: Yeah, obviously I'd like to have more, got high standards of myself, as obviously I've had chances in games and haven't taken them, but yeah obvious;y I'm happy to be up there. Hopefully more to come mate to be honest! I'd like to get more than five for the season.

DK: You must've been buzzing Wednesday, when you got the winner?

CP: Yeah, course, I said to the lad after the game I was annoyed about the first one, chopped in and smacked one against the post but happy to get the winner.

DK: With the FA Cup run now over, it must make it even more important that we're still in the County Cup?

CP: Yeah, the key to confidence is success and obviously we've been on a big winning streak, unfortunately it's ended today, but yeah we'll do everything we can to retain it. It's our Cup, we want to keep that way.

DK: Looking back quickly at today (the home defeat to Nuneaton), it was a bit of a gut wrenching one?

CP: Yeah, it was always going to be tough, first half it just wasn't good enough from our standards. Second half we was good, we didn't take chances, we had 3 or 4 maybe that we should've put in the back of the net, and they took their chances and we didn't, so that's the way football is. They scored 2 and we didn't score any, so it happens, but onto Tuesday, put it right.

DK: It's not acceptable, but do you get a bit of leeway given how we've started the season?

CP: Yeah, obviously we're all disappointed to lose to be honest, we have such high standards considering everyone can see how we can play, and how we have been playing. It's annoying to lose, because we felt that we was the better team, we're better than them, but their game plan worked out better than ours today, so it's just football. Things happen mate.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Nuneaton Borough | 04.11.2023 | League 2023-24 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's defeat.

DK: Bit of a harsh one to take.

KH: Yeah, look, it's never nice losing games of football. We've been on a great run, you want to continue that, but I think today we've lost the game first half. In my opinion we've not come out and played at a high enough tempo, we didn't move the ball quick enough. Yes, they let us have possession it was just a little bit late, and obviously when they get the goal they've got something to hold onto. We huffed and puffed second half, we showed more intensity after obviously addressing it at half time, but football's a horrible game and you can't play games at half cop. First half, that cost us, if we played at the tempo we played second half, I think we win the game but fair play to them. They've obviously defended for large parts of that second half, and we were pretty good second half, we created chances and maybe not had the rub of the green, or not been ruthless enough in front of goal. And they score on the counter, Leroy Lita's been doing that for 20 odd years, when he gets the ball and if you back off that's the result. He shifts it onto his right foot and finishes, he's a goal scorer, so fair play to them they've come here and obviously got the 3 points, but I'm hoping it's a lesson for us, where we're not the finished article. Nothing's won in November, you've got to be consistent, you've got to give that same approach where you go out and you run over teams, you run off teams and cause problems, and first half we just didn't cause enough problems.

KH: Obviously missing Keiran is a big miss for us, obviously but we've won the last couple without him, then losing Dan but again I don't think that's the reason we lost. I think we just didn't play with enough intensity and enough purpose first half, obviously when they get the goal they've got something to hold onto, which they did. You've got to say they defended and sort of ended up resulting slinging balls in the box, set-pieces, just slinging them in the box when they're a big side that can head things and can defend, and it's disappointing massively, because at home we see it as an opportunity to carry on a good run, but I'm hoping the lads take it as a lesson. I think it's our first defeat in the league since the first game of the season. Obviously we took that on the chin and responded really well, so I'm hoping this is a lesson that we aren't the finish article. We want more, we want more, and it's about keeping your standards high, so they're a good group. They understand so hopefully the reaction will be good. 

KH: I just don't think we moved the ball with much purpose, look obviously we've had a lot of rain, the pitch was heavy so I'll maybe give them that as a little bit of an excuse, but second half I thought we was much higher tempo. There was more energy, that we were chasing lost causes but it's too late, so I've just said to them, look, I'd rather our start - which we have done - we've been good, so it's difficult for me to criticise too much but if we play with that intensity that we finished with, or played with, in the second half I think we win the game. At this level you can't afford to get going when you fall a goal behind in the first half and go out second half trying to rectify it. You need to start with that intensity and it's a lesson to be learned.

DK: Does it make it anymore frustrating being our first home league defeat?

KH: Any defeat, whether its home, away, whatever is tough to take but you've got to learn from it. We've got some good players and we're a good team, we're normally hard to beat and obviously we've gone for it, put forwards on the pitch and left ourselves a little bit open, and the second goal comes, but it all stems from the first half.

DK: Would you say we still had the better chances?

KH: Hundred percent, I think if anyone's here I think on another day we score 2 or 3, but we didn't hit the target and didn't make the most of them. That's the danger when you play at this level, and you've got players playing against you like Leroy Lita. There's always a danger that he's going to bite you in the bum, obviously the second goal killed the game off completely.

DK: Tuesday, at home again to Berkhamsted.

KH: Yeah, and locally we'll see the lessons been learned and we start with a high intensity, dominate possession, run forward, chase lost causes, shut them down, and if we do that we'll have a better chance of winning games of football, like we have done previous to this game.

DK: What needs to be better, other than the intensity? 

KH: I think that's it. I think we kept the ball really well first half, but we didn't really ask any questions of the goalkeeper, I can't remember goalkeeper really making a save. We had half chances, but we didn't have that urgency or bodies in the box in the first half, like we did in the second half. Obviously you need to take chances as well, which we didn't second half, but sometimes in football you need like a reset button. So we're 13 games in and it's our first home defeat and our first defeat since first game of the season, I can't be too disappointed with that, but I am disappointed with, not that we've lost a game - before I've said we're going to lose more games of football this season - but it was in the manner that we lost it. First half, we just weren't good enough.

DK: On the other hand Marco hasn't had much to do at all.

KH: No, which makes it even harder to take, but you always open yourself up to that happening. Yeah, I can't remember them having too many chances, but they've scored 2 goals and we haven't. We've huffed and puffed and we were the better team over the 90 minutes, but being the better team and having possession, creating chances don't win you games of football unfortunately.

Jacob Lay | Get To Know Q&A #6 | 02.11.2023 |

Midfielder Jacob Lay answers the questions in our Get To Know Q&a series.

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Cuppa tea

Favourite Cold Drink: Water

Favourite Snack: Chocolate

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese

Team you Support: Chelsea

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Hazard

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Tennis because I enjoy watching it. 

If you could've been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been? Watford vs Leicester playoff semi final absolute scenes.

If you could swap places with anyone else in football (player, coach), who would you pick? Ronaldo because he’s over 6ft

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? Small and exciting

What's the one thing you think you're personally known best for (playing wise)? Dribbling around alot.

What are your standout moments from your career so far and why? All the fa cup games have been a great achievement.

What inspired you to be a footballer? Just something that felt natural for me to do and I enjoyed it

Best Player Played With? Marcus Garnham 

REACTION | Tevan Allen + Kevin Horlock Post Match Interviews | Long Melford v Needham Market | 01.11.2023 | Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup R2 | The Skyline Networks Stadium, Stoneylands, New Road |

Midfielder Tev Allen reflects on last night's win.

DK: Through in the cup, two assists for you, not bad!

TA: Yeah, not bad! I think it was a potential banana skin, and these games are never easy, because - obviously with no disrespect when I say this but - coming to a pitch like this we're not really used to, it becomes a leveller, and that showed by the scoreline, because we haven't conceded in god knows how many games and we concede 2 in a game like this, which on paper should be comfortable for us, but all credit to them for getting the goals, and yeah we're through. That's all that matters really, cup football that you get through and how you get through it doesn't really matter. So, happy, happy to get 2 assists, done the job.

DK: We don't normally score many from corners!

TA: I've been saying, honestly I've been saying for weeks, since I signed in pre-season that I wanted to take corners. I didn't want to push anyone off them, and I think it's only recently from the last game that I played, Stamford away, that I said, 'let me take the corners', and proof is in the pudding! I think I've took 5 corners, 3 assists, so hopefully I can take more.

DK: Is that the perfect way for you to come back from injury?

TA: Yeah, a hundred percent, I've been chomping at the bit, like I hate missing games of football anyway, and to obviously not play Saturday (away to Royston) and not even be there to see what actually happened - I was obviously glad the boys got a win, got a clean sheet - but yeah, it's good to come back in the fold straight away and make a difference really. Or be able to do something, get the two assists, it's all want to do, and I just love playing football, so I don't care what kind of game it is I play.

DK: Having kept a lot of clean sheets most games this season, was it good in a way to have to come from behind?

TA: It is, because it shows our character again, but it's not good the fact that we are conceding, it's not panic button, it's not panic stations, but for our personal pride, and our standards we didn't want to concede those goals. So that's obviously still something that you learn every game, something we have to look at, go back to the drawing board and hopefully can change that Saturday and we don't concede.

DK: Saturday we're back home in the league against Nuneaton.

TA: Yeah, it'll be interesting. I think any game in our league is a hard game, it's just how we approach it and I think we've been good. We've been good home and away, so at the moment we're kind of flying in our performances. We just need to keep our standards, like I said before in the last interview - never get too high, never get too low - keep doing the same things every week, and come up against new challenges and see how we combat them and hopefully win the game.

DK: Main thing is, like we've said, we're still in the cup!

TA: Hundred percent, in the quarter finals now, Stowmarket at home. Yeah, old club, so that'll be interesting for me, and seeing some old faces, we played them in pre-season, they'll be tough. Every team that we play is going to be tough, no matter who we play, it could be step 6, could be step 7, I still believe it's going to be a tough game. So, yeah we'll give them all the respect, and hopefully we'll again play the way we did today, just have that passion, have that hunger, and to be able to win, to win the game and get to the semi final and hopefully go for a 4-peat of this cup.

DK: Basically take every game as it comes?

TA: Every game as it comes, that's in the league, that's in any cup, we done that in the FA Cup, even with the FA Trophy, we did lose first game, but we still had to take it as it comes and unfortunately we lost that one. But yeah, we just keep moving forward, we have to keep moving forward. 

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's win.

DK: Not pretty, but still in it!

KH: Yeah, it was about getting through. It was always going to be difficult coming here, obviously the pitch was heavy, and the way they set up I don't think I've ever seen it before really, I think it was a goalkeeper, nine behind the ball and one up top, and it's difficult to break down at times. There's a lot of bodies, but we were resolute, we kept going, we got the winner in the end, so I'm pleased, albeit bored during the game- and its not one I'll watch back. There wasn't much, I think a few of the lads have said they might have to go to gym tomorrow, because they've not done much in the game but we're through to the next round, and that's what we've come here for.

DK: Having made a few changes, does it make it a bit more pleasing?

KH: I expected to come here and win, obviously I would've liked it to have been by a bigger score margin, but when people sit behind the ball like that it's difficult at times and if you want to get through, and we have, obviously it was a little bit, not nervy but, touch and go at times. But t you have to deal with it when you come to places like this, and you're up against it, you've got to dig deep and I thought the lads did that, and we're through to the next round. That's the main thing.

DK: But coming from behind is something we haven't had to do much this year. 

KH: No, and then that's pleasing. We don't want to concede goals, if this is a league game I don't think we do. I think we're probably little bit off it defensively we knew we probably could be, which is a little bit disappointing but we got back in the game. That's pleasing from that point of view that we pegged them back and got what we deserved in the end.

DK: Is there anything that pleases you tonight?

KH: I got to rest players, I think the biggest, or the most pleasing thing or me, was seeing Byron in a first team shirt again, I thought he did OK. It was probably quite a nice game for him to be involved in, because they didn't press and just let us have the ball all over the pitch. Not a great surface for him to play on, but he's played 45 minutes for the first team which pleases me on my birthday, it's the best birthday present I got today.

DK: To be dominant with possession, is the only disappointing thing that, there wasn't not many in the game overall, but that weve not had many chances at goal?

KH: Well it's difficult, they had nine people strung along the edge of the box so it makes it very difficult. There's no space really to run in behind, and there's not many gaps, so it lent itself. I feel for the people that have come and watched it really, the way the game set up, but it is what it is. We're through, so that's the pleasing thing, we wanted to be in the next round, Stowmarket in the next round at home, so we look forward to that!

DK: It's nice to see Seth back on the scoresheet.

KH: It was a great finish to be fair to him, he's made a good run across the fella and got good contact with it and scored, so I'm pleased for Seth, and obviously Pagey's come on and got the winner which is good when forwards are scoring, offensive players are scoring goals, it gives you confidence so that's pleasing.

DK: Pagey came on and added that extra dynamic to us.

KH: They weren't really moving out of the holes they were sat in, they weren't really marking, they were marking spaces, just strung along the edge of their box so Pagey's someone that can shift the ball and go past people and find little pockets, so that's the reason we've put him on there and he's popped up, scored the winner.

DK: He almost got it (the winner) a bit earlier, when he struck the post.

KH: Yeah, he was unfortunate to be fair, I think he's hit the outside side of the post and went out for a throw-in didn't it, but yeah he added that little bit of a spark that we needed, because like I said it is very difficult to break teams down when they sit 9 on the edge of the box. 

DK: Tev's corners worked a treat.

KH: Yeah, to be fair Dan rose well and it came at a big moment actually, because obviously they get the goal and they get up leading, and sometimes it can make it even more frustrating. You start panicking, it was a good ball in, and Dan rose well and it was a firm header to get us back in it, so yeah that was pleasing. 

DK: I think we've got 4/5 players all level for top scorer now, so that's interesting to see unfold.

KH: Yeah look, we're scoring goals from all different areas, midfield are chipping in, we've got wide players, obviously Jamie's back and scored a couple the other day, so yeah it's nice that they're shared about, because that means you're scoring goals freely and from different areas so I don't know what they're all on, but like you say they're all in and around the same mark so hopefully they can add, everyone can add a few more by the end of the season.

DK: Hopefully on Saturday at home to Nuneaton, who aren't enjoying the best times of late.

KH: Nah, that's a big game for us, obviously we've been unbelievable home and away recently, the lads have been tremendous so it's a home game, we need to look forward to that and hopefully turn up. I'm not sure they'll set up like Melford have today, so hopefully there'll be a bit more space on the pitch where we can hurt them and it will be much more of an exciting game.

DK: Was it something you expected, them to sit behind the ball tonight?

KH: Not quite like that, I don't think I've ever seen that, but I knew they'd probably let us have the possession, but I thought pressed higher to give themselves a chance of maybe hurting us more, but I'm not here to question that. Obviously we're through, so that's all that matters.

DK; Just pleased that we've won?

KH: Yeah, that's all we were here for, I don't care whether they sat 9 behind the ball or nine up on our back four, or back three that at times we played tonight. I think we could've played one at the back at times, but that's their choice, I don't care we're through.

DK: You said it was your birthday as well!

KH: Yeah, 21 today, sorry 51, where's the time gone, yeah my birthday today. Just had a quiet one really, and obviously then had a nice night out watching this spectacle. Yeah it was great, I can't wait to get home to bed though.