REACTION | Kevin Horlock, Tevan Allen Post Match Interviews | Warrington Town V Needham Market | 31.08.2024

Click below to hear match-winner Jake Dye's thoughts on todays game.

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on today's away win. 

DK: Brilliant win on the road, you must be pleased with that? 

KH: Yeah, it was a great performance from the lads, I couldn't ask any more of them. I thought they worked their socks off, they stuck to the game plan and obviously the goals were really pleasing. Could have had more, obviously they've conceded last 15 and probably a little bit of nerves out there but we've seen it out, seen it through and it's a monkey off our back as such. We've got our first win now, moved up a couple of places now, something to build on. 

DK: Yeah, both goals were clinically taken as well! 

KH: Yeah, they were great goals, something we spoke about, pressing high, getting numbers in the box and obviously when you do that, you're going to create chances. So, credit to the lads, they've carried out the game plan to a 'T.' It was a big ask, obviously we went to a diamond and changed formation today and it asked a lot of the lads, we're asking for lads to be covering the pitch and making runs forward for as long as they can, which then we have to make changes but I thought everybody contributed today so it was really pleasing. 

DK: We also scored at crucial times, at the start and the end of the first half and then otherwise defensively looked sound? 

KH: Yeah, I know the results don't probably tell the full picture. We've been okay, we've not won games but we've been in every game and could have got a lot more points than we have, barring Alfreton where we deserved nothing, I think in the other games we deserved more than we got. So, today I think we got what we deserved, I think we deserved the three points. So, I'm hoping that I give the lads a lift and now believe that they belong at this level and hopefully we can create a few more upsets as such and collect more points than we have and going forward we'll be looking to climb the table and improve our position. We're missing big players for us, the lads that started the majority of games for us last season. So, missing players isn't ideal but I've got a squad that I believe can compete at this level and they all in their own right can play at this level. So, ideally you want all your players available but when they're not other lads have to step in and make a difference and obviously Marco, we lost Marco today in the warm-up and Danny Cullum's travelled with us. Then he got thrust in straight into the start and line-up and I thought he did really, really well. So, credit to him for one, travelling to do the warm-up with Marco but then two, to give the performance that he did. Dylan's ankle was still sore so he didn't train Thursday so he was not available.

Luke's hamstring is still sore so I imagine he's going to be probably another 10 days at least and Hammo's has settled down slightly but again didn't train Thursday. So, I think we'll have to assess it. They won't be involved on Tuesday but we'll assess it Thursday when we train.

DK: Yeah, moving on, we're at Hereford next. 

KH: Yeah, like I said to the lads in there, they don't get no easier. There's no easy games at this level. I think all the games have been fairly tight but you have to work to your maximum. You have to show quality in front of goal and defend for your lives to get anything from any game at this level. No-one rolls over you. So, we'll dust ourselves down. There's going to be some tired legs now and this evening but we'll prepare properly and give it a good go on Tuesday.

Goalscorer and MOTM Tevan Allen reflects on today's win. 

DK: Nice to get a win on the board. 

TA: Yeah, I think it's been coming. We said all together that it's not been the greatest. I think from the last game, we were a bit hurt from the last game. It was Alfreton at home, that loss, I think we didn't give a great account of ourselves. And like I said, in the Scunthorpe game, I think every other game we've tried to give a good account of ourselves. And I think Monday we didn't do that. So we had to have a bounce back. The win's been coming. Like I said, sometimes we haven't really got the rub of the green. I think today it wasn't about rub of the green. I think we just worked our absolute butts off for each other. And I think that came into fruition.

The fact that we got the win, went 2-0 up, away from home. I think it reminded us a bit of last season. I think the way we worked real hard first half, got to where we needed to be.

We were under the cosh a little bit second half. But luckily we got through the game on a hot day. Good opponents.

They're not necessarily going to be down there. So I think we've done really well today. 

DK: And to get a goal and assist is even better for you personally?

TA: Yeah, I think also it's been coming from myself.

I'm an honest man. I think I've been really below par. I think trying to get to grips with the league and the position I play in at the moment. It's been tough because some of the games, people don't really get it down and play. Opposition wise, it does go back to front quite quickly. And being in the 10, sometimes the ball can just kind of go over your head, but I think today with the shape, change of the shape, getting closer to the two strikers that we had allowed me to then be in a pocket to receive the ball and do what we had to do. So I'm glad to get first goal in this level, assist. It's what I dreamed of, really. So, yeah, glad to finally do it. And yeah, good win. 

DK: You struck that goal sweetly as well.

TA: Yeah, I was just saying to Jacob, I can't really ever remember goals. I know how it came about. It was a hard working endeavour. The ball was bouncing around in the box and I just saw an opportunity to hit it. So I thought, why not? And luckily, I think it went through someone's legs. I have no idea. I'd have to watch it back if they have got a video of it. But yeah, just when it went in, it was just relief, really, to go one away from home. It's a great feeling, travelling all this way to finally get a goal felt good. No, no alarm bells aren't ringing, not just yet. Yeah, it's good. Like it's another step up for me. Never played in this level. And yeah, it's another season to prove that. Although where I've played previously, like I can score goals if I'm allowed to have that freedom and play in that position. I think, yes, it's time to show people that I can do that. And I've done it last year. Six in the league, four in the cup. It's not a massive amount of numbers, but you can always improve. So to get one as early as this in the season, it's really pleasing, and hopefully I can get many more. 

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Alfreton Town | 26.08.2024 |

Click the photo below to watch our interview with new signing, and debutant, Josh Tomlinson.

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on Saturday's home defeat to Alfreton.

DK: Not the greatest of games, really? 

KH: No, I don't think it was a spectacle by any means. It was a difficult game for us to come into. Obviously, they're quite direct and, give them credit, they're good at what they do, and I just thought we struggled in that. I thought we dealt with the long balls quite well defensively, but you can only do that for so long. I think on the turnover, we needed to be a little bit braver and play, but we then started giving it back and playing into their hands a little bit and going longer. Obviously, eventually, if you're going to play like that, eventually something's going to drop to them, which it did. And then we obviously then had a mountain to climb. I think we've been good defensively for a while now, not just this season, but you can only defend for so long. I thought we were under the cosh. Obviously, they play in good areas. They're obviously quite a big group that look for percentages. They've got the long throws and we're defending for long parts of that game. And if you don't have no respite when you have the ball and you've got to be brave to stay on it and work hard and make runs forward, if you're not going to do that and you're not going to get out and eventually, obviously, the breakthrough comes for them. Just, again, another long ball, a flick on. I thought we won quite a lot of the aerial battle, to be fair, but what they do really well is keep it alive. They get bodies around it. They don't make it easy for you to clear and it stays in your defensive third, which then becomes a problem.

DK: A plus side for us is Josh made his debut. 

KH: Yeah, look, he's come in. I knew what they were about. I knew they were going to be direct.

So he's obviously a big, big lad. He's aerially really good and he's strong as well. So he gives us, he bolsters us up a little bit and I thought to a point it worked. But unfortunately, the tweak didn't really work in an offensive manner where we just didn't look a threat today. The ball didn't stick. We didn't really get behind them and it resulted in us getting exactly what we deserved, which was nothing.

DK: Anything pleasing for you today?

KH: I think Josh's debut was pleasing, obviously, coming into a team that you don't know many people. I thought Keiran was outstanding again, which we know what Keiran is, but just a little bit disappointed with everything else, really. We didn't land on enough second balls. Today wasn't about playing pretty football. It wasn't about patterns of play. It was about rolling your sleeves up and competing with a really big side that played percentage football and unfortunately, we came up a little bit short today.

DK: Moving on, we're away to Warrington who are within a couple of results, touching distance of us. 

KH: Yeah, look, it's still early days. Alarm bells aren't ringing. We're still getting acclimatised to this level. I think the biggest difference I've noticed is physically teams are a lot bigger, a lot stronger, a lot quicker, more direct. So we've got to get used to that sooner rather than later, but then we've got to have the strength and courage to then impose ourselves. And look, we are going to have to go a little bit more direct at times, but we're going to have to do it a bit better where we play into better areas. We have to understand it a bit more with second balls, but when we get opportunities to play football, I want us to play football as well. So yeah, Warrington's obviously another long away journey, which they all are in this division. That's not an excuse. We know where we are. We know what we've got to do and we need to be ready for it.

DK: Obviously, Luke and Kyle are out for a little bit, but is Jayden injured? 

KH: No, Jayden wasn't. Obviously, one had to be left out today. So we'll see where we are. I'm not sure if Hammo or Ingers are going to be ready in time for Saturday. We'll have to see. Obviously, we'll train Thursday and see where we are.

James Coton | NM Reserves Weekly Reaction | Whittlesey Athletic (H) 24.08.2024 |

Reserves Team Goalscorer James Coton reflects on yesterday's (Saturday 24th August) draw at home to Whittlesey Athletic.

DK: What did you make of today's draw, both the team's and your personal performance?

JC: Todays draw was more than deserved as I think that me and the boys worked really hard and were unlucky not to win the game as we created lots of chances and defended well. I was also pleased with my individual performance and to get the goal to help the team get a well deserved point. 

DK: You must be pleased to have got on the score-sheet today?

JC: I am pleased to get on the score sheet today as it helped the team secure a point and has given me confidence for the following games ahead.

DK: Can you talk us through your goal?

JC: The ball fell to me just inside the box I beat a defender and put it into the bottom right corner.

DK: How do you feel the season has started for you lads so far, building some good momentum?

JC: The start of the season has not been easy for us as we are all very young and are adapting to men’s football. I think we have learned a lot over the first few games and it is nice to gain a bit of momentum having won last week and getting a well earned draw this week. 

DK: Another home game for you guys on Saturday, how do you see that?

JC: Playing at home is always nice as it gives us an advantage as we are used to the surroundings. I think Saturday will be another hard game as no game is easy but I am looking forward to it.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview| Radcliffe V Needham Market 24.08.2024

Click below to watch goalscorer Ben Hunter's video interview.

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on today's draw. 

DK: First point on the board for the season, you must be pleased? 

KH: Yeah, I think it was obviously important to try and get points on the board as soon as you can, and going the first three games without any was not ideal, obviously. But, yeah, I take points on the road. It could have been more today. I think if we'd have played with the intensity like we did on Tuesday, I think we'd win the game. But I'm a realist. Tuesday's game was really tough against Scunthorpe. We've had a six-hour journey here today. So, the lads worked hard and, yeah, got the first point, which is massive for us and it becomes a good result if we can back it up on Monday. 

DK: And Ben got his first goal for the club with a well-finished off, well-worked move! 

KH: Yeah, to be fair, our deliveries into the box wasn't great today, if I'm totally honest, but Milzy has put one back stick there. Hunts has made a run and got a tap in at back post. So, yeah, pleased for Hunts to get off the mark. But just pleased for the lads really to get something from today's game, because I think it would have been a tragedy if we'd have been sat here again like we have been in previous weeks, where we're saying we were unlucky not to get something. So, we've got a point on the board. It's a starting point and now we can start building.

DK: Could it have been three? 

KH: I think so. It's difficult for me to be critical of the lads because they've worked so hard again today. We've had a tough game Tuesday. We've had the long journey here, which we know we're going to have to do week in, week out. So, they give everything. But I think if we'd have shown a little bit more quality in the final third, because we did have opportunities, we got balls in good areas and I think we had a 3v2, a 3v1 at one point and we just didn't really capitalise on that opportunity. I think last year when we're winning games and we're full of confidence, I think we scored more than one goal today. So, it could have been three, definitely could have been three. But it's a point and we're not leaving empty-handed. So, we'll take that. 

DK: Another positive is that we responded quite quickly to going behind. 

KH: Yeah, I thought we were better second half.

Obviously, first half, we didn't get up the pitch as much as we'd have liked. Obviously, there's a slight slope here. But second half, I thought we played front foot. We dominated the ball at times. Played in there half a lot more. We got in good areas and just lacked that little bit of quality that we normally show.

DK: You brought in Josh last night. He was on the bench today, albeit didn't feature. 

KH: Yeah, obviously, he's a really good young player. He's a good size, a really good footballer. Comes with really good pedigree. So, we need bodies at this level. He obviously adds height and strength in defensive areas for us, which we certainly need. 

DK: And we had a few players out today with no Hammo, no Luke and Jayden. 

KH: Yeah, I think that's going to probably be the case this year where we're playing at a higher level. The games are a lot more intense and lads are going to pick up injuries. Certainly, when you're playing midweek and Saturday. So, yeah, you would ideally want all your squad fit, but that's not really going to happen. So, we've got bodies. We've got players that can come in.

We've got options in different areas. So, we're okay. 

DK: What's pleased you most today? 

KH: I think that we've just come away from home on the back of arguably three difficult results.

Albeit, we've played really well in the last two, I believe. We could have got something from both and I just didn't want the lads to start doubting themselves. We've had a trip here and it's difficult when you've not won a game to find that performance and where you're going to get that first point or first three points from, so I'm really pleased how they dug in. We've defended really well again today apart from the goal, which obviously there's always bones to pick when you can see goals. But as a group, we worked really hard and eventually got something for it.

DK: Yeah, like we say, it was a well-earned point and hopefully build on it as Monday against Alfreton. 

KH: Yeah, again, it's going to be a tough game. Alfreton are a big physical team. I think we've realised and realised early that the physical side of the game is a lot stronger at this level than the one below. So, we've acclimatised that reasonably well. It's just then going from the physical side of it on the turnover to then having the composure and the guile to cut teams open and create chances.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Scunthorpe United | 20.08.2024 |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's narrow defeat to Scunthorpe.

DK: A bit of a harsh defeat tonight? 

KH: Yeah, I thought the lads performed excellently tonight against, and let's be realistic, a Scunthorpe team that, in my opinion, will probably win the division. I know we've not seen a lot of it, but it's not going to be much better than that. And I think we matched them. Obviously, I think it took, or you could tell later on in the game that they were obviously a little bit fitter and stronger being full-time. But, yeah, the lads were magnificent to a man. I thought we defended stoutly and created a few chances, which on another day we'd probably score.

And then we may be having a different conversation. But I just don't want it to be, and already it's sort of feeling that way, where it's a little bit of an unlucky old Needham. It's not about that.

It's about us improving and getting better and finding our feet at this level. And I think we've done that game on game. I think we've improved and it's been a tough start for us. There's no doubt about it. We've played some of the top teams in the division. So we've seen what this division offers and what we're against. It's going to be difficult every week to get points, but we're moving in the right direction. And if performances stay as high as they have been tonight and last game against Southport, then we'll be all right.

DK: Yeah, like you said, we've competed with a full-time side that two years ago in the Football League, we've had chances. This could have easily nicked a point. 

KH: Yeah, I know it's soon after the game.

I can't remember them having too many clear-cut chances. I don't think Marco's been called upon lots tonight. And obviously to be defeated by a penalty, was it? Was it not? I don't know.

Some lads are saying there was a little bit of contact. Were they playing for it? Yes, probably. Do we get it the other way round? I don't know. It's frustrating. It's frustrating. And I feel for the lads after working so hard to be done by a penalty. But it is what it is. There's no point moping about it. We're not going to be down about it. Our performance levels have increased and we're getting better. We're getting used to this division. And we've got another tough away game at Radcliffe on Saturday.

DK: Yeah, with Milzy hitting the crossbar, forced their keeper into some good saves, could have easily been a different night. 

KH: Yeah, could have, but wasn't. So we'll have to take it on the chin, like I said to the lads.

We dust ourselves down. We still believe in what we're doing. We stick together. We'll train Thursday. We'll be ready for Saturday. I think it's one of them where we are slowly getting acclimatised to this division. It's definitely a massive step up from the league below. We've played the top teams within that as well already. So hopefully it becomes a little bit easier when we get to speed. And obviously we're not playing teams like Scunthorpe. So we keep working hard. We keep trying to do the right things.

Like I said, I thought we defended brilliant. Kieran, Dan, Jake and Tommy back four with Marco behind. I thought did unbelievable. They're a good team. Let's not kid anybody. They cause problems.

That's quite direct. But I thought we coped with it really well. So it's a little bit of a feather in our cap, albeit no points on the board. But it certainly gives us some positivity to take into games going forward. 

DK: You made two changes tonight. Seth had his first start in this league, and him and Jacob came in and did really well. 

KH: Yes. I don't generally make changes for the sake of it. I just thought it was quite a high output game, last game out. So I just thought of freshening it up a little bit. Obviously both were unfortunate not to start the game before. So I will put fresh legs in. And I thought Seth worked really hard in a difficult game for him. I must admit. He got three massive centre-halves, about seven foot. So he's always going to be up against it. But he worked his socks off, put himself about. And then obviously enabled me to make the changes in the game where I thought that could affect him. Milzy come on and nearly scored with his first or second touch. It was good save from the keeper. He's hit the crossbar. Jamie's come on and had a really good chance on another day, he scores that. So we need everyone as a squad. It's not all about just the starting XI. It's about players that are in the squad and come on and affect games and give us something different when we need it.

DK: It's incredible having a squad that's that big that players can't even get on the bench. 

KH: Yes. That's the level of football we're at now. The game's thick and fast. We're obviously playing more games as well and at a higher tempo.

So you need bigger squads at this level. Dylan's been unwell. And obviously I can't have everyone in the squad, unfortunately.

DK: And moving on to Saturday, we've got a trip to Radcliffe.

KH: Yes. And I know it's early days. But six points, I think, are down near the bottom with us. It's still really early days. But you want to get your first points on the board as soon as you can. Games start ticking by. So it's a massive game for us. Obviously another massive journey, but we knew what we were coming into. It's not an excuse. We know what league we're in. We're all looking forward to it. And we'll be going all out to get the first three elusive points. 

Roan Tucker | Weekly Reserves Reaction | 17.08.2024 |

Goalkeeper, and Man Of The Match, Roan Tucker talks about Saturday's away win for James Mant's side, reflects on the start of the season so far, and previews next Saturday's home game.

DK: A big win for you guys on the road, you must be pleased with that result and performance?

RT: Yeah absolutely buzzing the boys really dug deep towards the end and put in a real shift today.

DK: I'm told you had an incredible game, how did you find it from a personal perspective?

RT: Yeah really pleased with my personal performance really happy with my penalty save there’s no better feeling and felt I showcased my ability well.

DK: A well earned first win for you guys in the league, to do so with limited numbers must make it even better?

RT: Yeah like I said the boys put in a real shift and a couple players played through knocks and some playing out of position it really helped the boys get over the line.

DK: It must be even more pleasing to win on the road?

RT: Yeah I mean it’s a great feeling to go away from home and take three points hopefully we will be able to keep up the away form throughout the season.

DK: How has the start of the season been for both you personally and the team?

RT: It’s had its challenges but from my perspective I’ve really enjoyed it and the boys are playing good football and creating good chances so I am very hopeful for the season ahead.

DK: Back at home on Saturday for you, what kind of game are you expecting?

RT: Hopefully we can carry this momentum into the next game every game in this league is tough but I am confident.

REACTION | Kyle Hammond Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Southport| 17.08.2024

Click the link to watch Kevin Horlock's interview, after today's game.

Goalscorer Kyle Hammond reflects on today's game. 

DK: First of all, what did you make of today?

KH: I thought we were well within the game. I thought we played really well for everyone to a man. We matched them really and just a couple of little mistakes which we haven't been doing.

Like last year we didn't really have many of them and it's just, we've just had, you know, Marco doesn't do that ever and it's just unfortunate, you know, and probably if that doesn't happen then we probably could go on or we have to take the draw. 

DK: Talk us through your goal, well struck. 

KH: Yeah, me and Tev were having a little bit of a who's going to take it and I just said can't please Tev and then he weren't going to and then in the end he just goes, oh go on then. I just tried to aim for the back post, just someone get across it and then, I don't know, just went in really. Oh no, I went for goal but I was aiming for the back post just and if anyone gets across it and heads it in doesn't matter but if not it misses everyone and it should go in and I think to be fair I don't think the keeper really, yeah it wasn't right in the top corner. I think he flapped out a little bit so yeah.

DK: But it must feel nice to be our first ever National League North goal scorer? 

KH: Oh yeah, it's nice I suppose, yeah it is nice but I know it sounds a bit silly but it doesn't really mean anything to me to be fair. I suppose it's a good thing that I was supposed to be in history that I'm the first goal scorer but to be honest with you, it doesn't really bother me.

DK: Yeah, it's been two kind of tough results to take after being well in the game and then coming out on the wrong end.

KH: Yeah, I don't think last week we were really ourselves to be honest. Going away from home, just little things like that, I just don't think we were really ourselves and gave a good account of ourselves last week. I think today we really have and I think if we play like that we'll be fine.

DK: And moving on to Tuesday, another big game against Scunthorpe?

KH: Well yeah, they're all big games aren't they now? Not just now because we've lost our first two but every game's a big game. I think if you play football and you don't think every game's a big game then a bit silly really. So we'll go into that, we'll dust ourselves down, recover well and give it another go on Tuesday.

DK: We're still, like we say, we're showing that we can compete with these big sides? 

KH: Yeah of course and I don't think we have any doubt about that within our group. Players, management, everyone else, I don't think we have any doubts about that. Obviously it'll be nice to get some points on the board in our first two games but we'll give it a good go on Tuesday.

Ollie Fenn | Needham Market Reserves Weekly Reaction | NM Res V Swaffham Town | 03.08.2024 |

Reserve Team captain Ollie Fenn talks about being back at the club and gives his thoughts on the opening week of the season. 

DK: First of all, how does it feel to be back at the club?

OF:  It’s great to be back at the club, I had some great years here before and it’s nice to see some familiar faces around the place. 

DK: How do you think the season has started for you lads, a mixed bag of results, but some good performances?

OF: The start has been mixed results wise but really positive in terms of the performances. The detail the lads are trying to implement in games from Manty is a real plus point. 

DK: It must've felt nice to lift some silverware on Tuesday, in an entertaining game for charity?

OF: It’s always nice to win and it’s a good habit to develop. Never a bad time to win silverware and I was glad we could come through a tough game to win it for the club. 

DK: There's a slight feel of disappointment that you lads didn't quite get the win you arguably deserved today, is that how you see it? 

OF: We did deserve to win today having created so many good chances but we could have also lost it at the end. A point is better than none. 

DK: A fourth straight home game for you guys on Saturday, which must feel nice, are you expecting a tough game against Stanway?

OF: Yes, it’s nice to start with some games at home and hopefully we can build on today. I know Stanway have a good reputation so it will be another tough test. 

DK: How impressed have you been with the lads so far, given they're still new to senior football?

OF: I’ve been really impressed with the lads but also not too surprised. Having spoken to Manty I knew he wanted to build a competitive squad for the league. We have a lot to learn as a team but it will happen.

REACTION | Jamie McGrath, Tom Rothery Post Match Interviews | AFC Sudbury V Needham Market | 03.08.2024

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflects on Saturday's final friendly.

DK: Nice to have pre-season out the way.

TR: Yeah, I'm glad it's over, yeah. I don't really enjoy pre-seasons. I find them very tough because, it just doesn't overly mean anything, does it? Results don't mean too much. You don't get any points. So, yeah, I'm glad it's over. But I don't think it's been too bad a pre-season. Same as last pre-season, I said that to the lads after the game as well. I think the last two pre-seasons, the lads have brought into it. I think the commitment's been good and, generally speaking, I think we've got out of both pre-seasons what we needed to, so, yeah.

DK: Topsy-turvy game today. First half better than the second, really.

TR: Yeah, and again, I think a lot of that comes from pre-season, to be honest with you. Sudbury didn't make too many changes. I thought they were good, both halves. They didn't make too many changes, though. We made quite a number of changes earlier, so they probably made a few changes later in the game. We made a number of changes earlier in the game, which then creates a little bit of faultiness. It's very difficult for players to go on. We didn't get too many positives out of the second half. Marco obviously made a couple of brilliant saves, but there weren't too many other positives out of the second half. But, yeah, Sudbury is never an easy place to come, so I suppose the pleasing thing is that we haven't lost pre-season or not. That's an important attribute to have. When you're not at your best, make sure you don't lose again.

DK: Two good goals from our point of view as well. 

TR: They were the biggest positives, without stating the obvious. Not because they're goals, but because of the way the goals come about. It's just through working hard and pressing in the right areas. I was really pleased with both those goals, really. I suppose the frustration off the back of both those goals is that we had opportunities to get a third. I think Jamie was denied, if I remember rightly. I think someone else was probably denied. I can't remember. And we didn't really kick on and build up from that two-nil, although I really thought their penalty was really soft to make it 2-1. Tommy's adamant he's got the ball first, then the player. That was how I saw it from where I was, so I thought the penalty was soft. That's probably the frustration from 2-0. We didn't really build on it. The second half became a bit patchy, whether that's because of the changes. There weren't as many positives in the second half, or many at all, really, if I'm honest. 

DK: Finally, on the eve of the first league game now? 

TR: Yeah, looking forward to it. Like I said, I just prefer football season. It just means something, doesn't it? If you win a game, lose a game, draw a game, there's things to get off the back of that, whether it be points, whether it be learning lessons. I find pre-season really difficult because I'm just so competitive. I just find it difficult. I think the competitive edge in me just finds pre-season a real tough thing to do. I'm always glad when pre-season's over. Like I said, I think it's been reasonably positive, similar to last pre-season, but it means nothing on August 10th. Everything starts. You all start with zero points, and that's where we'll find out where we're at, and hopefully we'll be in a good place. 

DK: It'll be a tough game, considering they were seventh in the league last year. 

TR: Yeah, we've got a tough start. Let's take positions from last year. They were seventh, you've got Southport that look like they've improved. Well, they have improved, there's no doubt about that. And then you've got Scunthorpe, obviously, who's second. That's the third game. You've got Radcliffe come up. Everyone's tipping them to be the favourite or one of the favourites in the league. And then I think we start with Alfreton at home after that on the bank on a Monday, and they were fourth last year. So it's a very tough start. Like I've said on previous interviews, we need to expect every game to be tough. And then like I've said to the players today, our mentality is massive now. It's really important that we are prepared to feel and act like we're step two players and show that on the pitch consistently and deal with the ups and downs and be brave.

Goalscorer Jamie McGrath reflects on today's game. 

DK: Half-decent game to finish pre-season? 

JMcG: Yeah, you know, it was obviously competitive, (they're) league below what we're going to be in. Got some good players, so we knew it was going to be a tough run out. You know, it was a tough game when we came here in January last year, so we knew it was going to be tricky. But yeah, you know, lots of positives to take, I think. 

DK: And a brilliant goal for you as well? 

JMcG: Yeah, no, nice to get on the score sheet as always. Hopefully sort of take that into next week and into the season. But yeah, could have had maybe one or two more. So yeah, but you know, still happy. 

DK: Probably one of our better friendlies, really, in terms of competitiveness? 

JMcG: Yeah, I think so. Obviously, we've played a few teams in lower leagues, which has been good in terms of building patterns of play, relationships within the team and building fitness. But yeah, it was obviously more of a test today and slightly disappointed, obviously, to have the two-goal lead and then end up drawing. But as I say, positives to take and the result doesn't really matter.

DK: Yeah, and we move on to Curzon. The first Step 2 game? 

JMcG: Yeah, no, looking forward to it. Nice short journey to start with. But, you know, we know that's part and parcel of what we've got in this league. So we're all looking forward to it. Looking forward to the challenge and I'm sure we'll put in a good account of ourselves next week. As I say, looking forward to it.

REACTION | Kevin Horlock Post Match Interview | Mildenhall Town V Needham Market | 31.07.2024

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on the win at Mildenhall.

DK: A nice win tonight, you must be pleased with that? 

KH: Yeah, again, it's another pre-season game out the way. It's all about getting fitness. Difficult pitch to play on. I've played here myself with the slope, so it was a different challenge for us tonight against a team that has obviously come up to Step 4 and have added players and are quite competitive. So, it was a good test for us. Obviously, it's probably my last opportunity to rotate it around a bit and get lads minutes. Obviously, the pre-season games are running out. We're left with Sudbury, which will be a tough test and obviously, that's the last game we've got before our first league opener at Step 2. So, yeah, I chopped and changed it a little bit. (It) can make it a little bit disjointed, but I thought it was okay.

We scored a couple of decent goals, not conceded. The only downside is obviously the trialist getting injured late on. I'm hoping it's not too bad. He's just rolled his ankle. So, that's the downside of it, I suppose. But overall, it was a solid performance. I think we dominated the play. 

DK: The subs came on at half-time and within two minutes, one of them set up the goal.

KH: Yeah, it was a bit of a headache tonight. I must admit, obviously, we had 20 in the squad. A couple played last night. It's about getting lads as many minutes as they can across the board. So, it was a little bit of a brain teaser to get everyone minutes tonight. But we got there, and like you say, they had impact. The lads that come on, obviously, contributed to the first goal. Then, obviously, we brought on more lads after 60, where we were dominant, really, in possession. Going down the slope was a lot easier here. So, yeah, it was a good workout for us and sets us up nicely for our last game at Sudbury. 

DK: Like you say, we bided our time quite well and took our chances. 

KH: Yeah, two good goals, the cross from Milzy.

I think it was a slight deflection, but Seth was in the place you have to be between the white sticks. It was a nice little tap-in for him. Then, Hamo, we've seen it a couple of times now. He scored an absolute thunder blaster. I don't think no keeper in the world saves that. He's caught it really well. He's hit the underside of the bar in the top corner. Yeah, it's a pleasing night, like I say, apart from the injury. 

DK: Harley still injured? 

KH: Yes, unfortunately, Harley's done the warm-up, and still not 100 per cent right, so there's no point risking it. Tonight, he's done the last two warm-ups, but still feeling a little bit of pain down the back of his ankle. So, I just don't want to risk it at this stage. There's no point. So, it's not ideal, we know, but I'd rather that. Be more cautious than him to play tonight and then rule him out for over a month. So, I'm hoping by the time the season starts, he'll be ready to go.

DK: Everyone else is fit, aren't they? 

KH: Yes, everyone else is good. It's always difficult pre-season. Obviously, you're trying to shake your squad up. We've made a couple of really good additions, in my opinion. It's about getting minutes, but it's really frustrating when you've got to rotate it and it's difficult. You go to different places and different challenges. I'm just looking forward to the season starting. Also, we've got a real tough task at Sudbury, which will be a good set-up for us to go to Curzon the week after. 

DK: And their assistant manager was here tonight. 

KH: Yes, a strange one to come and watch a game on a Wednesday night when we've got 20 in the squad. I'm not sure he'd have learnt much about tonight, but we'll see. This season's going to be a tough one for us, but it's one that we're all excited about and looking forward to. These lads have learnt their right to play at Step 2 and we'll be all right. I think we might surprise a few.