REACTION | Kevin Horlock Seth Chambers + Dan Morphew Post Match Reaction | Needham Market v AFC Telford United | 03.02.2024 | LEAGUE #24 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on our win over Telford.

DK: Nice three points, you must be pleased? 

KH: Yeah, that was massive today. Obviously, everyone's aware Telford have obviously been on a really good run, not lost for 17 games, which was the last time we played them and beat them. So they're in amongst it. So it was a big game in terms of them needing to win to really kick on. But from our point of view, to bounce back after last week's disappointment shows the character the lads have got, togetherness and it wasn't a spectacle first half by any means. But for the second half, we stepped on to them and dominated the game and could have won by more.

DK: And the goals that we got were quite crucial.

KH: Yeah, they come at big moments. I think we had a little spell where we was on top and then obviously the first goal come, albeit a little tap in, but it was massive. And then we had a 15 minute spell where it looked like there was going to be more following soon after, they didn't. And then obviously Seth's popped up, who I thought was exceptional today, holding the ball up, buying fouls, running the channels. He just looks like a real goal threat and obviously starting to realise his potential. And it was a good finish on his left foot.

DK: Yeah, after his trials recently, it's good to see him coming back into the team and scoring.

KH: Yeah, he's raised awareness. People are aware of what he's doing. He's sort of starting to realise his potential. He's a hell of a good player. Still a young lad learning his trade as such. But obviously I understand with that comes clubs and professional clubs sniffing around. So it's fair play to him. He's a great lad. He's got his feet on the floor and he's willing to listen and learn. So as a club, we'll help him as much as we can. Help him develop and we'll see where it goes.

DK: After being under the cosh a bit first half, the win must feel even more sweeter?

KH: Yeah, look, I knew that was... We're not going to run away with this league. We're not going to blow teams like Telford out of the water because they're a massive club. So they're always going to come here and have a spell. Like I said, they've not lost for 17 games. So it's about how we cope with them in their moments, that time, and I thought, look, we did. But we didn't do it with any real aggression and cause them too many problems first half. Apart from Mills', it was probably half chance, but second half, I thought we stepped onto them. We had lots more of the ball and we showed how good we are. And no one can complain about the winners of today's game. I think anyone that was here to witness it was Needham them all day long. And like I said, it could have been four or five.

DK: After last week's loss where we could have, maybe should have got a point, it's nice to put that right.

KH: Yeah, look, everyone probably sees last week as a massive disappointment. And yes, look, we want to win games of football, but I wasn't too worried. St Ives were a good team. I think they proved today, they beat Redditch today. They've already beat Mickleover. They beat Leiston.

They obviously beat us. So they're a good team and it's a hard place to go. Like I said to the lads, it wasn't a bad performance last week. We maybe didn't have the rub of the green and they were a little bit fortunate with the winner. But we're going to lose games of football. It's about how you bounce back. And today was massive. So to bounce back like the way we did. I've already forgot about last week. So and to be fair, after tonight, I forget about today's game. We look forward to Berkampsted and start focusing on that. It's about chalking the games off and focusing on the game in hand that you've got to play. So, but the lads have enjoyed tonight because I think they deserved it.

DK: Yeah like St Ives, Berkhamsted have been beating teams all over the place in the table.

KH: Yeah, it's one of them. Anyone can beat anyone on a given day. So we'll have to go there next week and obviously be right on it. We can't take our foot off the gas, and I know what I'm getting from the lads. I trust them and we'll be mad for it next week. And hopefully we can put a performance in to match the work rate and work ethic, and if we do that, then we're a bloody good team and probably got a chance to win.

DK: You've got Byron back. Obviously, you say Reece is out for two weeks. Luke just coming back. Patch coming back.

KH: Yeah, we're looking in good shape.

Byron's going to be like a new signing for us. Obviously, not ad minutes yet. And obviously, we've still got the two Ipswich boys on loan, which I would like to extend, but it obviously comes down to, does it work for them - obviously it's got to work for all parties. Manny's not got many minutes, but we'll see what happens in the next few days. I think Nico's had a few games and come on and affected it and done really well. So, yeah, we've got a squad that can hopefully get us through to the end of the season. Patch is back in training, so could hopefully be involved at some point. And hopefully we can keep winning games and pushing and see where it takes us.

DK: What's the best part about today for you?

KH: I think always the clean sheet. The three points, obviously, but for me, it's that mentality of these lads that were disappointed last week at St Ives, but turn up today against Telford, who are a massive club in this league. They've got a massive budget and we've turned up and a little old Needham have done a job on them. So, the character of this group is something that I'm really proud of and something that they should all be proud of, because today they stuck together and got the job done and clean sheet to boot.

DK: You talked about Marco, some of the saves he made was outrageous. Yeah, look, Marco's been doing that for years and years. He's obviously not getting any younger, but he could play at this level for a number of years. He's a great lad, but the best goalkeeper at this level, bar none, and has been for years. So, we're lucky to have him. He's making saves maybe he shouldn't, but we come to expect that of him.

DK: Yeah, second half, could have had about five, six.

KH: Yeah, we could have. I think it was a little bit unfortunate on a couple and missed a couple, but I'll take that. Two-nil, clean sheet and a comfortable two-nil in the end of the second half. I don't think we was ever really struggling second half. So, it was quite a nice, comfortable evening or certainly early evening for the second half. So, I think it was a good game. Yeah, it was a big win for us today.

DK: Were you confident we were going to get this win?

KH: I'm always confident in this group. I think years gone by, I was unsure because I knew we were good. But then, our levels could be right up then. Then the week after, for whatever reason, we concede late goals and lose. This year's different. I'll go into each game and every game knowing that if we play well and anywhere near where we have been for games early on in the season, we'll win, because for me, I've got an unbelievable squad and a group of lads that care and work hard for each other. So, I'm confident they're going to win.

DK: And having Milzy back in the building is a big boost?

KH: Yeah, we've all known Milzy for ages. Milzy's a lad that left a lot of never-burned bridges with players, and Milzyy was one of them. He just wasn't getting minutes last time around. So, he's gone away. He's obviously gone to Leiston and Sudbury, Chelmsford. And the opportunity for him to come back arrived, so we're pleased to have him. He gives us something different. I've had him since he was a kid, so he's a really good player at this level. So he'll add to the squad.

DK: Best squad we've ever had?

KH: On paper, it seems, because the table don't lie. But also for me, I think it's the strongest squad I've ever had. I think we've got competition in places. They're a really good group. We've got young players coming through. We've got the old guard that's been there, done it. So, at the minute, the chemistry is perfect for those kids that play FIFA. The chemistry is green, mate. It's green.

Seth Chambers reflects on yesterday's win.

DK: A nice goal for you, you must be pleased.

SC: Yeah, yeah, it was a good game in the end. An important game to win. I'm glad I've managed to get the goal with the management putting me back in the side, but I'm buzzing with the three points really. It's a big game to win now.

DK: You took the goal brilliantly.

SC: Yeah, Hammo's just, he's seen me, he's looked up, I've seen he's wanted a big space, I've seen he's wanted a run. So I thought I'll go for it and he's put it right in there for me and I've managed to catch it fairly nice early doors. I think a bit lucky the keeper wasn't settled, because it wasn't one of the greatest connections but it did the job.

DK: Yeah, first half I thought you kind of weathered a bit of a storm from their defenders.

SC: Yeah, it was a, I like the battles because they helped me get into the game and I kind of embraced that side of it. It's a side of the game that I like to try and work on.

I'm obviously, I'm a tall lad but the frame's not necessarily the biggest. So I'm trying to work on things like that and holding the ball up, etc. Yeah, their number five and the other lad, they were big but that's what you want at the end of the day. You want to be able to test yourself whether it's running in behind or a battle or whatever it is. If you want to stay in the team and keep scoring then you've got to embrace those battles and I've managed to do all right today with it. He's put me down a fair few times in fairness but the main thing is you've got to bounce back and I've managed to get a goal in the end. So that's, you can almost say I've got the last laugh kind of thing.

DK: Very true and obviously you've had trials at Ipswich, Aldershot and Barnsley, how have you been finding them?

SC: Yeah, it's been good because they've all been a similar thing where it's during the week I've done a bit of training and then a game with them. So it's been good to keep busy during the week, leading up to games, etc. Or if we've had a game called off it's meant I've done a bit more than maybe some other lads, I like to keep active and yeah it's been nice experiences. Obviously you appreciate if clubs start looking at you, it means you're doing something right. Obviously I've got a lot more to do still but it's nice to know that if you do score a goal or two that you might notice them, Needham are flying at the minute. The lads are playing really well and I think if a few clubs are looking at me etc that a lot of other lads should be getting looked at as well because that team performs week in week out and you've got a lot of lads that could definitely play at a high level. So yeah, it's a good thing really.

DK: Do you think scoring today has kind of helped, not just your chances with those clubs, but kind of kept you on an upward trajectory?

SC: Yeah, at the end of the day I've not played since the Sudbury game really. Manager's obviously thought that I didn't have my best game and to try something else was just fair enough and I've just been trying to get back in ever since really. They've given me a go today and I'm just glad I've managed to score and had a hand in the first goal. So hopefully that means that I can be involved more next week and game coming forward. That's the main thing really. If I can keep in the team with goals and assists and good performances that's all I'm focused on and the rest will do whatever really.

DK: And being man of the match won't hurt either?

SC: No, it's nice feeling. That's my second or third one this season I think. Both of the goals were on the plate really. I know you've got a lot to do still but the service is second to none at times and you can't really do much more with it other than put it in the net or whatever it is. I appreciate they keep giving it to me really.

DK: Must be kind of like a surreal season for you because I'm pretty sure you're our top scorer in all comps and you've obviously had quite a lot of clubs looking at you across the season and you probably don't know how it could get better.

SC: Well like I said obviously I haven't played the last few games. It can be frustrating at times. I do have a lot of chances where I could have maybe scored another one today across at the back post and there's always more to do. On another day I might come away with two or three but like I said I just want to keep in the team here, focus on that, keep winning and we'll see where we can go with it. The sky's the limit for the club really if we keep performing the way we're performing and working hard on the training ground.

DK: And from a club point of view obviously you're coming through our academy and then getting on getting these trials like not just this year you've had trials last year as well. It not only shows that like obviously you're obviously a brilliant player but it also shows that there's that gateway for players that don't make it at the time but come through the club which does the club good as well.

SC: Yeah well at the end of the day I mean the experiences I've had over the years you always get noticed. I've had various trials where I wasn't good enough at the end of the day and they say no for whatever reason it is but you know I'm glad I didn't spend time in the academy as growing up because I've managed to get so many more experiences and I think I've managed to just keep getting better the older I got. I'm grateful for the coaching staff here at the club etc and hopefully that can continue but that's the main thing really.

Goalscorer Dan Morphew reflects on yesterday's win.

DK: Another big result, performance and clean sheet, you must be really pleased?

DM: Yeah great result today, Telford started well in the game today and we had to dig in for the first 15-20 minutes which we did well and after that we grew into the game, before taking control in the second half. Another clean sheet is good for the team as well, everyone from front to back contributed to that today.

DK: Another goal for you today, which must be nice to picking up a couple of goals recently?

DM: Goals win games so it is nice to have contributed a couple in the last few weeks. I think I said at Halesowen that I feel I have been getting close before scoring that day and I’ve just continued on that vain and hopefully they keep coming.

DK: With Telford having gone on a long unbeaten run since we beat them, it must feel even more pleasing to have gone and done it again?

DM: Telford have been on a fantastic run and credit to them for that and making it a tough game today, you’re right it does make it feel like an important win.

DK: What's the mood been like in the squad lately, flying in the league despite a couple of losses last month?

DM: The mood and atmosphere amongst the lads has been brilliant. We were all really disappointed to have lost against St. Ives the way we did last week and everyone recognised we needed bounce back straight away. We also have a really strong squad at the minute with lots of competition for places which is something everyone is enjoying.

DK: Back on the road on Saturday, another tough game against a side beating teams higher up.

DM: Every game is tough in this league. Every week is a battle where you have to be willing to out work your opponent. Next week will be no different nor any of the other game for the remainder of the season.