REACTION | Luke Ingram + Tom Rothery Post Match Interviews | Hitchin Town v Needham Market | 29.03.2024 |

Goalscorer Luke Ingram reflects on our Good Friday win at Hitchin.

DK: Good response to last week's defeat with a nice win?

LI: Yeah, obviously it's a big win. I don't want to go too overboard on last week because that's rarely happened this season. That's one of them things it's their cup final they've got a good result but if we go and win the next game it doesn't really matter.

DK: We're eight points away from winning the title now, how much does that mean to do that with the penalty?

LI: Yeah, obviously relieved to score the penalty as I've missed a couple and I think we're just looking to hopefully get it wrapped up as soon as possible. 

DK: How much did the win today mean? 

LI: Yeah, massive win. I think it's always going to be hard, a double game weekend so you get three points in the first one that puts you nicely into the second one so looking forward to playing Sudbury.

DK: Yeah and speaking of Sudbury, it's a local rivalry, you know a lot of the lads in their team so make it even more important? 

LI: Yeah, I've got a couple of friends there. They played really well against us early on in the season and got a deserved win. They'll be excited to come down and play us so yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully we can show them what we're really about like we didn't last time. 

DK: And lastly, you must be really pleased with the performance from the lads today? 

LI: Yeah, we weren't great first half but in the back of my mind I always think we're never a great first half side. I know people get a bit frustrated about how many times we come in at half-time winning and drawing and then we go and get the win so yeah.

Tom Rothery gives his thoughts on today's win.

DK: A perfect response to Saturday, you must be pleased?

TR: Yes really pleased, it’s always important to react after a defeat and three points plus a clean sheet is a perfect response. 

DK: A very controlled performance from our lads, what pleased you most about it?

TR: The first half was quite scrappy and played at a really high tempo so at half time we asked the lads to control the game more and play with more authority and show the quality they have and I feel they really took that on board to the word and controlled the second half. 

DK: You must be pleased with how we took the goals, did you feel we could've got more?

TR: Once we got the second goal we could have perhaps gone on and got another but I also liked that we managed the game and aside from the last 5 minutes where they had a few corners they didn’t trouble us so we controlled and managed the game well. 

DK: It was nice to see Milzy get on the scoresheet, hopefully the first of many for him!

TR: Yes I think that will be important for him, he’s been a good addition to us but maybe not got the numbers he’d like to have but as I’ve said before we knew what we were getting and we are pleased with him. 

DK: We started quickly second half, was that something you spoke about at the break?

TR: As I said earlier Kev and I both felt we needed to take more control be braver in possession but also be more proactive, we were a little reactive in the first half and didn’t stamp our authority on the game. 

DK: Five games to go now, 8 points at most left to get, would you call it all round a perfect day at the office and a perfect start to the last month? 

TR: Yes no injuries it seems also so happy days and an extra day to recover before Monday which helps also. 

DK: We've been a lot more clinical over this season than last, what do you put that change down to?

TR: We have done a lot of work on final third play, entries into the box so that repetition has helped but alongside that confidence and momentum have helped also plus Tevan has added to what we do in the final third along with Millsy and I think Seth and Jamie have both developed hugely from last season along with our more experienced and players that have been here for the past two seasons and more who have also stepped up from a consistency perspective. 

DK: Hitchin is a team we've only lost to once in the league, it must be nice to continue that?

TR: It’s not really important who you play you just want to win, our record against them is good so if there is any advantage I guess there’s no mental scars there to deal with. 

DK: A big all Suffolk clash next up, Monday, how to do see that going?

TR: It’ll be tough like I say about every game. I know a lot about them but I’ll go and watch them tomorrow so we will prep how we always do, understand the opposition and then concentrate on ourselves and what we do. Hopefully we will get a good crowd and a good atmosphere.

PREVIEW | Tom Rothery Pre Match Interview | Hitchin Town v Needham Market 29.03.2024 | 27.03.2024 |

DK: Having responded well to setbacks so far this season, how important is it that it is repeated on Friday?

TR: That’s what we will aim to do and as you say that’s what the lads have done all season so far. To lose only 4 league games as we approach the Easter weekend is a phenomenal effort from the boys so hopefully we can carry that on in the remaining six games. 

DK: Would you say the ten game unbeaten run we were on has set the tone for hopefully a landmark season?

TR: I wouldn’t say it’s set the tone as we’ve been consistent throughout the season but I think what we’ve done really well is in having that run in a crucial period under real pressure against good teams plus also with the highest amount of injuries and suspensions we’ve had all season. With such a small squad to have maintained the consistency we have especially when we have players out is a massive credit to the boys in some really high pressured games. 

DK: What's the mood been like in training? 

TR: The moods good the lads were really lively and trained well. We had a good chat after Saturday and as they have all season I believe they’ve taken what was said on board and we now move on. We’ve maintained a really level mentality throughout the season after victories, defeats or draws and put them into perspective and moved on quickly. I think we’ve shown a real professionalism all season. 

DK: We're now entering the run in, do you see the next two games in the space of two days as the most crucial?

TR: Every game is crucial the fact that everybody plays two games over the weekend means there can be some real shift changes but again due to the run of midweeks we’ve had up until last week we are used to that in the past month so I see them as just important as there’s only six games left and this equates to a third of that so they’re important for that reason and I’m sure every club will feel the same regardless of what they’re fighting for, it’s a weekend where you can move significantly potentially. 

DK: How much would it mean to you to get promoted? 

TR: I think for everyone connected to the club it would be a huge achievement. For me personally I think with the resources we have and also the fact I’ve been at this level 8 years as has the club it would be exciting to be able to further test yourself at a higher level finally. I also feel that for Kev and I it would be some real justification for what we’ve tried to do and how hard we’ve worked alongside the players and management team to achieve that against sometimes a high level of criticism and scrutiny. I’ve maintained even during the tough times that in Kev we have an excellent manager and the best we could have and now the results are backing that up but that was always the case even during the tough times. I’m also really pleased that the lads are showing consistently what they’re capable of as they did before albeit without that consistency. 

DK: What type of test do you expect on Friday?

TR: We’ve had this conversation many times this season and previous seasons, there are no easy games at this level. Clearly they’ve been on a bad run which is why they’ve changed manager but it is a strange one as when they came to us earlier in the season they were good and in the play offs and deservedly so. Brett knows the club and has already got a response with a draw against Telford last Saturday which is a great result when you put it in the context of 12 defeats before that and what a good side Telford are so I’m sure it’ll be very tough and one where we will need to be at our very best to get a result.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Bromsgrove Sporting v Needham Market | 23.03.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on today's defeat.

DK: Bad day at the office.

KH: Yeah, it wasn't a very good game. It was always going to be tough. The pitch isn't the best. It wasn't a football game. Unfortunately, we got what we deserved. I'm not going to make excuses. They were probably stronger and hungrier in all departments. We looked a little bit leggy, if I'm totally honest. We're all aware those at the game, the second goal kills us. I think there were two minutes added and four and a half minutes still playing. The scorer floats a cross and it goes in. That killed us. We obviously tried to rally the lads at half-time, but 2-0 down away from home. It was a difficult pitch. It was a mountain to climb and we just didn't climb it. We huffed and puffed. I thought we were better second half, but I don't think we'd have scored today if we'd still been playing now.

DK: Just one of those days where nothing went for us. 

KH: Yeah, and it happens. Like I said, the win last time out against Redditch was a really good performance and it was massive. It obviously puts us in a really good position. Today, winning puts us in a really good position. The fact that we've lost, we're still in a really good position. Nothing's really changed in that respect. Obviously, getting three points today puts a bigger gap and possibly makes it a little bit more comfortable in the run in. But I know football. I've been in it a long time, so I knew it wasn't going to be plain sailing. Teams aren't going to roll over for you. They still want to get points on the board and teams want to finish on a positive note with next season in mind. So, that's sort of where we're at. 

DK: One thing is that this ends our 10-game unbeaten run. Yeah, a lot. We want to win every game, but when we lose, what we've done in the past is we've bounced back and gone on a winning run. So, we continue in that vein and now we've got some big games coming up. Obviously, over the Easter period, two games, away at Hitchin, at home in the Suffolk Derby. So, they're good games and they're big games. And again, they're two teams that are fighting for their lives, that are desperate for three points, which says it's not going to be easy. But you don't win league titles if that's where you're at, by games being easy. They're all tough and you've got to find a way to win and you've got to match what the other team bring to the party and do a bit more. Today, we didn't do that and that's why we lost. 

DK: But we've afforded ourselves the luxury of being able to lose today and still be okay.

KH: Yeah, of course. We've put ourselves in a really good position, but we're all disappointed from staff and players that we didn't perform as well as we have done all season. And we have our butts kicked.

DK: Yeah, like you say, next up Hitchin away, a place where we've got hit and miss luck, I guess. 

KH: Yeah, and again, it's a dangerous one because they've been on a really bad run. I think they lost 13 on the spin, I think they drew with Telford today, which is a good result for them. They've got a new manager, which always gives the place a lift and it's a big game for them and it's a big game for us. So, we're going there and it's a good pitch. So, hopefully it'll be more of a football game and all I can say is that we will be better than we were today.

DK: What needs to change from today for that one?

KH: We just need to do the ugly stuff a little bit better. I hope we get the opportunity to play more on the pitch. It's a lot better and more conducive to football than the pitches today. So, I'm expecting a better football match. 

Harrison Podd | Get To Know Q&A #19 | 20.03.2024 |

Goalkeeper Harrison Podd is next up in our Get To Know Q&A series. 

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite hot drink: coffee

Favourite cold drink: fanta fruit twist

Favourite snack: dark chocolate

Favourite dinner/takeaway: steak, chips and veg

Favourite TV Show: suits

Favourite Film: wolf of wall street

If you were to be in any TV Show/Film what would it be and why? probably suits as it's interesting to watch as a show and to be part of would be insightful

Favourite video game: Call of Duty

Favourite sport other than football and why? rugby as it's very entertaining to watch and different from football

Favourite football team: man u

Favourite pro player current/all time: david de gea

If you could swap places with any professional player, who would it be and why? onana, as a united supporter it would be brilliant Do you have any sporting memorabilia, if so what are they? signed Peter Shilton gloves

If you could play in any sporting event ever, what would it be and why? world cup, highest achievement winning the world cup for your country

Player Profile:-

What would you say is the highlight of your career so far and why? suffolk senior cup final vs ipswich wanderers as it was a good cup run at a young age and getting to play at Col U stadium against a promotion winning team

How would you describe yourself as a footballer? communicative leader with a good presence and base for the team

What do you think you're best known for as a footballer? leadership and distribution

Who is the best player you've played with and why? Josh stokes at Ipswich, he's showed that non-league works for developing young players and he's now making a big move into the EFL

What inspired you to be a footballer? i loved watching united play on TV and seeing De Geg play a role in their success made me want to give football a go.

REACTION | Jamie McGrath + Nathan Munson Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Redditch United | 19.03.2024

MOTM Jamie McGrath reflects on last night's win at Bloomfields.

DK: Nice 3-0 win, you must be pleased?

JMcG: Yeah, delighted to be fair. We knew this was a massive game, they're up there in the league, so to come away with a relatively comfortable 3-0 was absolutely delightful. 

DK: Yeah, you started the scoring with a superb goal. 

JMcG: Yeah, to be honest it was a great team goal. We moved the ball really well. Lots of quick, intricate passes around the box and then thankfully I was able to find the bottom right hand corner! 

DK: A very clinical performance from us tonight. 

JMcG: Yeah, I think so. But even saying that, I feel like we could have had a couple more goals, keeper made a couple of saves. But yeah, overall, a delightful 3-0.

DK: Would you say it was a comfortable win? 

JMcG: Yeah, I think so. I mean, yeah, I think they've dropped off slightly in form and maybe that showed tonight, but, you know, they're still going to be a strong side, so to come away with a comfortable victory is excellent. 

DK: And now we're eight points clear. 

JMcG: Yeah, obviously that's nice, but we try not to look at that too much. It's just take it game by game. But yeah, it's obviously a great position to be in. 

DK: When was the last time you looked at the table? 

JMcG: Probably last night. No, I'm joking. But obviously we're aware of the situation we're in. But yeah, we try not to pay too much attention to it.

DK: Fourteen goals in all competitions now for you this season, flying.

JMcG: Yeah, it's nice. I think particularly this calendar year really sort of hits some kind of form in front of goal. So yeah, it's just nice to be in that sort of form and continue that tonight. 

DK: Currently our league top scorer. Any more in you? 

JMcG: Hopefully, yeah. I mean, we've still got seven games to play, so I'd like to think there's more. But, you know, as long as anyone scores, anyone chips in, that's all that matters. 

DK: Back on the road on Saturday, a nice long trip.

JMcG: Yeah, but you know, we're used to that. We have that quite often. So just go there and try and do the business again.

Nathan Munson reflects on last night's 3-0 win. 

DK: Another nice 3-0 win, you must be pleased? 

NM: Yeah, absolutely, delighted with it to be honest with you. They've had a good season, Redditch is obviously up in the playoffs, and to beat them convincingly 3-0, you couldn't say that we didn't deserve the three points, we're absolutely delighted with that. 

DK: Yeah, three well-taken goals as well.

NM: Yeah, absolutely, Jamie looks so composed when he gets into those sort of positions, it was quite a nice link-up play actually with the passing the ball around well, got Jamie into the box and that was, you know, a good time to score the first, the second one was nice play, not sure Seth knew too much about it to be fair, but it was, I mean, he had a fantastic game, he was, you know, his aggression was spot-on today, he was excellent and just rewards for him. And then the third, Ingers has picked it up from distance and drove in, and I mean, I think it was going in anyway to be honest, but it looked like a deflection, three excellent goals, well-deserved. We saw out of the game, probably could have had one or two more, but pretty comfortable winning.

DK: Yeah, eight points clear is the most important thing as well. 

NM: Yeah, eight points clear, I think, were Mickleover who were second, so, you know, really tough game away at Bromsgrove, we've got a chance to extend that gap again, well, we got left seven games to the end of the season. So, yeah, it's a lovely position to be in, the boys are focused, really good to see Keiran back tonight, no reaction from the injury, of course, Hammo comes into the squad available again Saturday, so we've got ourselves into a nice position, I'd say. 

DK: Yeah, apart from having Jake and Reece injured, we've got near enough everyone back. 

NM: Yeah, yeah, I think so, obviously a big miss for Jake, he's had such a fantastic season and, you know, the way he's come on and improved and strengthened, his commitment is phenomenal, he's been excellent and I think with his mental attitude, he'll be back better, I've absolutely no doubt he'll be back better, stronger towards the end of this season, whether or not he quite gets there, I don't know, but certainly through a good pre-season on to next season. So, yeah, we're in quite good shape as we get to this point in the season, the business end of the season. 

DK: 16 home games here, two draws, 14 wins, superb. 

NM: Is that what it is, yeah, yeah, and I don't think there's too many goals conceded in there either. If you look at the stats, five goals conceded. Yeah, yeah, that's an incredible, I mean, it's astonishing, isn't it? But, I mean, you defend as a team, absolutely, but I have to say, defensively as a unit, our goalkeeper and back four are absolutely fantastic, you know, in a great season and that's harder and, again, it's the reason we come for. Marcus has had to make, you know, a couple of important saves, second-half dive to his left, which I think he saw that quite nicely and had a good read on it and then late on when the lads tried to lob him, he just touched it wide, you know, great save, but he does that, he does that week in, week out. 

DK: Those are the games you love as a goalkeeper, not much to do, but when called upon you're there. 

NM: Yeah, I mean, I think the more you have to do the better, actually. So, in the best games to play in you make loads of saves and you win. But, yeah, it's also quite nice and, you know, for the purist, if you just have a couple of saves to make, like you say, that you haven't been, you know, in the thick of the action, but when you do what's called for you, it's quite rewarding when you can't address the thing, you haven't done the job. 

DK: Yeah, another clean sheet as well. 

NM: I was counting up, I think we're at 25 for the season now, which is phenomenal. I mean, I've never known a season that I've been involved in where we've got so many clean sheets. It's fantastic and if we can keep going with a few more, that would be some record for Needham to be fair that many in the course of the season.

DK: Yeah, across the pitch, we've been consistent in all areas. 

NM: Yeah, yeah, absolutely. I think, you know, it's a squad thing. We've got players that have come in and done a good job for us throughout the course of the season and we saw that, you know, again tonight. We've got Eddie coming on, we've got Byron coming on, we've got Hugh coming on, we've got Ollie coming on Saturday. So, I mean, it really is a squad thing and we're going to need those players towards the end of the season. And then, of course, some of the younger ones, they'll be thinking I want to stake a claim at whatever level we're playing at next season, I'll be really involved. 

DK: We've talked about the defensive qualities we've shown this season, but attacking-wise, we've got Ingram on, over 10 goals. We've got Jamie on 14 all competitions. We've got Seth with 20, if that was his goal. That's something that we've missed. 

NM: Yeah, I mean, I think it was. I don't know if we've got a veo or anything. I thought it was his goal. But, yeah, it's always nice when you get a number of players that are weighing in with goals you're saying because, I mean, he does it. He's been doing that this season. Seth's come in, he's added Jamie. He's so cultured when he gets into those sorts of areas. Milzy's come in with one or two. I think Dan has got a fair few or so I recall from centre-half as well. So, we've got goals in us as a team this year and I think in previous seasons that hasn't always been the case. Defensively, we might be quite strong, but we just don't really look that threatening, whereas this season we've really looked threatening, and then the number of games we've really dominated and then we've put our chances away, which makes it so much easier.

DK: I know we're not there yet, but the season so far, how would you describe it? 

NM: Yeah, I mean, it's been a really good season so far. But, like you say, we're at stage where we've just put ourselves in a good position. We're in a cup final and we're very well placed in the league, but it's just a good position. We've got the hard work to do, but we've given ourselves a really good chance. I mean, as Tom just said to the lads in the dressing room, Bromsgrove on Saturday away will be a very, very tough match. I think the managers changed not long ago. They were not a bad run. So, all of our focus is on to Saturday. Can we get a point? Can we get three points? Can we get a clean sheet? You know, we set ourselves some standards. Can we get that done? And then we'll look at where we're at and then we'll work hard and get set for the next match and then the one after that and that's what we'll do.

DK: Yeah, I'm not sure we've had a great lot of results when we've went there. So, it'd be important to get one. 

NM: Yeah, it's a really tough place to go. I think it's non league day, so there'll be a big crowd anyway, but they'll have a really big crowd for that with league leaders coming to town. It's a big event for them. The pitch is not the best, if I'm honest. I think it's quite undulated and it'll be patchy and it won't be firmed up. So, it won't be easy. But we've had a nice position this season. We've been able to outplay sides from what I've seen. We've also been able to dig in and fight. I've been able to do that too as well. So, we've got both sides to our game. So, I think we'll be able to draw on that on Saturday and be hard to beat. And then when we go forward, we're going to play some nice passages of football. It might only be for a few minutes or what have you, but I'm confident we'll create opportunities.

Ollie Fraser | Get To Know Q&A #18 | 18.03.2024

Winger Ollie Fraser is next up in our Get To Know Q&A series.

Quickfire Questions:-

Favourite hot drink: Tea

Favourite cold drink: Fanta Lemon 

Favourite snack: Biscuits

Favourite dinner/takeaway: Chinese takeaway 

Favourite TV Show: Breaking Bad

Favourite Film: Hangover

If you were to be in any TV Show/Film what would it be and why? James Bond so I could live a day like him. 

Favourite video game (if any): Call Of Duty

Favourite sport other than football and why? Golf - it’s fun to play with mates. 

Favourite football team: Arsenal

Favourite pro player current/all time: Cristiano Ronaldo

If you could swap places with any professional player, who would it be and why? 

OF: Saka as I support Arsenal and he’s one of the best in the league. 

Player Profile:

What would you say is the highlight of your career so far and why?

OF: Either being playing for ESFA or national cup with school team. 

How would you describe yourself as a footballer?

OF: I would say I am a winger who likes to get at people. 

Who is the best player you've played with and why?

OF: Best player is Max McFadden who plays for Leeds while I was at Colchester. 

REACTION | Luke Ingram + Kevin Horlock Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Barwell | 16.03.2024 |

Goalscorer Luke Ingram reacts to yesterday's win.

DK: A massive three points, you must be pleased? 

LI: Yeah, a big three points because, like you can see, we've got a lot of injuries, suspensions, so we knew it was going to be a tough one today, so that's a big relief to get the three (points). 

DK: Talk us through your goal.

LI: Keeper has scuffed it to me and I've had a good touch and just thought, I'm going to have a go here and lucky for me it flew top corner. 

DK: It set the tone nicely, that goal, because we went on to grab a second and saw it through.

LI: Yeah, I mean, we're a good second half side, but it's nice to come in at 2-0 at half-time, it just relieves the pressure, especially when like Milzy goes off injured and everyone's panicking, so it's, yeah, massive. It was nice to get the first one and set us on our way.

DK: Not much really happened in that second half, so it makes it even more pleasing that we got those goals before then. 

LI: Yeah, it's hard because the wind was against us second half and they're obviously having a right go and obviously, like, there is pressure on, so people do start to make funny decisions, but I thought we managed it well other than the scrappy late goal, I don't think Marco had many to save.

DK: And with games running out now, it's important to keep picking up points to keep the lead at the top. 

LI: Yeah, exactly. I think that's another one ticked off. We've got another home game on Tuesday. If we can just keep picking up points, that should get us over the line. We can't be relying on Mickleover to drop points. 

DK: It shows the camaraderie in the team and the team ethic that we're losing players near enough every game and yet we're still grinding out the wins. 

LI: Yeah, that's the best sort of team spirit we've had here for years, so as you can see, it's carrying us through. 

DK: Marco, obviously, recently got 200 appearances, which is nice to see and he had a comfortable day, like you said? 

LI: Yeah, I mean, he's the best keeper in the county. He has been for years and he will be until he decides to stop playing. And I hope if we do go up, I hope he stays because he's massive for the team, massive for the club and I can't speak highly enough of him. So congratulations on this appearance. 

DK: You're not too far away from 500 yourself. 

LI: Yeah, looking forward to getting to 500. Hopefully, I can have my family here and we can celebrate the day because I think it's a massive achievement. Like everyone knows, this is my club and I'm very proud to have been here for that long.

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's win. 

DK: Another massive three points on the board. 

KH: Yeah, it was big today. They're all big now, obviously, coming to the business end of the season, but I said to the lads that that was a big, big game for us today and a massive result. It wasn't the prettiest. Obviously, we've got lads missing, Milzy having to come off. We've got a makeshift back four in the end, but we've got over the line. Albeit we have conceded, which is disappointing. It was a bit of a scrappy goal we conceded, but the three points is all we needed today and we've got them, so we're all happy. 

DK: Took the goals when we needed to in the first half.

KH: Yeah, Ingers' was a bit special, to be fair. He's tried it a number of times. Keepers at this level tend to be a little bit far off their line and he's obviously clocked it. I said it, as soon as it landed to him, he's got a chance here of shooting and his vision's good. He's got his head up and I think he's caught it as well as he could have. It was a great goal. It just took the edge out of the game because I knew it was going to be a tough game today. They've obviously signed a few players. Leroy Lita has come in who generally does quite well against us, so it was a lot tougher game than probably people realised, but that goal just sort of settled us down and obviously to score another one before half-time from the set-piece, Jamie, with another goal, give us a nice little cushion really, even though we got a little bit edgy towards the end. The two-goal cushion sort of settled us down and enabled us to get the three points that we needed. 

DK: Other than conceding late on, like you say, it was positive that we kept them fairly quiet, especially, as you mentioned, Lita. 

KH: Yes, he's a good player. He's got goals all his career, obviously at a much higher level. He always tends to score against us, so I'm pleased he's not done that today. And obviously, we've got a lot of people missing. We've got possibly four lads that have started a lot of football for us not available, so that is going to hurt any squad. So, we are a little bit light, but I thought Hugh came back from his loan at Thetford, obviously, and started and did really well. So, that was pleasing and Ollie's got minutes and Eddie is on the bench, if needed. So, we've got through it. Hopefully Milzy's injury isn't too bad, it was quite a deep cut. Whether that rules him out for Tuesday, I don't know. I'm hoping not, but we'll see. I think it's up the hospital as we speak, getting stitched up, I think. 

DK: Everyone else injured, any update on those? 

KH: I think Reece did the warm-up today. I've not seen if there was any outcome of that, whether there was any repercussions. But hopefully, Reece is getting back training, so that's a positive. Jake Dye is obviously going to be the season. Keiran, possibly Tuesday. But again, I don't want to risk him and set him back where he misses games. So, we'll see. We'll give him another couple of days. Obviously, tomorrow and then I'll speak to him Monday and see where he is. He won't play unless he's fully fit. Obviously, I don't want to risk him being injured for the rest of the season. So, we'll see. 

DK: Would you say it was an overall great team performance? 

KH: I'm not sure it was a great performance, as in the football on the show wasn't great today. It was quite difficult on a little bit of a bobby pitch and the conditions. Defensively, I thought we did really well. I know we've conceded late on, but up until then, I don't think they caused us too many problems. It was all about the win. I think you could sense it. The lads sense they're getting close now, I think. And then when we concede, we look a little bit nervy at times and slash at things. But I'll settle with bad performances and wins at this stage of the season. We've played really good football this season. We've won a lot of football matches by playing really well and creating chances. So, I'd settle for the scabby one-nil wins and average performances now. 

DK: And today was Marco's 201st appearance and another good result to mark it. 

KH: Yeah, he's been a great servant to his football club and to football in general in the Suffolk area. I always say I think he's the best goalie at this level. I know people look and say he's getting a little bit older and maybe not in the shape that he was when he was a lot younger but none of us are. He's an unbelievable goalkeeper and a really good lad to have in and around the dressing room. So, I'm hoping he's got a few more games in him yet. 

DK: And with the reshuffling today, like you mentioned, we're still grinding them out! 

KH: Yeah, it's about winning games. This group of players never know when they're beat. They work ever so hard. And like I said to them at the start, albeit the excuses are there for them if they want to. Obviously, Tommy's not a centre-half. Milzy would argue he's not a left-back, although I think he can do a job there. I've played him many times there when he was a younger lad. So, I still had players in positions that were more than capable of playing where they were put. So, these lads ain't about making excuses. They get on with it. And I thought it looked like we was going to go on and win comfortable. But obviously, Milzy coming off, we had to reshuffle and change it yet again, which added a different dynamic to it, but we've got over the line. So, credit to the lads. 

DK: Like you mentioned, it wasn't the greatest game in terms of the football played, but we can't always be brilliant each week. 

KH: No, look, I probably wouldn't naively enough when I first come into management, I wanted the game to be played all on the floor and nice football. And unfortunately, that don't get you up the top end of the table. Yes, it might win you games and people pat you on the back. But I was sick of people saying we're the best team they've ever played, but they just beat us. So, we've mixed it up a little bit. We play a little bit more direct at times when we have to. We do the ugly stuff now. And today was one of them games. It wasn't a game to play beautiful football. It was a game to grind it out, leave it in areas. We obviously had the two goals and then defend for your lives. That's what it was in a nutshell. So, as much as it weren't a great performance, it's a great win for us. As big as any win where we've played scintillating football.

DK: And Tuesday, we've got Redditch here, which will be massive. 

KH: Yes, I think they might have dropped down below third now, I think they lost today. So, it's a tough game. I think probably winning the league is probably just out of their grasp now, I imagine. Probably people will say it'd be us or Mickleover, but obviously, they want to finish the season well and there's nothing worse than going into an end of the season if you are drop in the playoffs, if you're losing games. So, it'd be a tough one. And obviously, it's all on the line for us. Both teams want the three points desperately. So, we'll go head to head and then hopefully we'll come out on top

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Long Eaton United v Needham Market | 10.03.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's draw.

DK: Well, it's a point on the board. 

KH: Yes, look, it's another away point, another clean sheet. Obviously, it's frustrating. I think we've had enough chances today to probably win a couple of games, but we looked a little bit edgy, we snatched at some chances and didn't hit the target enough, which obviously resulted in us not getting the goal that we needed to win the game. Yes, it's frustrating, of course, but I think we need to keep a level on it. We've come away from home, albeit to a team that obviously looks like they're going to go down, but we're the team top of the table and everyone seems to raise the games against us, so we've got to carry that tag with us. Hopefully, it's a lesson learned in games like this. You need to be composed and calm and not get jittery. Obviously, that would result in, hopefully, a calmer finish and got us a goal, but today it weren't to be.

DK: Was missing players a big factor? 

KH: I don't think it ever helped. Obviously, Keiran's our skipper and our leader and he's an unbelievable player for us, has been for years and probably one of the best along with Dan at the centre-half at this level. So, missing him wasn't ideal, but we've still got players good enough to fill in and get the job done.

Today, we didn't obviously concede, so we've kept a clean sheet, but it was the other end where we sort of lacked it a little bit, lacked that little bit of composure, that little bit of calmness in front of the goal, which would have seen us on another day probably score three or four. We take the point, so it's another point to the total.

If you'd have told me at the start of the season, we'd be five points clear with a game in hand. We've got nine games left, I'd have snapped your hand off, so it's important that we put a level on it and realise where we are and how well we've done. It's just about finishing the job off now.

DK: And Jake's going off early, was another blow. 

KH: Yes, again, it wasn't ideal. We ended up with a little bit of a makeshift back four.

I think he's going to go on for an X-ray, so fingers crossed it's not as bad as we first fear. We'll see where we are. We'll train Monday, we've obviously got a rest in terms of no match midweek and we can recuperate. All guns blazing, we've got two home games coming up. 

DK: Any chance of Hugh being recalled?

KH: Not at this stage. Obviously, I'll know more once I know about Jake, but we'll see where we are Monday, what bodies we've got. Obviously, Kyle got booked, so he's going to miss two games now. But that's football, that's why you can't get too carried away. A few weeks ago when we were flying, we still are flying, but if the job's still not done, there's going to be bumps in the road. Today, I would consider a bump in the road with Hamo getting booked. Obviously, we're not winning the game and we're missing Keiran. Jake's gone off injured. That's a bump in the road, but that's what football's about. I know what's coming. We'll see where we are Monday and then we'll go again. 

DK: Good to have Byron back now though. 

KH: Byron's obviously been out for a long time and he's chomping on the bit to get minutes, so he's got a few minutes today. We'll see where we are when we come Monday. There could be opportunities for others because there could be a few injuries and whatnot. Obviously, Hamo missing two games through suspension. So, we'll see where we're at.

DK: One positive is that even though we haven't been clinical, we've still created enough chances to win it.

KH: Yes, I think we have today. Not a proper clear cut, I think Seth's was a decent chance in the first minute, I think it was. I think it could have then probably settled everyone down and been a different game. We've obviously hit the post and the rebound was blazed over.

We were just a little bit too desperate to score in the end. I said to the lads there, for us to go on and win the league in these situations, where I've been involved in teams that have gone on to win titles, is calmness wins you when all the hectic stuff is going on around you. It's that calmness and in front of goal and keeping the level head and doing things the right way that gets you over the line. So, hopefully we'll be looking to do that.

DK: And on the other end, even with defenders dropping like flies, still solid at the back?

KH: Yes, it was another clean sheet. I don't know how many that is now. It's a lot of clean sheets we've got. We need a few more of them before the end of the season.

DK: As you say, next up, Barwell at home, who always give us a tough game.

KH: Yes, there's no easy games. I think it's proved today. I think Long Eaton are 15 points adrift. Baring a miracle are going to go down, but they're still fighting. So, credit to them and credit to their manager to get them up for that. They looked dangerous at times on the break, albeit they didn't have a lot of possession in that half, but there's no easy games at this level. 

REACTION | Tom Rothery Post Match Interview | Stourbridge v Needham Market | 06.03.2024 |

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflects on last night's trip to Stourbridge.

DK: Decent point on the board?

TR: Yeah, I think so. Everyone, it's always tough midweek travel, but I think we get quite bad because of where we're coming from. You're on the coach yourself. We've left at 3pm, got here at 7pm, done a really quick warm-up and then gone straight into the game. So, really difficult circumstances. I said to the lads before the game, it's always going to be a battle. They're always a tough side, Stourbridge, always quite physical, never easy to play here. It's always a tough place to come. So, it's another point on the board. I don't think it's a bad point. I don't think we were brilliant tonight. I thought we battled really well. And like we just said to them, if you can't win the game, make sure you don't lose. So, I think it's a good point. 

DK: Real chances in the game were all first half? 

TR: Yeah, the pitch was quite heavy. Obviously, their game was off Saturday, the same as ours was. So, the pitch was quite heavy. Made it quite difficult, I think, for both teams to play. And I think at times, both teams tried to. But I think at times as well, it became scrappy. So, yeah, there wasn't lots of clear chances. I can't think of Marco making a save, but then equally, I can't think of their keeper making a save. So, probably a battling point for both teams, really. And yeah, it wasn't a game full of chances. We're all quite happy about that. 

DK: At this point, it's just picking up points?

TR: 100 per cent. Look, at the end of the day, we've got 10 games left and come the end of the season, you don't remember individual performances. It's about how many points you've got. At the moment, we're battling. And I think we've done that all season. We've won six on the bounce up until today. So, again, that's seven games now, isn't it? We've collected, what, 19 points? It's not a bad return. So, yeah, we're reasonably happy with that.

DK: Is it a bit disappointing that it's game in hand kind of gone? 

TR: No, not really. No. We've got another game on Saturday where, again, Redditch and Mickleover don't play. So, it's an opportunity for us to get more points. And we'll still have a game in hand and games in hand after that game as well. So, no, not really. I just think that's another point. And like I said, sometimes you've got to keep perspective. I said that against St Ives when we came away last time we lost the game. We weren't great. We had a good performance on that day, but obviously not a great result. And I think it's perspective. Like I said, all the circumstances today. Like all the lads. I've come off the coach and I'm sure you have as well. I left mine at quarter past two. I'm tired when I got here. And then the lads have then got to run for 90 minutes on a heavy pitch. So, you know, obviously Dylan didn't get here either because of the traffic. Dylan was arriving at eight and then didn't get here at all because there was a couple of accidents on the way. So, you know, we've ended up with 13 players tonight. It's not ideal in any way. So all the circumstances and like I said, this is never an easy place to come. So for me, it's just another point on the board. We'll take it and move on to the next one. 

DK: A new ground on Saturday too. 

TR: Yeah, I've never been there personally. So we played them obviously three weeks ago, didn't we? Beating 2-1. So again, it'll be another tough game. I'm sure the pitch will be heavy because most pitches are at the moment with the amount of rain we've had. They've played tonight. I don't know how they've got on. If I'm brutally honest, I have no idea. I know they've played Leamington. I assume it went ahead, but I haven't looked at any results. So yeah, it'll be another tough game. And Dylan will definitely be there. I'm not sure about anyone else. Manny should be back as well. So we might have a couple more bodies. So hopefully that will help. And everyone's come through tonight unscathed. So that's a positive as well.

DK: Speaking of Manny, why wasn't he here? 

TR: Kev allowed him to play for the (Ipswich Town) 21s. It was basically just, they asked. Obviously, we weren't aware that Dylan wasn't going to get to the game. They asked and Kev said yes. At the end of the day, like we've said about Nico and Manny, it's about their development. So if he's going to come here and be on the bench, whereas they're going to play him and he's going to get minutes, then obviously we've got to do the right thing for the lad, which is to allow him to play. It's as simple as that really. 

DK: The main pleasing thing was the equaliser from Seth. 

TR: As much as I've said, there wasn't a lot of great football and it was a bit scrappy at times I thought the goal was really good. Great ball from Hammo, wasn't it? I think. And then Ingers obviously latched onto it. I think he's played a one-two with someone and then delivered a really good ball. And Seth finished it really well. Like we've said before about Seth, again, he's a young lad, but I think his development this season has been brilliant. And in my opinion, he looks like a proper striker now. I think he'll play higher than this level, but he definitely looks like he can hold his own at this level. No doubt about it, and the one thing Seth always does is he looks like he's going to score goals. Obviously, he'll miss chances like all strikers, but I think he's a handful now. So, yeah, fair play to him. He took it well. It was quite a good goal, I thought. 

DK: 19 goals from the season now.

TR: Seth? What has he got, about eight or nine in the league? Yeah, look, that's a good return. Obviously, I'd want more if I'm honest in the league. But, yeah, no, I think I'm one of Seth's biggest fans. I just think he's a top player and his attitude's brilliant. And he will 100% go on to bigger and better things, and that's not being disrespectful to us. I think the world's his oyster. I think he's a top player.

DK: The pleasing thing this season compared to last year is that we've got Ingers and Seth on nine in the league. We've got Jamie on 10. 

TR: Yeah, they're all chipping in. Jamie's chipping in. Tev's got a few in him. Obviously, Jacob's got a few. I think Milzy, Dan, we've got more goal scorers. And like we just said in there as well, you know, as much as I don't mind us being a bit disappointed. And we'd want to get three points. But at the same time, I think that again shows where we're at this season. We're more resilient. You know, the game's a bit scrappy. It's a bit of a battle. And we just make sure that we don't lose. You know what I mean? If you can't win, make sure you don't lose. And I think that's the main difference for us this season as a team, as a collective. Everything was against us tonight. The travel, the players are unavailable.

Dylan not making it, you know, down to 13. The excuses were all there ready made for us if we wanted to take them. But these lads don't want to take excuses anymore. And that's how far we've come really.

Marcus Garnham | NMFC Get To Know Q&A #17 | 24.02.2024 |

Goalkeeper Marcus Garnham is next up in our 'Get to Know Q&A series.

Quickfire Questions 

Favourite drink: Jägermeister, or a beer, Guinness. 

Favourite food: Lasagne.

Favourite snack: Crisps. 

Favourite takeaway: Chinese. 

Favourite film: I like Pulp Fiction.

Favourite TV show? Favourite TV show... Oh, at the moment, I've started getting into The Traitors on BBC iPlayer. I love that. Yeah, that's been class.

If you're going to be in any TV show or film, what would it be? I reckon it'd be Love Island because the birds will be all over me. It'd be a joke.

Not Traitors then? No, not Traitors, no. You wouldn't be a traitor? No, I could never do that. 

Favourite team? The Mighty Town.

Favourite player, current or former? For Ipswich, Mickey Stockwell. 

How would you describe yourself as a player? Just work hard and try and be selfless for the team, really, I guess. Just be there when I'm needed and help out when I can. That's about it, really.

What do you think you're known best for? Just being a handsome devil with loads of talent. That's about it, really. 

Do you have any footballing memorabilia? No, not really. No, I haven't collected anything over the years. Not really, no. I've kept my boots from Yeovil and I've kept the kit from Yeovil and that's it, really. That was quite a big moment for myself, so yeah.

What about Burton? Yeah, we got our FA Cup shirts back printed, so that was good. I mean, it took Kev about three years to get it, but yeah, it was all good. Only three years and it was only November the other year? Yeah, Kev took his sweet time about it.

Best player you've played with? Gavin Johnson. Yeah, he's unreal. 

What inspired you to play football? I played basketball.. I was a basketballer and then I met a guy at my basketball camp and he said he was going to start a football team and it was Kesgrave Under-11s, Kesgrave Kestrels, and I played for them because that was quite a new estate back then. Yeah, I went in goal and never looked back, really. Always a keeper, mate, but I showed a few of the lads on pitch how to do it at school and stuff. You know how it is, you know? That's how it is.