REACTION | Kevin Horlock + Keiran Morphew Post Match Interviews | Alvechurch 0-3 Needham Market | 23.12.2023 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's win.

DK: Top of the tree at Christmas, not bad? 

KH: Yeah, yeah, look, we said from the very start that we wanted to improve our league, obviously form and positioning from the last couple of seasons. And at the minute it's going alright, we're where we would like to finish. To finish here is going to be tough obviously, because we're the ones to shoot down now and the team to beat, so it's going to be tough, but we were that today. Alvechurch ain't having a great run, but it's tough conditions, tough pitch, they're up for it, and we just churn out results, we keep clean sheets and score goals, so at the minute we've got a good combination. 

DK: Yeah, a perfect performance, professional in fact, like you say, in difficult conditions. 

KH: Yes, it's always tough here. We generally get quite good results here, but it is very tough. Lads have got that winning mentality about them now, we're up against it, they defend all together as a team. And we're a threat going forward, so the goals we scored today were really pleasing. I'm buzzing that Seth got obviously a couple, the first one from a set piece, which we don't score enough of, if I'm totally honest. The second one was from the throw-in that we've done work on. So that was pleasing, and then Seth's second goal, and our third, was one that we spoke to Seth about using his body, his strength and his size, and he twisted and turned in the box, it was a great finish. So all round it was a perfect day for us. 

DK: Yeah, like you say, credit to Seth and Ingers for their finishes, but the build-up play for all those goals was sensational. 

KH: Yeah, we've got good players, we've got obviously defenders that can defend, but can play as well, and full backs that join in, midfielders that are creative, wingers that can cause real problems, and when that all comes together and they're on the same wavelength, which they have been for most of the season, we're hard to contain, obviously today we couldn't be contained and ended up 3 -0, comfortable win. 

DK: Could have been a bit more on the end, but you take it, you know. 

KH: Yeah, but look, it was a tough game, obviously fighting for their lives of the bottom end of the table, they're sticking bodies forward, but I thought we were very professional. If you'd had told me 3-0 at the start of the day, I'd have been very pleased, and so for that reason, I'm very pleased. 

DK: Signed off 2023 perfectly? 

KH: Yeah, it's been good. It's been it's been a good, obviously start to the test. I will still call it a start because there's such a long way to go. People will start talking about us and start saying, oh, yeah, they got a chance. They got this. We're just concentrating on what we're doing. Obviously, people will look at other results and who's around us and who's a threat. There's several teams that could still have a say in the wins this division and who goes up in the playoffs. So we're not taking anything for granted, but we're certainly rather be where we are this Christmas than we were last Christmas. 

DK: Is it more the same in the new year or anything different?

KH: No, no, it's pretty simple. We work hard. We work on things in training. We train at a tempo, that's, that's really fast and quick and prepares us for matches that normally last 96 minutes now. We're fit, we're strong, obviously our squad is fairly thin so we've been fairly fortunate with injuries so far so hopefully that continues and it's just more of the same, more of the same buying into what we're doing and working hard and we'll see where Texas is.

DK: You can enjoy this Christmas a bit better than last Christmas now. 

KH: Yeah, hopefully. On the way home maybe we'll have some Haribos. 

DK: Here and you and Haribos, there seems to be a match made in heaven I think. 

KH: Do you know what I've not had any for a while?

Maybe it was the Haribos while we were losing. The lads, we're not playing Boxing Day obviously so the lads can enjoy their Christmas Day a little bit more than they probably would have normally but we will train in between and then obviously we've got a massive game away at Sudbury, local Derby, against a manager that I know and I speak to and I really like, they're picking up results as well now so it should be hopefully a bumper crowd and hopefully the game of football will come in the next day. Yeah, I've probably played against him on the Sudbury manager a few times over at Haverhill. He's a great lad and he's obviously, there's been a lot of changes, he's done a great job there and they're playing really good football so it should be a good game. 

DK: Yeah, nice local Derby to start 2024.

KH: Yeah, we just look forward to, top the tree so the easy bit's been done, we've got there, the hard bit's now staying there. They've picked up some great results this season, he's a really good coach Mark and he'll have a mat here and they'll play really good football so we'll have to be our best, it's not a gimme, no game is in this division so to win that game we'd have to go there hopefully with a full squad and hopefully we play as well as we can and then that gives us a chance.

DK: It'd be nice if we have Tev back hopefully then. 

KH: Yeah, I think we will be so that'd be a big boost but lads that have filled in for him since he's got injured have done an unbelievable, that's what the squad is. Hopefully we can continue in the vein of form that we're in.

DK: Is there anything that could've gone better so far this season?

KH: Yeah, we could've not lost 6-1 to Stratford first game of the season, I'd have loved to have still been in the trophy, but league wise it's near on perfect. I think we've played, even the games that we've not won, well and could've (won), apart from the first league game where there we lost 6-1. I don't know where that come from, it probably wasn't a 6-1, but we didn't deserve to win that day, other than that I think we've deserved everything we've got.

DK: And the all round team performances today and all season have got us where we are now.

KH: They just buy into what we doing, they listen, they apply it, what we work on in games now, and they're a really good group, a tight knit group, they obviously, when they're on the football pitch, look after each other, and that's what it's about. They haven't all got to be really close friends off it, but they are, they do mix quite well. On the pitch they're a team, and you can see that, and that's where results come from.

Captain Keiran Morphew gives his thoughts on Needham's win at Alvechurch.

DK: 3 -0 win away from home, perfect day really. 

KM: Yep, great result, tricky place to come. Conditions and pitch and, yeah, tough away game, conditions like, bit windy, pitch a bit boggy, obviously everyone knows what Alvechurch is like, with the quality of the pitch and stuff like that, but we've come here and we've, yeah, we've played the conditions well, done our job, got goals at good times, shortly before first, end of the first half and pretty quick after the half time and then Seth's put the game to bed late on, so perfectly away performance . 

DK: Like you say, that goal came at the right time, 10 minutes before half time and then like you say, hit them with a double whammy just after the break. 

KM: Yeah, yeah, it was. Seth could have scored before that as well, keeper's made the save off a volley, but I thought we were banging on the door first half, we pinned them in, I think they got on a break a couple of times, but other than that I don't think they really caused us many trouble, much trouble, so. 

DK: You must be a happy captain, top of the tree for Christmas.

KM: Yeah, yeah, it's an unusual feeling, I've always said I'm a bit of a pessimist, so I'm waiting for all to crash and burn, but now I'll enjoy, everyone's enjoying it while we're doing it and we only, we just take every game in our stride, we just work hard for everyone, for each other, put work on the training field, we all know what we're doing and that's showing, looking good. 

DK: With now that, that's it for 2023 for us, so it must be perfect end to an alright year, really. 

KM: Yeah, I think obviously the league last year wasn't very good, we obviously had a decent cup run, but I personally have always said that I want a good league run, I want something to play for at the end of the season instead of just finishing mid-table or, I'm glad that we're going to be, hopefully without jinxing it, we go into the new year in the same form, and we've got something to play for at the end. That's all any of us want, just to be competitive at the end. 

DK: It's just about keeping going one game at a time, doing the same things. 

KM: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Everyone's grounded. Do you know what I mean? We're a small little club punching well above our weight. I don't think teams want to play against us. I think we're awkward to play against, but we seem to be grinding out wins at the moment, and we're doing all right. 

DK: From this time last year, what's the one big thing that's different to you? 

KM: I think work rate probably is what I would say. We've obviously added to the team, bringing the left back in, pushing Jake to the right, and then Hammy in the midfield. I think that's been underrated. Well, it hasn't been underrated, but I think that's been brilliant. Tommy's slotted in lovely, and all the signings have come in, and they're brilliant. Whereas maybe some years, the signings have not done as well. This year, they've been brilliant, and they've all added something to the team. We've added a bit of a change in style of play which is probably more suited to the conditions all year round rather than just when the pitch is nice, but we're just we're just playing well and once the train gets going it's hard to stop.

DK: Yeah it's been a catalyst to success you could say. 

KM: Yeah yeah I mean we got wins we obviously had a bad start to the season in the league and then you just get wins at good times and you just get momentum. We've always said that I don't think we've ever been far away from being a good team really. I don't think teams wanted to play us before but we probably didn't score enough and probably shipped in a bit too many goals but seems to be going well at the moment. 

DK: We've had a few games without clean sheets as a defender that must be doubly nice. 

KM: Yeah we've had a couple of 2-1s. We had 0-0 but a couple of 2-1s. I mean a wins a win but it's always nice to get a clean sheet keep that defensive record low. But like I say we don't really think about these things. We're just we're just trying to take each game as it comes and everyone tries their hardest. We're all honest lads and that's it. 

DK:Local derby at Sudbury to start next year off. 

KM: Yeah that'll be a good game. I haven't played Sudbury in a long time like competitively. They're doing well I think. I don't know how they got on today. Yeah so they're doing, their flying really, like all the teams have suffered but now starting to pick up I think. Obviously Leiston got a good result and Sudbury got a good result so. Like I said we're just on honest guys. It's just going into going into each game as in putting ourselves in a as good a position as we can in every game. 

Hugh Cullum | Get To Know Q&A #11 | 19.11.2023 |

Defender, and Academy graduate, Hugh Cullum is next in our 'Get To Know Q&A' Series, talking about his loan spell at Thetford Town and being recalled to play against Berkhamsted, Mickleover and Stowmarket.

About his loan spell and the aforementioned First Team matches.

DK: First of all, how have you been finding your loan spell at Thetford so far, and it must've felt good being back involved the last week or so with us?

HC: Yeah I have enjoyed every minute, playing every week and everyone is a good group of lads. Yeah it’s good to come back and get minutes and contribute to the team. 

DK: You slotted back in seamlessly, did it feel like that despite playing in important games?

HC: Took some time to get back up to speed but all the players helped me settle in really quickly and get playing. 

DK: What did you make of those 3 games, and is it especially pleasing to have kept 2 important clean sheets?

HC: Yeah it’s always nice to keep clean sheets, that’s what my job is to do, but no especially the point away at Mickleover was great result. 

DK: What stood out to you as the most important part of the last 3 games? 

HC: I think personally just being back and playing was the most important part for me. 

Quickfire Questions:

Favourite Hot Drink: Cup of tea.

Favourite Cold Drink: Lucozade orange.

Favourite Snack: Any kind of biscuit. 

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese. 

Favourite TV Show: 100% The Walking Dead. 

Favourite Film: Shawshank Redemption. 

If you were to be in a tv show/film what would it be, and why? Peaky Blinders no reason just would be cool to be in that. 

Favourite Hobby (other than football): Pool or Darts. 

Favourite Game: GTA V. 

Team you Support: Ipswich Town. 

Favourite Professional Player (current/all time): Robin Van Persie.

Favourite sport other than football, and why? Reckon the darts because the atmosphere. 

Favourite moment in a Needham shirt so far and why? Definitely making my debut at home. 

Do you own any sporting memorabilia, if so what's your favourite and why? Probably my England shirt. 

If you could’ve been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have been and why? The 2022 World Cup final just to see Messi win it close up and personal.

If you could swap places with anyone else in football, who would you pick and why? Jude Bellingham, very young and an unbelievable player.

Player Profile:

How would you describe yourself as a player? Good on the ball, would say I’m quick not slow, good range of passing, good defender.

What’s the one thing you think you’re personally known best for and why? Probably my positioning sense and reading the game.

What inspired you to be a footballer? My dad and my brothers.

Best Player Played With and why? Corr toss up between two, Josh Stones from England who now plays for Wigan, but I’d say Josh Stokes who now is doing bits for Aldershot.

REACTION | Jacob Lay + Tom Rothery Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Coalville Town | 16.12.2023 |

Man Of The Match Jacob Lay reflects on yesterday's game against Coalville.

DK: A draw, kind of bit of a harsh one, do you think? A harsh draw?

JL: Yeah, I think we've had a few chances cleared off the line about three or four and on another day. I think we can always put those away, but I think today just was one of those days where it wasn't meant to be. But I mean we've got a clean sheet and we created chances but it just didn't take 'em today. So

DK: One positive is that we're still top of the league at least.

JL: Yeah, the results obviously went our way. The gaffer been telling us don't try and look below us, just try and create a gap and think the lads have been brilliant this season and still top of the league, I mean it's always good to see, so we've just got to keep pushing on and see where it gets us.

DK:  I think you've been top of the man of match charts this year, which wants to be good for you.

JL: Yeah, yeah, no, it's always good to get individual awards, but I think that the team have been, every player on the team have been brilliant this season. I mean everyone's playing 110, 120% and that just shows in where we are in the league. So everyone's just been top.

DK: Yeah, like you say, another day we probably have about five, six goals.

JL: Yeah. On another day we do. But we'll get back to the training ground on Monday, train Thursday and then go again Saturday and hopefully we can put it right and score some goals.

DK: Is it more credit to how their defence got back and cleared off the line or is it a bit of poor shooting?

JL: I think it's a bit of both really. I think we should be finishing those chances, but I mean you think if you just get it on target it'll go in, but it's not always like that. But we'll work on that again in training with some finishing drills and hopefully we'll put 'em away next time.

DK: This is one time where Luck's went against us kind of on the day, whereas last season it's every week. So it is a bit more positive this time around to your first year with us?

JL: Oh yeah. Yeah, definitely. I think everyone around the club is feeling the momentum shift and how well we're doing at the moment and we're just looking really positive and all the lads are enjoying it. The coaching staff are enjoying it and I think the fans are enjoying it as well. And that's just good to see.

DK: We've got Alvechurch up next. How'd you see that one going?

JL: Yeah, another long away trip, but I'm sure all the boys will go get up for it. I think we've got a good away form this season, so now I think we'll be confident, we're top of the league, so I don't think there's no reason we shouldn't be. So yeah, bring it on.

DK: Did you expect that nine days from Christmas we'd be top of the league right now?

JL: No, I generally didn't think we were going to be. I thought with the talent we have, I think if we got it all together we could be near the playoffs. But to be where we are at the moment, it's testament to Tom, Kev, all the players just working hard and showing on the pitch and we're just going to keep doing what we're doing and hopefully we'll by come the end of the season where we want to be.

DK: What is the most positive thing other than being top for you today?

JL: I think the clean sheet really. Even though we didn't put away the chances, I mean Coalville in recent times, they've always been a good team, a top team in the playoffs, in the run there. And they're coming here trying to sit in holding up for a point and celebrating a point. So I think you got, that's testament to us to see how far we've come.

DK: Yeah, because last season we both said that kind of game plan from the opposition that ends up winning them the game.

JL: Yeah, but this season it's just been different and yeah, today it wasn't meant to be, but I don't think it was a bad performance. We just didn't take our chances. But on another day we take 'em and we win the game. 

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflects on yesterday's stalemate.

DK: Do you see today as 2 points dropped, or one gained

TR: It’s another point on the board, they’ve cleared 3 off the line where maybe we could do better but equally fair play to them as it’s good last ditch defending but Marco also made a couple of decent saves. We had more possession and momentum in the game but I think they always carried a threat too. I think defensively we’ve done really well today again a team who have some big threats. 

DK: One positive is that we're still top though do you think?

TR: Of course it’s nice to be top but it doesn’t really mean anything atm it’s just a good platform for us to hopefully have a good season. We can’t sit there thinking it’s done we now have to try and build on that and setting even higher standards if we want to stay there as everyone now sees us a target and a way to boost themselves by beating us. 

DK: Was it down to poor finishing or good reading of play from Coalville that we didn't find a breakthrough?

TR: Bit of both like I said earlier it’s good defending and them putting bodies on the line but I think on at least 2 of the occasions we should have not found the man on the line personally. 

DK: Despite that you must be pleased with the performance?

TR: Like I said to the lads I thought we played ok. We had the better of it but also recognising that they did have a threat and overall we dealt with that well obviously Marco does what Marco does but I thought the back 4 were really solid, physically and did well on the ball also. If we take the chances and come away with a 1-0 or 2-0 you say it’s a really good performance. They’re a good side and for me really unfortunate to not go up last year so a great sign that we are taking 4 points off them and maybe disappointed to not have 6. There are things we could have done better and we will work on that at training but overall I thought it was a fairly good performance just today without that finishing touch. 

DK: It was good to see Nico in a Needham shirt, what did you make of his performance?

TR: He did pretty well, he’s looked good in training has quality and will add something to the squad. We don’t have much depth and like he’s shown today he has pace, trickery and technical ability and if we are being honest should have walked away with a goal too but I’m sure that’ll come and if he gets in those areas regularly which we believe he will then that’ll help the squad and what we want to achieve this season. 

DK: Last season we probably lose that game, so is that the most pleasing thing?

TR: Yeh I think you might be right and again I’d say even at half time I felt it was more likely we’d go on and win the game or draw and maybe last season I wouldn’t have had that belief. What the lads are showing this season is that there’s more belief and resilience and just general character and some of that’s come from the few new faces we’ve added and also how hard we’ve worked at training to improve things and then from that winning games builds momentum and confidence. 

DK: Now we're around the halfway mark of the season, how do you reflect on it so far?

TR: It’s a good start we are nearly halfway now so we have put ourselves in a good position but there’s so much left of the season that’s all it is. After last season we said we’d improve and we’d look to rectify certain gaps like I believe we have but equally we are still a very small squad so we need to keep players fit if we want to be successful at the end of the season so we need a bit of luck with that and equally we need to keep working hard and continually try and improve. As I said earlier we’ve now put a big target on our back and most teams will try and raise their game when they play us as they’ll want that scalp. 

DK: Alvechurch next week stands between us and Christmas, how important would a good result be?

TR: Every game is important and that’s the next one so it’s the most important. It’s a tough place to go and they’ve obviously changed manager a couple of months ago and have had some personnel change but they’re a good side, play good football and no game at this level is ever easy so we will have to be at our best. 

DK: What do you expect, & want, from next week's game?

TR: A good performance gives us a good chance, what we always expect from the team, our standards and our team ethic and then see where that takes us against them.

Luke Ingram | Get To Know Q&A #10 | 11.11.2023 |

Forward Luke Ingram is next in the hot seat, in our Get To Know Q&A series. 

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite Hot Drink: Cup of tea.

Favourite Cold Drink: a pint of beer.

Non Alcoholic: Monster.

Favourite Snack: Ginger Biscuits.

Favourite TV Show: Breaking Bad.

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Chinese.

Favourite Film: Wolf of Wall Street.

Favourite Hobby Other Than Football: Watching the UFC.

Favourite Video Game: I used to play, I was a FIFA and Call of Duty player.

Team You Support: Ipswich Town, till I die!

Favourite Professional Player: Matt Holland.

Favourite Sport Other Than Football: Fighting, because I love fighting.

Favourite Moment In A Needham Shirt So Far: Either winning the league at Chatham or going to Burton away.

If you could've been involved in any sporting event ever what would it be and why?

LI: Man United winning the treble, coming back against Bayern.

If you could swap places with anyone in football who would you pick and why?

LI: Probably Mbappe because I wouldn't mind his pay cheque.

Do you own any sporting memorabilia and if so what's your favourite?

LI: I own a signed picture of Lionel Messi, because he's the best player to ever play the game.

Player Profile:-

How would you describe yourself as a player? LI: I'd say gives his all, sometimes good, sometimes poor.

What do you think you're best known for as a player? LI: I'd like to think I could be called a good teammate.

What inspired you to be a footballer? LI: Just loved playing football and some of my best friends play here, so I enjoy getting the best of both worlds!

Best Player Played With? LI: We had a lad called Jay Davies, he was sexy and probably Keiran Morphew's outrageously good every week.

Inside the Squad:-

Who's the best singer in the squad? LI: Apparently Pagey can sing, but I haven't heard it for myself.

Who's the best trainer in the squad? LI: Keiran loves training!

REACTION | Kevin Horlock + Keiran Morphew Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Leamington | 05.12.2023 |

Manager Kevin Horlock and captain Keiran Morphew reflect on going top of the table following Needham's 2-1 win over Leamington at Bloomfields.

Kevin Horlock gives his thoughts on last night's game.

DK: Top on the league, perfect night really?

KH: Yeah it's a massive win tonight. It was all about three points. We wasn't at our best, but give them credit obviously they were good team. They were right up there with us, so we was under the cost for long periods but we know at the win games this season, we've won games where we've played free-flowing football, we've won games where we've gone behind, and tonight we've won a game where we was nowhere near our best so that's a really good sign and I'll take that. 

DK: Having had Tev go off injured in the first half, that must have made it all the better?

KH: Yeah, look Tev's been massive for us. His energy levels. He adds a different dimension to us. He runs people away to give other players options he got on the ball. He's been scoring goals, another great goal. So for him to come off was disappointing but obviously Reece went on there, obviously he's got quality in himself. We've got squad of players that could all start in their own right so we dealt with it and got the job done, albeit not asking many questions second half but we already had what we needed which was obviously the 2-1 lead and we defended stoutly. We rode our luck. We had the rub of the green and all the things you need in the course of the season to be successful. It weren't pretty, it wouldn't have got anyone on the edge of the seats in the stadium tonight but it was about three points. 

DK: Having conceded, it was some important that we went back in front with Tev's free-kick. 

KH: Yes, it was disappointing. I won't show it was a free kick if I'm totally honest. I don't think any of their players appealed for it, but it's not the ref's fault we conceded. We didn't defend it particularly well, which is unlike us, but we showed good character. We went up there and it was a great free kick Tev has scored and it puts in the driving seat. I would have hoped for us to have more possession and kick on and put the game to bed, but I'll take a bit responsibility for that. I thought the lads looked a little bit jaded from the weekend, the tough game we had away at Barwell on the 3G. So we had to win a different way tonight. It's a way where we'd lost maybe last season because we sat a little bit deep, we didn't press, we conceded a lot of possession. They dumped balls in our box, but we didn't concede. So the 3 points are massive first tonight and now we can rest and see where we're at, we'll train Thursday, then obviously the game's going to get no bigger than Leiston at home. 

DK: And Ingers is on a streak of three goals from three games now? 

KH: Yeah, it's a great goal to be fair. It's made a good run, it's a great pass and obviously calm in front of goal, just lifted it over the keeper, so yeah it was a great goal. 

DK: Having withstood a bit of pressure, it's important to win those games if you're to have a chance of going up?

KH: Yeah, look, that's a long way off. We're at the top of league. That's the easy bit done to be fair. Easy bits getting there. The hard bits staying there, because we've become a team to fire at, and teams will obviously try and do that, but do you know what I mean, I back my players. They're a hard working group, so we're there, will we stay there? Time will tell. 

DK: Where does tonight's game rank in terms of the toughest games we've had this season? 

KH: I think it was a tough game. I don't think we played particularly well, let's not take anything away from Leamington, it was obviously a tough game for us. But the whole tough game, the game Saturday at Barwell was a really tough game in a different way, but you've got to be strong enough and have enough character to deal with all what's thrown at you, at the minute, the team, the squad I've got and the players I've got at the football club are answering all the questions, and everything that's thrown at them. So it's been an unbelievable start to season. First, we find ourselves top, but it's so far to go. You can't rest on your laurels. I don't think this group will. We'll training hard, and we'll see where it takes us, we'll keep working hard and pushing and wanting more and try to progress. 

DK: That's three games in a row now where we've went 2-1 up and we've defended well to preserve it.

KH: Yeah, I think that's been the back bone a bit, and I think I said it last interview. It's not just the back four or Marco, as good as they've been. It's the people in front of them, the midfielders, the wide players, the forwards, defending starts from the front, but we're very lucky to have the back four and the goalkeeper we've got at the football club. 

DK: Obviously Nico isn't in the squad tonight, is he getting it ever closer? 

KH: I think he's getting closer. I think he's done bits and pieces out of the training field. I think he's probably joining in training at his parent club, Ipswich, by the end of the week. Probably Saturday is too soon for him, but we'll see. It'll probably be the week after. 

DK: Moving on to Leiston and like you say, it'll be a big rivalry. 

KH: We'll see. We'll see where we're at. I think everyone will be fit. Hopefully, Tev will only be a minor, minor shoulder injury, where it'll settled down and he'll be available, and we look forward to the game. It's always a nice fixture to be involved in. Obviously, everything's on the line. So no doubt there'll be coming all guns blazing, we'll be doing the same, and hopefully it's an entertaining game, but hopefully it's a game where Needham score more goals than Leiston. 

DK: Does that give us an added boost going top tonight? 

KH: Yeah, of course. It's sort of like a double edged sword really, where it's what you aspire to be top of the league, albeit at the end of season, that's where you want to be and the problem with that, you're the one to shoot down. So teams will find that extra bit against you, and it becomes tougher, but I'm confident that the group I've got can deal with that, and like I said the future will tell. 

Keiran Morphew reflects on last night's win.

DK: Good win tonight and nice to go top of the table. 

KM: Yeah, unusual territory for Needham in step three. Hard thought win probably, well we did get away with it. I don't think it played particularly well. I thought, I personally thought we were a bit leggy from the 4G on Saturday, but credit to Leamington, they're probably one of the best sides we've played this year, I thought they could pass it and then they brought a big lad on near the end and they could go longer as well and play off him. I thought they're really good tonight and I'm lucky not to get away, not to come away with anything. 

DK: As captain you must be pleased, 3 straight games now that we've found a way to win and see it out?

KM: Yeah, obviously I'd like the clean sheets to come back, letting in one, it weren't a foul for their goal, not a chance and then we could have dealt (with it). We should have dealt with a free kick a bit better, and there's two set pieces now in two games so something to look at, but yeah we still we managed to grind out wins, that's the important thing, and eventually I'm a bit pessimistic that probably that'll start going against us, but at the moment we can just enjoy it for now. 

DK: So far so good and the added bonus was obviously your knock to the head Saturday wasn't that bad to rule you out. 

KM: Yeah, yeah, that did hurt, my nose is still sore and got a couple of black eyes, but I managed to get away with it tonight not getting a bonk on the nose, which is which is fortunate because it is a big nose. 

DK: What were you thinking during that second half when they had us under massive pressure? 

KM: We were just laughing at changing because a couple of times I did think ooh that's a goal. They put in a couple of good crosses but Marco's made a great save. They probably should have had a penalty to fair at the end as well but we held them out, they probably should have scored but they didn't so and we won, that's the main thing. 

DK: On the other end of that, do you think we could've scored one or two more to make it safe?

KM: Yeah, I don't think, we probably should have made better of some chances, half chances where we could have worked a bit better ,but that's probably the least amount of shots have had a goal for a few weeks now I reckon in my opinion. 

DK: On the flip side, when you're in front all you just need to do is just hold onto it. 

KM: Yeah, yeah, we're pretty experienced at the back, obviously Tommy is a bit new to the game, but new to step 3, but he's fitted in like he's played hundreds and hundreds of games already, but otherwise we're all pretty experienced this level so in that defensive third and we do we can keep the goals low to give us the best chance to win a game. 

We did need another goal for sure, because they got banging on the door for probably 35 minutes of that half or so. I really feel like we've got away with it actually. 

DK: Is that how you felt most of the season? 

KM: No, no, no, I've been confident all season, like last two games we have gone 1-0 down, previously. I felt we were going to win the game every time, I thought we played pretty well, especially the last home game, Bromsgrove. Yeah I thought we were excellent and I never felt like we were not going to win that game, but yeah like like I said I think we've got away with it. 

DK: Finally luck's gone on our side, so far, unlike last season. 

KM: Yeah we've played well last season and lost those games so shows we've turned a page a bit, but yeah we've got the win, we're top of the league, so enjoy it and let's try andcreate a gap. 

DK: Does it make any more proud for you having been here so long to see us now top of the league?

KM: Yeah, yeah, we're a small little club, we're punching well above our weight. I think everyone knows that probably the budget probably not even in the middle of this league, in terms of financially, but we've got the best players, in this, in our area in our team so that's the best chance we've got.

DK: Moving onto Saturday, the old rivals Leiston. 

KM: Yeah obviously they had a really good year last year in the league and obviously not going as well as they want to do this year, so hopefully we can, I felt like we should have won at their place actually, we're a lot more confident, and in a better place than we were when we played them before, so we just got to play our normal game and see what comes.

DK: Yeah, because when we played them away that was where we were kind of fluctuating between a couple of wins here and there, a couple of draws here and there, and after that we then went on the massive run that we did. 

KM: Yeah, yeah, so like I said we're in a completely different space, I'm not saying we're just going to walk over them because not how it goes local derby and football in general, but we're in the best position we've been ever. I think this is probably the best Needham team I've ever been in to be honest, in terms of where we are in a league, and we can win games in various ways and the quality we've got I firmly believe that. 

DK: That's strong praise, considering you were in the side that got promoted to this level. 

KM: Yeah the difference between step four and step three is ridiculous really, there's a lot of teams we play, well at the top eight of our league, there's probably players throughout all the squads that could go and play full-time but have better living conditions playing part-time and a full-time job. I remember when Mark Morsley told me that when we got promoted step three that there's players who should be full-time but they earn more money the way they're playing part-time so that's what I think. 

DK: Do you think that if things went differently that some of our players would be playing pro football?

KM: Yeah, like, I think Hammy, Jake, Tommy Smith, Dan is hugely underrated, Dan's excellent, players I can't think like Reece has been played a good level before like higher than I think most in our team there's loads, Marco probably should have been as well, but also he loves part time football, but yeah I've missed players out, like Ingers, I think it's probably unlucky over the years not to get moved when he was younger.

DK: Would you include yourself in that bracket? 

KM: Nah, I'm Needham through and through mate! 

DK: That was a strong instinctive denial there. 

KM: Yeah I am, Needham through and through! 

DK: You're happy being Mr. Needham. 

KM: I'm not Mr. Needham by a long way, not at all, but I'm just happy at the club and that's how it goes, that's the end of that!

Dan Morphew | Get To Know Q&A #9 | 04.11.2023 |

Defender and vice-captain Dan Morphew answers the questions for our 9th instalment of our Get To Know Q&A Series.

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite Hot Drink: Latte.

Favourite Cold Drink: Vimto.

Favourite Snack: Biscuits, or chocolate, dark chocolate's good.

Favourite Takeaway/Dinner: Takeaway would be Greek, like a Greek kebab.

Favourite TV Show: That's a toughie, True Detective.

Favourite Film: Another tough one, Saving Private Ryan.

Favourite Hobby Other Than Football: Well if I wasn't playing football, I'd do a bit of tennis. I reckon I'd tennis quite a lot more.

Team You Support: Man United.

Favourite Player - Current or All Time: All time would have to be either Ronaldinho or Zidane, and currently it's hard not to say Bellingham at the moment.

Favourite Song or Musician: Tough questions these, aren't they Drew, if I had to pick one I like the blues songs and that sort of stuff, maybe like Nina Simone or something like that.

Favourite Moment In A Needham Shirt So Far And Why: Most probably be when we got through to the first round of the FA Cup, winning the game prior to the first round, winning the Maidstone game.

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

DM: World Cup Final, because it's the pinnacle of sport in the world. Any World Cup Final would be good enough for me.

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

DM: Again it's hard not to pick Jude Bellingham, to be doing so well, so young. To have that impact at 20 years old in the world of football is amazing.

Player Profile:

DK: How would you describe yourself as a player?

DM: Calm, read the game well, composed on the ball. 

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

DM: I'd say maybe just reading the game, being composed on the ball.

DK: What are your standout moments from your career so far?

DM: The good cup runs are the standouts, getting to the first round of the FA Cup and getting so far in the FA Trophy the previous year. The York games were good this year as well, enjoyed the York games, obviously. Football's a lot about winning things, so I won the league with Dereham quite a few years ago, so that was good, a good experience, but any good things in football are winning games.

DK: What inspired you to be a footballer?

DM: My dad really. My dad was a good footballer, I grew up going to watch him play and kicking a ball on the sidelines while he was playing, so it's what I wanted to do really.

DK: Continuing the Morphew tradition!

DM: Yep, think his father was a footballer as well, so it was all I ever wanted to do.

DK: How is it being confused for being Keiran's brother?

DM: Yeah, I think we get that most places we go. It doesn't bother me too much, we look pretty similar as well. There's not many Morphews about, so it's an assumption that people tend to make. I think because it's such a rare surname and because we look so similar, people often find it hard to believe that we're not related, but as far as I know my dad's not done any family tree, I don't know if Keiran's family have done any family tree research, but as far as we know we're definitely not related. We both used to be centre midfielders as well!

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

DM: Most probably would've been Keiran really, we've had such a good partnership for so long. Playing with Keiran the last couple of years has been really good. It wasn't going to me, better give it to another Morphew!

DK: You must be disappointed with the injury today (Nuneaton defeat)?

DM: Yeah, frustrating. The whole day's been frustrating to be honest. I think the circumstances around the game being on or off suited Nuneaton really, being a wet day and soggy pitch was in Nuneaton's favour, the referee gave everything in Nuneaton's favour, me getting injured was in Nuneaton's favour. The fact that Keiran's not available. It was just a frustrating day, there's just nothing other than frustration for me about today.

DK: Despite how it ended, you must be pleased with the recent FA Cup run?

DM: Yeah, I think we did really well both games against York, we did really, really well. Obviously we played well against Peterborough Sports as well, but you know it's really disappointing to end up losing against York in the way we did, in the last minute. I think on the day we've gave such a good account of ourselves that it's a shame that it ended that way that we weren't playing today in the first round, but that's football. Football's full of highs and lows, the highs are high and the lows are low. I think I'm more frustrated after today's game than I was after the York game, at least we could say we gave a really good account of ourselves against York. We did everything we could as a club off the pitch and on the pitch to win against York. I feel like maybe we let ourselves down a bit today, we could've been better today. 

DK: The back four after you went off injured was made up of half midfielders, or all full-backs and we still defended solidly.

DM: Yeah, I think both Tommy and Jake Dye are having great seasons so far, both great defenders and so to step into centre-back, I'm not sure if they enjoyed it but, they're both strong, quick and good footballers they can play at centre half. I'm sure they'd rather be playing at full-back, but they're good subs in when they need to be.

DK: You might end up having to play left-back to get back in the team!

DM: I hope not! I've had to do it a few shifts out at full-back, but the older I get the less I enjoy that. So hopefully I don't have to do that!

REACTION | Seth Chambers Post Match Interview 03.12.2023 | Barwell v Needham Market 02.12.2023 | League |

In-form striker Seth Chambers discusses Saturday's win at Barwell, the importance to him in keeping his spot in the starting eleven and what he wants to get out of Tuesday's 2nd v 3rd clash.

DK: A good win, and performance on the road, it must feel good despite the freeze? 

SC: A good win against a decent team, those are the results we need to continue to get to have a successful season. 

DK:Do you think your goal arrived at the perfect time? 

SC: Just before half time always helps to get a goal and level things up, I felt they were decent in the first half and we were just trying to figure them out really, so to get back into the game before they got the chance to regroup and rest was important. 

DK: Talk us through your goal, you must be pleased with that strike? 

SC: Jakey played a good ball into Tev who just flicked it round the corner to me, and then I’ve managed to finish it off but it was a great team move. 

DK: Your confidence must be at an all time high at the minute, has your recent form changed the way you approach games? 

SC: When it comes to confidence I try stay level headed, not too down when things aren’t going well and not too high when things are happening for me, I just try and stay somewhere in the middle and get on with things. 

DK: How important is it for you to keep scoring with competition for the starting spot? 

SC: Scoring is massive to trying to maintain that starting spot, it gives the gaffers a headache I’m sure because we’ve got such class throughout the team, Jamie and Pagey and Ollie on the bench, all forward options to come and replace me so yeah it keeps the standards high. 

DK: Another big game Tuesday, what would you ideally want to get out of the game both personally and as a team?

SC: Tuesday is important to do the same again, prepare correctly and do our best to get the job done.

REACTION | Marcus Garnham + Kevin Horlock Post Match Interviews | Barwell v Needham Market | 02.12.2023 |

Goalkeeper Marcus Garnham reflects on today's win at Barwell.

DK: Another three points in a bag. You must be pleased?

MG: Yeah, boys dug in. Not a great start to the game, but we stuck to our principles. We switched up when we had to and the boys did really well and we controlled a lot of possession. They're really good on the counter and stuff, so credit to them there. They played really good football as well, so hopefully it was a good game to watch.

DK: And that save from you at the end, that was absolutely brilliant.

MG: Yeah, it was alright. Yeah. It's hard to get it past when I'm this big, so yeah, it's right.

DK: Do you think that save kind of summed up how well we've been doing, all going for us? 

MG: I think it's just kind of like everyone's just digging in when they have to and hope, contributing when they have to, and scoring goals when they have to, and blocking things like Tommy Smith blocked a dead cert goal, second half and stuff like that. So everyone's putting in a shift when they have to, putting their bodies on the line, which is great to see. It just shows togetherness that we have, which is fantastic at the moment.

DK: After not the greatest of starts and going one behind, it was a great reaction.

MG: Yeah, Tom told us what to do. We didn't really stick to it 1st 15-20 minutes and then as we got more of the ball, we got more confident on the ball and we started to show what we can do and we hurt them. Their keeper's pulled off some good saves as well. So, yeah, overall I'm feeling coming away to anywhere and getting 3 points is brilliant, so superb!

DK: Is the only thing the downer for you, the fact that you haven't got a clean sheet.

MG: Yeah, I suppose, yeah, it's one of the things in it. It was a good delivery, that lad put three good deliveries in, one after another and they were going to get a chance eventually. Just a shame that it went in, but we took the game on and got the two goals that we needed to win the game, so that's all good.

DK: At the other end, we created two good goals ourselves. 

MG: Yeah, we did, yeah. I mean, Seth's on fire at the moment. He's doing really well and credit to him, he's waited a long time, we give him abuse when he misses, but that's a fantastic strike and he deserves all the credit. To be fair, he's flying at the moment and he's got to enjoy it as long as it know and Ingers with an absolute bullet header to win it at the end is really good.

DK: Confidence has just flown through this team at the minute.

MG: Yeah, it just shows in it like we haven't really changed the team a lot. We just stuck to our principles a bit more, had a bit more belief in ourselves and it just shows, like even when we're up against it. We're in and getting the job done, which is great to see and hopefully that long may that continue, don't get too carried away and just enjoy it while it lasts.

DK: A string of free home games in a row now, which is pleasing.

MG: Yeah, it'd be nice Leamington won't be any mugs on Tuesday. And then got to try and take this form going forward. Even when we lost to Nuneaton, which was unfortunate. A little blip. We've come back stronger, which is good to see. We haven't gone within ourselves. We've actually kicked on again and put things right, kind of thing.

Manager Kevin Horlock gives his thoughts on yesterday's win.

DK: Good win from behind.

KH: Yeah. I thought the lads were magnificent today. It's always been a tough place to come. They're full of energy, they're good going forward. And to go a goal behind as well, from a set piece was disappointing, but the resilience the lads shown, I thought we dominated possession. We was in quite a bit of control. They're a threat, there's no doubt about that. The number seven is a real threat, they've got willing runners, but we coped with it really well. And the goals we scored were magnificent. And the block at the end as well. Marco making the save, that's what it's about. And I think today it probably shows us that we're more than capable, but it's about keeping us down the tie and not thinking we're there and not thinking we're too good just yet. We can reflect on that at the end of the season.

DK: Yeah. Like you say, not the best of starts from us, but the reaction.

KH: Yeah. I thought we started quite well in possession. We sort of run out of ideas a little bit and wasn't ruthless enough in the final third and then to go a goal behind it, it sort of gives you a mountain to climb. But this group of lads have shown time and time again that they're prepared to roll their sleeves up, fight for each other, do the horrible things really well and they often climb the mountain, which they have done today.

DK: Yeah. Two wins back to back from behind. It's pleasing, isn't it?

KH: Yeah. I think in years gone by, I think that wouldn't have happened. But we're a different animal now. I've said it many times, we've recruited really well, lost a couple and bought in four. And it's the strongest squad I've ever had. Not the biggest, but it's the strongest. We got players that can come on and like for like, and it doesn't weaken the team at all. We've got a real good group that want to work hard and listen and take things on board and apply it in games. So at the minute, it's going really well!

DK: The goals that we scored were superb today.

KH: Yeah. Seth's a young lad, he's sort of come of age a little bit, last seven, eight games, I think the pennies dropped. He's obviously quite a big lad. I think he's learning to use his body. And his goal was fantastic. Under a lot of pressure. It was a great finish, so I'm made up for him. So he's on a bit of a scoring spree at the minute and Ingers with a little header to obviously put us 2-1 up. He's been doing that for years, so it's nothing out of the ordinary.

DK: Yeah. From the edge of the box. To score that header is incredible.

KH: Yeah, he just got quite good contact on it. Obviously the keeper got caught unawares a little bit. I think he's hit the CrossBarn and off the keeper, I don't know what happened, really, but as long as it went in the back of the net, I'm not too fussed.

DK: And at the other end, the boys dug in brilliantly to preserve the lead.

KH: Yeah, I think across the board, I think we've got real good flair attacking players. I thought Jacob again was fantastic, but from the front we're prepared to work hard and defend, and at the end, the blocks are unbelievable. Marco's come out, made a save, and then I think there's five bodies. I think Keiran's got kicked in the face, but they're brave and they like defending and they don't want to concede goals, but it starts from the front. I think as a team we defend really well and players that are probably more known for their attacking flair are prepared to do it as well, which makes us a really hard team to beat.

DK: Could have made it safe towards the end when McGrath had a brilliant header saved.

KH: Yeah, there was a couple of chances. I think Pagey had one as well, which would have put the game to bed, but it weren't to be. But we're capable of seeing games out these days, so I wasn't too nervous towards the end.

DK: And with Keiran taking that knock to the head is he alright?

KH: He'll be fine. Keiran's an absolute warrior. His nose don't look too great. It's a bit swollen and obviously there's quite a bit of blood, but it'd be fine.

DK: Ended up nicking Ollie Fraser's shirt at the end.

KH: Although you couldn't see the blood on the red shirt, but if the ref checked, you've got to do it. So, yeah, he nicked Ollie's shirt and straight back on there with cotton wool up his nose.

DK: Mr Needham doing in style.

KH Yeah, exactly. And the lads are fantastic. I can't really give them enough credit that they were brilliant today. To come this far, all the away games and long trips on a really cold day, a goal down to come away with victory just says everything about them.

DK: Yeah, this is kind of like all seasons crunch time, but this especially is when your metal is tested.

KH: Yeah, I'm under no illusion. Yes, I'm really pleased with how the season's gone so far. It's still early days. You don't win nothing, you don't get in the playoffs or win titles at this time of year. I've been in football too long. It's got a horrible habit of kicking you when you least expect it. So we just keep working hard. We got a massive game on Tuesday, I think, where we can go top, and that's when the hard bit is staying there. Not getting there, it's staying there. And there'll be people chasing us down there's, teams winning games behind us. So it's far from over and we're far from secure the playoff spot yet.

DK: It'll be a tough game, but at least it's at home. And like you say, it'll be nice to go top, but we've got to do the job first.

KH: Yeah, they're all tough games, there's no easy ones. We're playing a good level of football and we want to progress and play higher as well, so there's no gimmies. And obviously I think Leamington have won again today, so they're on a rich vein of form themselves, so it should be a good game and if we turn up and play anywhere near as good as we can, we've got a good chance of winning.

DK: Would you say a good performance today or good in spells?

KH: I thought we were brilliant today to come away. At times we looked a little bit open, but we addressed that half time. But they've got some good players, they got players that are dangerous, but we kept them fairly quiet, albeit up until they had a chance late on, maybe through tired legs, but I think we're the real deal. But we just got to keep going and take it for a full season, not 16-17 games wherever we're at.

DK: Got to show it consistently week in and week out.

KH: Yeah, we have been. Look, we're going to lose games, there's no doubt about that, but as we've seen when we lost games previous, we've lost two in this season, we've bounced back. That's a mark of a good team that can take defeat, work on things that went wrong and put it right next game.

DK: Word on Nico, how's he doing?

KH: I'm hoping he possibly, maybe be involved Tuesday. I still don't know. He was still struggling this week, so it was too soon today, but obviously he's had the weekend on top of that, so hopefully we'll have more news on Monday.

DK: If not, hopefully Saturday.

KH: Fingers crossed. I hope so, because like I said, we haven't got a really big squad, we've got strong squad, but he would definitely be a massive plus for us and a fresh face with different attributes to what other lads have got and gives us a different dimension. So we're hoping to have him in the squad as soon as we can.

DK: Other than that, no one else Other than those two.

KH: Other than them too. Yeah, we should be good as long as Keiran's nose goes down enough so he can get his top on.

DK: Obviously Byron's gone on dual registration to Wanderers, which is good.

KH: Yeah, he just needs games and obviously Byron needs to push himself at that level. He's obviously played a few games in the U23s, he needs to step up and see if his ankle can withstand the next level up and then if that goes well, then albeit all being good, hopefully he'll be back with us before the end of the season.

I would like to I think you've got to give the lad that thing to shoot for if it doesn't. It takes a bit longer and it ends up next season, then so be it. But he's made massive strides in the last six months from where he was with the horrific injury. To even get back playing is testament to how hard he's worked. So we're giving the best opportunity and the loan move's the right thing for now and we'll see how it progresses.