Jake Dye | Get To Know Q&A #12 | 25.11.2023 |

Jake Dye is next in the Q&A hotseat.

Quickfire Questions:- 

Favourite Hot Drink: Has to be coffee.

Favourite Cold Drink: Fanta Orange.

Favourite Snack: Don't mind some Doritos, to be fair.

Favourite Takeaway or Dinner: If we go takeaway, I'd probably say Chinese. If we're going dinner, it has to be a Sunday roast.. 

Favourite TV Show: I'll go sit on a fence here, The Inbetweeners.

If you were in a TV Show, which one would it be?

JD: That's a good question. What would it be? I reckon one which no one really watches, because I reckon I don't have much about me. A bit boring. Something stuck on ITV Five or something.

DK: What's your favourite hobby other than football? JD: See, I used to play a bit of cricket back in the day. I didn't really enjoy it, but I was half handy at it, so probably stick that down.

DK: Batter bowler?

JD: Batter batsman. Yeah.

DK: Top order?

JD: Top order. Sundays, I opened a bat and did really enjoy it, score a little bit of runs, but I'd probably go in three or four.

DK: Do you play many video games?

JD: No, not at all. Maybe a little bit of football manager, but nothing recently.

DK: What team do you support?

JD: Liverpool.

DK: Your favourite pro player, current or all time?

JD: So I'll probably go. Two Liverpool lads go. Trent and Steven Gerrard.

DK: Favourite song or musician, if you have one?

JD: I reckon everyone says Drake, so I'm going to steer clear there.

DK: No one's actually said that, from my knowledge. No.

JD: I'll stick it down then. Drake I'll take that one.

DK: I've done about ten. I've got a few to post because we've had games called off.

JD: I'll tell you what, I'll take Drake if no one's taken it. If someone has taken it,  if you look back, I'll go Fred again.

DK: Sorry. Favourite moment in a Needham shirt so far and why? 

JD: I think York's been was pretty special. York away, great team performance. Obviously the heroics right at the end. Little header off the line. So that or Yeovil was definitely up there. What a win that was.

DK: Yeah, I think that's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. How did you manage to get that off the line?

JD: I don't know, mate. I think I'm still concussed from it, if I'm honest. It was just one of those where just instinctively just dropped back in and thankfully volleyed it straight towards my head and I'd take maybe two steps to my right and, yeah, thankfully stayed out.

DK: Any goalkeeper would be proud of that save with their hands.

JD: Yeah, absolutely. But, yeah, I don't know, but obviously it's disappointing because the home fixture, but, yeah, I think York away was a great day out.

DK: Definitely was. Do you own any sporting memorabilia? If so, what's your favourite and why?

JD: No, I don't think I do, if I'm honest. No, I don't think I do.

DK: Who would you say is the best singer in the squad?

JD: Best singer? I reckon a few of the lads think they've got a bit. I'll go Sethy Chambers.

DK: Best trainer in the squad.

JD: Keiran Morphew.

DK: Now, I've been told that one before. If you could been involved in any sporting event ever, what would it have you been? Why.

JD: Any sport? What, me, actually playing in? I'll probably say probably golf Ryder Cup.

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

JD: Say one of the Liverpool players to try play games with them. That'd be pretty special for me.

DK: I'm surprised you didn't say Trent. Alexander Arnold.

JD: To be fair, yeah straight swap. Firstly, steer clear of Andy Roberston, don't play left back anymore, but, yeah, I'll stick down Trent, get in that Liverpool team!

DK: Didn't enjoy it left back, did you?

JD: To be fair, I've done alright if you look at the end of season, doo. Yeah, but I'd play anywhere, if I'm honest. Just get told where to play. Yeah, I just get on with it.

DK: You took all the awards, didn't you? Yeah, it was the Jake Dye end of season presentation. How would you describe yourself as a player?

JD: Good attitude, work extremely hard. Defensively, very sound. Now there's an attacking threat to my game. So, yeah, I wouldn't quite put all-rounder just yet, but I'm getting there. But, yeah, just burn my heart on my sleeve and committed to the cause.

DK: Gradually getting more goals.

JD: Gradually getting more goals. Yeah, more assists. They all come one by one.

DK: That's gradually rising up the list of attributes.

JD: Yeah.

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

JD: I think probably my one V one defending. Work hard to not get beat as much as possible, but also perhaps my engine. I think I'm up and down that pitch and knackered by the end, if I'm honest. But, yeah, either my one v, one defending or my energy, my engine to go up and down the pitch.

DK: What inspired you to be a footballer?

JD: Just had a football at my feet for a young age. Watched my dad's team Saturday afternoons, so I was always amongst football, always amongst the changing rooms. So appealed to me from a young age. And yeah. School PE, straight away I'm barking at the PE teacher, can we play football? And, yeah, Saturday, Sundays, play for teams and training two, three times a week. So, yeah, football wouldn't stop, so come at a young age, to be fair, but if we're going for an inspiration, probably my dad. Yeah.

DK: And the last one, the best player you played with and why?

JD: I'll probably still go with the best trainer, Keiran Morphew. Just because Mr Needham, he trains like he plays. Formed quite a good partnership. Right centre half, right back. Communicates to me, well, makes my life a lot easier. And I know if I'm missing the ball, he's there to sweep up behind me. So, yeah, probably Keiran Morphew. I'm glad I'm on his team, if I'm honest. Yeah, if I'm on his team, I'm fine. If I'm not, I'm making sure I'm checking my shoulder every now and then.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET V YORK CITY | 17.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAY |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on last night's heartbreaking Emirates FA Cup exit.

DK: Heartbreaking way to go out?

KH: Yeah, I'm devastated for the boys, they've over two games put in such a shift, and it was a horrible goal to concede and so late on, but they're obviously really dejected in there, and I understand it, but I couldn't be prouder of them. They put in an unbelievable shift in over nearly 3 hours of football. They've gone toe to toe with a National League team and there wasn't much in it. As much as it hurts now I said to them down there, they've took this club, they've elevated this club to levels it's not been to before, with nights like this. So we're doing alright, it's just to bounce back now, they're deeply disappointed and rightly so, because they deserved more, but they're doing great!

DK: Is it more gutting considering we've probably had the better of the chances and possession tonight?

KH: Yeah, the game was slightly different tonight, we was a little bit more front foot, and was obviously it was going to be that way with us being at home, slightly different so, we had chances. They had (chances) as well, let's not kid ourselves, I'm not deluded, they've hit the post - we've had a bit fortunate with that. The lad should probably score when he's twisted inside and blazed over, but we've had chances. On another night we score and it could've been different, but fair play to them, they obviously over two games they battled away and they've gone through, so we wish them well in the next round.

DK: From our point of view though, like you say, the fact that we've held a National League team home and away for like 200 minutes is pleasing.

KH: Yeah, look they had a lot of possession first game - tonight I think it was a little bit more even. We've had chances, and it just wasn't to be tonight, obviously disappointed to concede the goal so late on - in the manner it was conceded, but that comes from tiredness maybe, lack of concentration. I don't know, but I'm so proud of all of them, and this is where we need to realise what potential this team's got. This is where we need to stick together, and now take it into the league campaign, and obviously vthe Premier Cup - which are the two things we've got to play for. So there's nothing in the background to stop us pushing on, so it's important that we keep that hunger and drive that the group's got, be disappointed and want to replicate nights like tonight next season in the FA Cup - and we concentrate on the league, and try and accumalate as many points as we can.

DK: To literally be a slither away from the first round must make it more gutting?

KH: Yeah, just losing football matches. This group don't like losing, none of us do, but to be so close to the first round, and obviously you don't know - you're in dream land, you don't know where it can go - to be so close and fall short at the final minute or whatever it was is heartbreaking, but moments like this and heartache of football, because it's a cruel game at times, can be things that fuel your fire as well. So a football career is never going to be all highs, there's going to be low, and this one - albeit is a high as well for the football club and the lads, because we're punching above our weight - is a low as well, because we knew how close we were and we probably deserved more on the night.

DK: Like we've said, it's a proper - yes Saturday was more of a defensive performance while getting forward at times, let's not kid ourselves, but tonight it was a proper Needham performance so far this season. Solid at the back, but looked dangerous.

KH: We had to add that front foot tonight, at home we had to take it to them and I thought we did. I thought we did it really well, yes they had moments still - which you expect but - I couldn't be prouder of this group of players, and I'm hoping the supporters are proud of them and they continue to support them this year, in numbers, hopefully numbers grow and we keep putting on performances like this, because even as manager I'm in the moment, and in the game, but at times we play some unreal football that's a delight to watch.

DK: In their ranks they've got a handful of players who've got over 100 EFL or higher appearances and it's taken that type of goal to beat us.

KH: Yeah, that's the FA Cup, that's the heartbreak of it, but you can't be too disappointed, because like I said we've nearly got to the first round again. The lads have been magnificent over the two legs, anyone who's watched the games will have seen that, and look I couldn't be prouder of them. I'm just hoping that the Needham fans are proud as well, because this group could end up achieving something special. 

DK: Of the 604 tonight, by the looks of how people were standing second half, it looked like the majority were supporting us.

KH: Yeah, it was a great atmosphere, obviously the drum was playing, and again they make a difference, they have made a difference this season the group of Needham fans, the young lads that come with the drums, the lads really appreciate it, and they were that extra man tonight when we needed them. So I'd just love to see more nights, not only in the FA Cup, numbers increasing in the league to get behind these lads, because this group of players is special.

DK: What's your message to the fans?

KH: I hope they enjoyed the journey this year in the FA Cup, but we've got more to come from this team, this group of players have got more to come, and obviously we want to kick on in the league, Premier Cup, and then we'll revisit the FA Cup next season and try to get to that first round again.

DK: It was nice to see McGrath back starting!

KH: Yeah, I thought we did well, he gives us something different in terms of his hold up play's really good, obviously he's not played a lot of football of late, and got tired up, but up until that moment I think he got us a foothold in the gamewhere we take possession higher up the pitch. So he'll probably be sore tomorrow and tired, as will all of them, but we'll get together Thursday for training, have a loose one, have a loosen up and have a stretch and see where we are, and Saturday's massive. Back to the league campaign, obviously teams have played extra gamesnow and we've not dropped too far, so we just want to start winning games in the league again and see where that goes.

DK: Bit of a surprise to see Pagey come off the bench, after the injury Saturday?

KH: Yeah, look assessments were done, at first he thought he'd pulled his hamstring, but it loosened off and it looked like it was only cramp in the end, so he had the test and said it was fine.

DK: How far's Reece from being back match fit?

KH: Reece was about to come on in extra time actually, obviously we didn't get that opportunity to do, so Reece is there or there abouts, so there may be a few changes on Saturday, we'll see.

DK: If it had've gone to extra time did you have other subs planned?

KH: I hadn't thought that far ahead, obviously I was just doing it in the moment and what was needed in the game at that time, but Reece was going to be coming on unfortunately we didn't get the chance to.

DK: Is there anything that you wish that the lads would've done differently tonight?

KH: Score! No look, the lads were brilliant, the chances, they weren't great chances on other day a little bit more conviction maybe it may get you a goal, but I can't ask more from than what they give me, which they keep giving me every week, so I'm a proud manager, even in defeat.

DK: Moving onto Saturday, back in the league after cup after cup game, that should be a big one?

KH: Yeah, like I said they're upset and tired, but like I said that's fine. That's fine because football is about growing and developing and learning, and pain and upset is part of that, so they can be upset, but like I said be very proud of themselves and this is our moment of learning where we want to kick on and try and get to a place where we're playing teams like York every week, and to do that you need to get out of the division we're in. So that's what we're going to try and do.

DK: What reaction's needed Saturday?

KH: Not a reaction, I don't think it's a reaction I'm after, because we were good tonight, I think it's just more of the same, them energy levels, that commitment, that desire which I know this team give me anyway, so I don't think I need a reaction. I'd be quite happy with it staying the same, because if we play like that against most teams we'd win.

DK: Is that we've come like that save from Ingers, Keiran's headed a header just wide, still pleasing for you?

KH: Yeah, I'm disappointed we've lost, of course I am, but we've gone toe to toe with nothing in it, and had a threat as well surely gives the players, it doesn't give me anymore belief, because I've got total belief in this group, but I'm hoping it gives themselves that they're good individually and a really good team and a really good group. So I'm hoping, as disappointing that it is tonight, it gives them that bit of confidence as well.

PREVIEW | TEVAN ALLEN PRE MATCH INTERVIEW | 16.10.2023 | NEEDHAM MARKET V YORK CITY 17.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAY |

Midfielder Tevan Allen reflects on Saturday's draw, the season so far, the Emirates FA Cup run so far, and previews tonight's (Tuesday 17th October)'s 4th Qualifying Round replay with National League side York City. 

DK: Starting with Saturday's game, you must be proud of the team's performance? 

TA: 100% to a man I thought we were excellent in terms of resilience and putting our bodies on the line. The best thing about it is that we didn’t actually play our best and we have much more to give and hopefully we prove that on Tuesday. 

DK: How did you find the game on Saturday? 

TA: It was an amazing experience for myself, I haven’t played in a game as big as that and it can be daunting however I really enjoyed the experience. 

DK: How do you feel the cup run has gone so far both as a team and personally, having faced some strong sides so far - including two great goals for you? 

TA: I couldn’t ask for anything more from both myself and the team, we have come up against different challenges and we have overcome them all so far and hopefully we can do that one more time. Getting the goals I have on the way is just a bonus! 

DK: What are you expecting from tomorrow's game, and how much would it mean to you if we win? 

TA: I expect them to come and throw everything they possibly have at us and we definitely respect the level and standard of football that they play. Being at Bloomfields tomorrow night hopefully we can use that to our advantage as I don’t personally believe they will be able to be as expansive and we can capitalise that with our hard work and endeavour. To win it would be massive because we truly do have an opportunity to get into the second round proper. 

DK: Will you approach tomorrow's game any differently? 

TA: I think we will all approach this game as any other, we know what’s at stake however it doesn’t change the fact we will be playing against the same opposition and if we do all the right things well we have every chance to win the match. 

DK: Should we progress, what do you make of the draw for the first round? 

TA: I think it’s a great opportunity even though people may have wanted a team in a higher league I think it’s a good draw because we have more of a chance. Of course not being naive and thinking we would win it as it’s still a higher league opponent but the groups of lads we have we are brimming with confidence. 

DK: What do you make of the start of the season so far, and how far do you think our recent form could take us for the rest of the season? 

TA: It’s been almost too good of a start because of the expectation and almost making a team a scalp for people to have a swipe at however we couldn’t ask for anything more. I believe if we keep everyone fit and together there is no telling how far we could take this season!

REACTION | KEIRAN MORPHEW + KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | YORK CITY 0-0 NEEDHAM MARKET | 14.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND |

Captain Keiran Morphew reflects on yesterday's draw.

DK: Still in the hat, you must be pleased?

KM: Yeah, it's pretty good to be fair, obviously we'd like to win but it's important we didn't lose and see if we get one decent on Sunday.

DK: As captain and defender you must be pleased with the defensive performance?

KM: Yeah, we done well. Obviously we didn't have a lot of the ball. Normally we're used to having a little bit more of it, well a lot more of it, but I thought we had decent shape. They obviously were knocking on the door at the end, couple of goal line clearances, but it's what it's about - FA Cup football - when you're the underdogs, put your bodies on the line and see if you can dig something out.

DK: Is that the kind of game that you expected?

KM: Yeah, I think everyone knew, we like to pass the ball, we probably could've done better at times but when you're against good teams that make the pitch big and you're doing a lot of running, it is hard to then, as soon as you win the ball back, it's hard to then relax and keep it. We done alright I think.

DK: Going forwards, when we had possession, do you think we looked a threat?

KM: Yeah, at times, we had a couple of moves. We had some half chances, I think Dyl probably could score really, but obviously we didn't have too much going forward. They're a good side, they're full time, they're professional, but they're going to have to make an annoying trip down to us on Tuesday. It is a long way, as we know from today, but obviously they're full time, so it is a bit different, but still it's a game they weren't expecting. It's a game they're going to have to play, it's another game in the legs, so we'll just go from there, and hopefully get a big crowd at the ground and make some money for the club. 

DK: How does today rank for you, in terms of big games/results?

KM: I don't know, draws are pretty unemotional to be honest with you. Nil-nil draws, obviously I'm pleased we get to play them again, we're in the hat Sunday, but realistically it's a nil-nil draw.

DK: What will you be looking for from the draw?

KM: Either one of the big clubs away or winnable tie at home. Anyone at home, or a big club away really is what you want.

DK: What's the most pleasing thing for you from today?

KM: Everyone worked their socks off, good day out for the club, good turnout from the fans - who were screaming and singing all game, it was brilliant.

DK: Will you be expecting a similar game on Tuesday?

KM: Oh yeah, they're going to have lots of the ball again, we're just going to have to defend and work hard again, and keep it 0-0, and see if we can dig something out.

DK: Today we were supported by 101 loud Needham fans, that must've been good?

KM: Yeah, they did brilliant. I heard a lot of them throughout the game more than the York fans to be honest, but I think the York fans are probably a bit down on the season this year, because they're not doing so well. We've been there as well, it is hard, when fans are on your back, it is hard to play and you can see that today.

That's natural when the team is playing attacking football, and they are knocking on the door, the fans are going to get up, and last few minutes of the game we've had (kept) two off the line. Jake Dye shouldn't block that one on the line, I think the ball's just whacked him in the head really but that's unbelievable defending.

DK: How did you find the game yourself?

KM: Obviously the beginning I was a bit nervous, but that's natural for me, once you have a few passes, few touches, the game does settle down, so you play yourself into the game really, and then second half I didn't have loads to do, there was a lot of running up and running down - a lot of shouting, a lot of talking, so that was about it really.

DK: We showed that we step up to the occasion in big games.

KM: Yeah, we have got a good group who turn up for big games.

Manager Kevin Horlock also reflects on yesterday's goalless draw in the Emirates FA Cup.

DK: Still in the hat, you must be pleased?

KH: Yeah, I couldn't have asked for more from the lads. I think the ultimate, which like you say, was to be in the hat, which we are, and I thought the lads were brilliant. We had long periods without the ball obviously, which you expect, but I thought our shape defensively and our willingness to put our bodies on the line was clear for everyone to see, and we actually had a few chances. I think first half going in, we had about 3 shots, they had 1, so the game plan worked and the lads gave everything and they deserve the replay, and hoprfully we can rest up and recouporate and raring to go Tuesday, and who knows get in that first round!

DK: It was a good all-round performance?!

KH: Yeah, it's not shocked me, they've done it bar the first game of the season, they've been magnificent all season. They give everything, they work hard for each other, they demand off each other, they want to improve, and they're good footballers. We're good team on our day, and yes we could've done maybe with a bit more of the ball today in possession, but I can't grumble. We worked so hard out off possession, when we landed on it we got tired towards the end but I'm made up for the lads, they deserve it. I said to them in there (changing rooms), this isn't the job done, the job done is trying to get into the first round still, which again we'll still be massive underdogs, but it's at home. We haven't got to do the travelling, we've set ourselves up for that, so can we go and finish the job off?!

DK: It gives us a bit more of a chance, having home advantage?

KH: They're a good outfit, they're obviously going to come and play and be strong, but we've come to their place, kept another clean sheet, still not conceded in the FA Cup, which is unbelievable in itself and can we add that goal that gets us in the first round? Obviously we're going to know who we will face tomorrow, so we'll be looking forward to that, and then all raring to go on Tuesday.

DK: At times, I believe you expected from what Keiran said, we had to dig in defensively, but when we got forward like you said we looked a threat?

KH: Yeah, we've got threats, we've got players who carry the ball, we've got players that are willing to run forward. Look, it was a good performance, that was what I was hoping for, them (the lads) to show what a good outfit we are, which I think we have, hopefully we've shown it. 

DK: Having put our bodies on the line, I think Jake, however he kept it out, getting it onto the post herocially, Dylan firing over, it was another proud day.

KH: Yeah, look these lads, I've said it in multiple interviews, they're the best group I've had, the togetherness, the willingness to work hard, put their bodies on the line, that summarised it for me at the end. Yeah, we've had chances, yeah on another day Dyl might score that, but the tackle he made late on and I'd love to see a still picture of that last 30 seconds of it and then you've got 3 bodies diving across the goal to put their bodies and faces in the way, and I don't know where it hit Jake, but what a picture that've been. That sums up what this group are about, I might have that picture framed and put above my desk.

DK: Were you going through the motions during the game?

KH: I was pretty relaxed, because I know what this group are going to give me, they're going to give everything, and look even if we lose I know they're going to give me everything, so I was pretty calm. Obviously the last couple of minutes were nervy times, but inside I was nervous, but on the exterior I'll always try and stay calm, because I think that's a good reflection for the lads to see. In their moments, they stay calm, they were in the right place at the right time so hopefully that transcends into them, and I want them to play without fear and know that they're capable of coming to places like this, because like I said to them at the very start, before they come out, which one of you don't think you could play at this level, and rightly none of them put their hands up so I think they all could. 

DK: Seth came off the bench and was instantly involved.

KH: The first few seconds he landed on the ball and it sort of took a slight deflection and took the power out off it, but that would've been some moment for him, but it's not just the starting eleven, it's the lads that come on. I thought that Ollie came on and affected it, some lads haven't got on today but we're in it all together and if we're going to be successful, we'll need every single one of the players and all the staff, which we're thankful to have as well. We're a good group.

DK: What's the most pleasing thing for you today?

KH: They please me every week, it's just their endeavour, their willingness to listen and learn, and willingness to work hard for each other, and I said these moments are great, they're about creating memories as a group that you can take to your grave and we've got a couple from over the last couple of years, this is another one. There could be another special one come Tuesday and beyond that hopefully.

DK: Keiran's expecting a similar game on Tuesday, are you?

KH: Yeah, I'm hoping it may be slightly different, in terms of the fact that - I don't know why but it tends to happen - because we're at home we might have possession hopefully, obviously they've got to travel down, which adds to their problems a little bit, but we've got a good pitch as well, so it's not like they're coming to a non-league ground with a rubbish pitch where it's going to be muddy and tough. Our pitch is very good, so they'll probably come down and play a similar style. I'm hoping it gives us a lift, hopefully there's a fairly big crowd there cheering us on, that gives us that extra bit that gets us over the line.

DK: Yeah and with them being a full time team we dealt with that quite well?

KH: Yeah, we did, but like I said, I think, a lot of my players can play at that level, nearly all of them. Obviously the younger ones still need to develop, but you take any player out of the team that you've seen today in a Needham shirt you could put it in their team, and they would be more than comfortable. So we've dealt with their threats really well, but it's only half-time. We've got another 90 minutes.

DK: What are you looking for in the draw?

KH: I don't think you can look, I think like always, you're looking for a plum tie, but it means nothing getting a big club in the first round if you don't get there, so it'd be nice to get a big club obviously, financially the rewards from that for the football club are massive. And more importantly it's that character of, 'come on, let's get there,' because it means nothing if you get a big club then lose Tuesday.

DK: Clean sheets galore lately.

KH: We've not conceded in the FA Cup, which is a feat in itself, so it'd be nice if that continues.

PREVIEW | TOM ROTHERY INTERVIEW 11.10.2023 | YORK CITY V NEEDHAM MARKET 14.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 4TH QUALIFYING ROUND |

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery previews tomorrow's trip to York City. 

DK: How will you treat Saturday's game?

TR: Like any other cup game to be honest. We will prepare some analysis on them through audio and visual and then work on those bits on the training pitch to prepare the lads as best as we can. Obviously the time we have is limited but we will do that and then on the day of the game as we’ve done that preparation work we will then focus mainly on us. How we play and what we do that can cause them issues hopefully and what we do to try and contain their threats.

DK: What's the mood been like in training going into Saturday's game?

TR: It’s good the lads are disappointed after Saturday but we’ve spoken briefly about that and now the focus is purely on Saturday. 

DK: What will you be expecting from the lads on Saturday? 

TR: No expectation as such. The message from myself or Kev is consistent when it comes to what’s deemed as a big game, don’t play in fear. From my perspective it’s always about trying to be the best version of ourselves. Ultimately if you do that then you can have no regrets. 

DK: How important is it that we travel to York with better away form to the majority of last season?

TR: I haven’t really thought about last season aside from what we spoke about at the end of that season and in pre season. We all knew we had to be better and that was the real drive from myself and Kev. So far I’d say we’ve been a lot more consistent not just away but at home also. Our performances have been better and the results would suggest that too. The changes we made to the squad have helped and so that’s pleasing but we still have a small squad so keeping everyone fit is really critical and that is tough at times especially with the schedule we’ve had recently. 

DK: Equally how important is it that other than last Saturday that we've been consistent home & away recently?

TR: Whilst I don’t think we played well as we have recently I still think more times than not if you replayed Saturdays game we should win it with the chances we created and the possession we had. We didn’t though so we just need to move on from that and the message has been really clear from Kev and I. We set standards and we look to hit them every training and game day and more times than not the lads do that and that’s what we will be looking for Saturday. So far we’ve shown that consistency but equally we are only in October so the desire is to have important games in April and May. 

DK: How do you reflect on the cup run so far?

TR: It’s been good, we’ve not conceded had 3 tricky away ties, no really easy games but we’ve dealt with them professionally and then dealt with the replay against higher opposition well also. The revenue it creates helps the club so that is also pleasing and the buzz you get from progressing is good for the players and supporters creating days like Yeovil, Burton and now York is good for all of those reasons and to raise the profile of the club also is a huge plus. 

DK: What are you expecting from York (i.e. playing style, tactics, formation)?

TR: At the level they play we know they’ll retain the ball well and I’ve seen that for myself. I expect a certain style and formation but I don’t know what changes they’ll make on the day but once we have the team news I believe I’ll know the shape and we will deal with that on the day if it’s different to what we expect which is what the lads will get from the analysis. I’ll keep that for now close to my chest.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW | NEEDHAM MARKET 3-0 PETERBOROUGH SPORTS | 03.10.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 3RD QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAY |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on Tuesday night's win over Peterborough Sports.

"If you keep working hard, it could end up being a good season for us."

DK: York City here we come!

KH: Yeah, the lads were magnificent again tonight, without repeating myself in interview after interview, it's a special group - players in terms of football, in terms of people, they're prepared to go that extra yard for each other as a group - so you'll always in with a chance. I couldn't be prouder tonight, and without sounding arrogant, because I'm not an arrogant person, I had a feeling if we played as well as we can and they played as well as they can, we win - because I think we're better than them, and people may say I may be biased, but I know what I've got. I see them obviously every training session, I see them every game, and they (the lads) just keep producing, so they deserved everything they got tonight. The trip to York is well deserved, and again it's good for the football club to go a football club that's been a league club, that gets big crowds. It's a tough ask, but FA Cup you never know! If we go there and perform as well as we can we'll have a chance again.

DK: Yeah, 3 well taken goals in a dominant second half.

KH: Yeah, we sort of spoke about at half-time, not that we was really poor but, we didn't play with that front foot mentality - we was a little bit off them - maybe the fear of losing, but I just said go out and do what you do, I'm not saying go expansive but go enjoy it, go and get further up the pitch, and we do that that's when we look the most dangerous, and we did that brilliantly second half, obviously with again keeping a clean sheet gives you that platform to go on and win games, and the goals we scored were brilliant.

DK: We rode a bit of an early storm in the first 10-15 minutes, but after that we looked like the better side.

KH: Yeah, we just sat off them, obviously we expected them to come out more and be more aggressive, I don't think they pressed us that much at their place, and they definitely upped that and we just sort of sat off them a little bit, and didn't really back ourselves as much as we should of. I tell them all the time what good players they are, what a group they are, and go out and just show it - and that's what they did, so I couldn't of asked more from them, all of them, every person that was in the squad tonight - even the ones who didn't get on - they're part of this group and when you're winning games it becomes a habit. If you keep working hard, it could end up being a good season for us!

DK: Tonight we've showed how free flowing our football has been in the league.

KH: Yeah, we're dangerous, we're dangerous, we've got players that are willing to run forwards unselfishly, not always to receive the ball - which creates pockets for other players to land on it - we look a real threat, and we look a force going forward. That coupled with having an unbelievable defensive record, with Marco again making a couple of saves - top, top saves, by the way - and a defence in front of him, and more importantly players ahead of the defenders that are willing to track back and work hard in front of them, it's a good recipe. So long may it continue, but it'll only continue if we continue to work hard, and push for more, which is obviously my job ultimately, and Tom's to keep pushing the lads to really achieve what could be possible. 

DK: One of the even better statistics is that we've still got a clean sheet so far in this competition!

KH: Yeah, Tom - statto - Tom my assistant's unbelievable, he knows all the stats and he mentioned it down there (in the changing room), if you take away the six we conceded at Stratford in the league, coupled with the FA Cup no goals against we're pretty solid. So credit to the lads, that's across the board, and obviously Marco's included in that, it's going well, but football has a habit of knocking you when you least expect it, so we won't take it for granted. We'll keep working hard, we'll be training Thursday, we'll be looking at the clips of them (Cray) for Saturday, so we'll keep striving and continue to keep winning games and getting better.

DK: What is the most pleasing thing about tonight?

KH: That the lads just keep turning out, giving everything, I couldn't ask for more, and showing everybody - I know already - me and Tom know how good they are - but showing everyone else what good footballers they are individually , but more importantly football's a team game and what a good group they are, and what a good team they are.

DK: As we've talked about, York away in the next round, without getting ahead of ourselves, it's another winnable tie.

KH: Yeah, it's winnable! Obviously the lads will enjoy tonight, we'll have a light session on Thursday and get ready for the Trophy on Saturday, which is massive for us. I want to try and compete on all fronts, obviously two years ago we had a good Trophy run but not so good FA Cup run or league, then we had a good FA Cup run, but went out first round of the Trophy when we went into that and not good league. This year we're going strong in the FA Cup, started really well in the league, I want to have a good run in the Trophy as well, and yes it might stretch us, but it means opportunity for others and squad rotation, but I want the lads to want everything.

DK: You talk about the Trophy, it's important that after a night like tonight that we don't rest on our lourels and we go out there and repeat tonight.

KH: I won't let them (the players), I won't let them, but more importantly, and it's what makes my job more easier, they won't let it happen themselves. It's a self motivating, self managing team, yes obviously I have to lead it and Tom, but they manage it themselves, so there's no way they'll take their foot off the gas, and like you said in the last question the trip to York is nice, and we'll be focused on that once it's upon us, but it's winnable. It is winnable, it's the FA Cup, you've seen it so often, yes we're massive, massive, underdogs - call me biased - I think a lot of my players could play at the level they're playing at so we'll go and have a right good day out and we'll give it a right good go - and if we win then we'll be estatic, if we don't and we give everything then hold our hands up and say the better team beat us.

DK: In the second half as the goals flew in, the ground erupted, which was nice to see.

KH: Yeah, look, I'm glad! When I first come to Needham obviously I wanted to first and foremost create an environment for lads to develop and get better, for me the person is just as important as the player. So what I mean by that is that I want good people that are willing to roll their sleeves up and work for each other, which I've got, and I wanted to bring good football. I want football to be good to watch, obviously successful football is a mixture of good football, attractive football and the dirty side, which I think we've done really well at this season. So I'm pleased that the fans are enjoying it, I'm pleasing that we're scoring goals, and like I said I'm pleased that the lads are showing what a good team and what a great team they could potentialluy become.

DK: Is there anyway that we could actually improve?

KH: Yeah, loads of ways. Loads of ways, tonight - and look I don't want to be critical because we've won 3-0 against a team higher up, we've kept a clean sheet - we could've had more. We could've had more, we was opening them up at will at times, and that final little bit of quality, look I'll give the lads the benefit of the doubt, obviously getting tired the shift the put in, but there's always room to improve. You'll never the finished article, and I won't let them think that. When we're getting patted on the back, we've got silverware, or we've achieved something, broke more records in terms of the furthest the club's been in certain competitions, then I'll still let them give themselves a pat on the back but I'll still push for more! I'd say if we win the FA Cup, I'd allow the lads to say that we're a good team!

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK + DAN MORPHEW POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | PETERBOROUGH SPORTS 0-0 NEEDHAM MARKET | 30.09.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 3RD QUALIFYING ROUND |

Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's goalless draw.

DK: Still in the hat, what do you reckon?

KH: I think we come into today's game, and you want to be in the draw for Monday, and if that meant obviously going away from here with a draw, instead of a win, then you take it. Obviously, it's a tough place to come, we've been here a few times over the years, league above, so we were underdogs, but I thought in the game, I thought we were the better footballing team. Obviously they're very direct, we expected it, we knew that was coming, but we just didn't have that final bit of quality in the final third. A real close call on Seth for offside, I don't think it was personally, but I would've took it at the start of the game. I think if you would've said to me we'll take them back to Bloomfields on Tuesday, I would've took it. So obviously I'm pretty pleased, the lads have again put in an unbelievable shift, we've got (our) skipper pulling out before the game, Keiran Morphew with a sore neck, which obviously leaves us a bit short, then obviously Reece Harris has done his hamstring fairly early on. So we had to shuffle the pack a little bit, and Jake (Dye) did unbelievable at centre-half, I think in Keiran's replacement, so all in all I'm pretty happy. But it's half a job, we've got to finish the job off Tuesday.

DK: As you say with those 2 enforced changes, before and early into the game, it didn't trouble us.

KH: No, we've got a good squad, obviously we are a little bit light with lads missing, but Keiran was always going to be a big blow for us, he's the leader, he's the captain, he's obviously - in my opinion - one of the best centre-halves in this division, and the one above, so obviously for him to be made unavailable was a massive blow, but I thought the lads coped with it really well, they didn't really look fazed by that. Jake just went in there and looked as if he'd played centre-half all his career, which he did at left-back last year. So, look, it was a big loss with Keiran, but it didn't really weaken us that much, we kept another clean sheet - which is good - and it probably gives us another bite at the cherry - and it possibly makes us less underdogs on Tuesday with it being at home.

DK: Although, like you say, we were the better footballing side, in terms of chances did you think either team really had a proper go at it (winning the game)?

KH: Not really, I can't remember too many chances, I think they put in a couple of decent balls in late on, which is obviously their threat, other than that, like I say Seth's offside is really tight. I'm not so sure it was offside, but it is what it is, and Seth had that little run late on, but it was a weird game actually - I've not seen one for a while with referees normally giving free-kicks for everything. Today, there was free-kicks for nothing, there was clothes line, WWE maneuvers happening out there and there weren't free-kicks given. Bizarre, bizarre, but he was consistent, he didn't give them all afternoon, so you can't really grumble, it's just a little bit confusing when it happens, you're not really used to referees being like that. It was like a throwback to when I started my career, when anything goes, but I thought the lads battled hard and certainly deserved to stay in the hat for the draw on Monday.

DK: Seth, when he came on, added that extra kind of bite - in a way - to us, and changed it a little bit more into our favour.

KH: Yeah, he had fresh legs, obviously he's not played as much football as the others - Ingers and that - up top, and obviously we've worked tirelessly up there for a number of games now, and today he had to work up there quite isolated and on his own, so I think Seth just gives that little bit of energy, like I said I think the goal that got ruled out offside wasn't, but yeah he did well when he came on - Seth - and added that little bit of injection of pace as well, and he llooked frightening as well. He looked dangerous, but we couldn't get the goal, so we'll take 0-0, go back to Bloomfields, we'll rest up, and we've got a few knocks and tight muscles in there, but I'm hoping Keiran will be back first and foremost. I don't think Reece will be, but other than that I think we'll be full strenght hopefully, and we can give it a right good go under the lights of Bloomfields.

DK: Hopefully, aside from obviously with Reece, the flip side of it is that it gives another opportunity for someone like Ollie to come in from the get go.

KH: Yeah, I thought Ollie did well today, he's got that burst of pace, he goes past people for such a young lad - and he's not a massive lad but yeah, good body strength - keeps hold of the ball, I think going forward he's got massive potential and he'll add goal threat to that as well. So I thought he did well today, Ollie, and like you say when people miss out it means opportunities for others.

DK: Do you reckon Tuesday's game is going to be much the same of today?

KH: I hope not, I blooming hope not, look I think our pitch is much better than the one we played on today, we'll look to get the ball down like we normally do, and I don't really want it to turn into a fight off, and it being so aggressive. I'll want to get the ball down and play round people and hopefully we can get the ball in the final third and cause problems like we do to most teams.

Stand-in captain Dan Morphew also reflects on yesterday's draw.

DK: Still in the hat!

DM: Yeah, it was a tough game, hard fought draw, pitch is tight, a bit bobbly, they're direct and big and physical, so a draw's a good result away from home, no complaints really.

DK: Obviously with the County Cup game initially scheduled for Wednesday, is it a problem to have more games?

DM: I think you don't really care what game's when, you play them as they come really, so it's not really a big deal that the County Cup gets moved to another week when you're doing well, when you're playing well - winning games - you expect to have a lot of fixtures built up really. So if you win in the FA Cup, or you win in the FA Trophy, win in the Premier Cup youexpect there's going to be a fixture build up, so we just play one game at a time. There's no difference to us when they're Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday so let's keep going. 

DK: With playing a team a league higher today, does it make it more pleasing to have got a clean sheet away?

DM: Yeah, to a degree, look the last two years we've played loads of teams higher up than us, two or three years since Kev's been here I think we lost away, I remember maybe 3 seasons ago, or 4 seasons ago, Gloucester away in the FA Trophy when we lost. I think it was 4-2 we ended up losing, I think since then we've done really well against higher oppositions, that sort of game I think Gloucester were top of the league at the time, obviously we had a lot of belief. Ever since then I feel like every time we play a team from a higher league we've got a chance, well even the Burton Albion game last year in the FA Cup, we were 1-0 89 minutes, they just got one right at the death and we were in the game the whole time so I think every time we play a Conference North or South, or a Conference team I think we've got a chance. I think we showed that here today, we're more than capable of competing with those teams at that level.

DK: Obviously going into the game - and we still are - second in our league and they're 23rd in theirs, could you see there wasn't much of a gap in terms of positions in the tables?

DM: Yeah, I think they'll admit they're struggling in the league, they're maybe not in the form they'd like to be in, and we're playing well and winning games, I think those things become habits. We may be full confidence, they may be struggling for confidence a little bit, maybe searching for how they're going to win games, and we're sort of got a way of winning games at the moment, and I think that - like you say - that gap didn't look that big, which - well in my opinion - the goal we got disallowed for offside shouldn't have been disallowed for offside, so we should've really been coming away with a 1-0 win. They had a couple of chances, crosses in the box, but other than that it was very even on a bobbly pitch, the referee let it be very physical which suited them, and I think we stood up well to that challenge, and showed that we're more than capable of competing with them.

DK: With Keiran being injured, and Reece getting an injury in the first half, we showed great resilience to defend how we have been.

DM: Yeah, absolutely, I think we've got complete confidence in Jake dropping into centre-half and Kyle going right-back, you know, don't get me wrong Keiran's captain, he's been a standout player for Needham Market for the last decade, so every time he's not on the pitch it's a miss, and especially in a game like that, because like I say they're a physical side and to be honest Keiran's probably our most physical player, in terms of strength and heading the ball and agressive ness. So you know, we definitely missed him to an extent, but in his absence I thought we defended really well as a team, and sort of we more than stepped up to the challenge without him, and it's a shame to lose Reece early on. I think he started really well in the game, he was getting on the ball nicely, and setting things up. I thought it obviously weakened us when he went off, to a little extent, we sort of missed him in there, bit of composure on the ball, he was doing really well, so it's a shame to see him go off, but we'll turn around Tuesday and hopefully Keiran will be back, and we'll go again and we'll look to push on.

DK: As stand-in captain, what would you like to see from us on Tuesday?

DM: The only thing I care about every week is eleven players giving everything they've got, if 1 to 11 we work hard and full of endeavour, and give everything, as a captain, as a player, as a manager, I'm sure as a coach, that's all you ask for. You know, people are going to have bad games, and they're going to have good games, but you know as long as everyone's giving a hundred percent that's all we ask for, as a team, of each other, I think if we do that we've got a chance to win every game.

DK: How important is this competition to you, personally?

DM: It's always nice to do well in the FA Cup, it's a special thing to achieve, we had a good year last year getting to the first round, when I was really young I was part of a Leiston squad that close to that, and it was all a memorable thing when I was younger, it was really great to do it again (the) next year sort of being an instrumental part of the team and to do it two years on the trot (now), would be amazing. So if we manage to get into the first round, 2 years on the trot, it's great for the players, it's great for the club in terms of financials, it's great for the fans, with the teams you could end up playing against, but as a player it's just another game really. I just want to win every game, if it's the FA Cup, if it's the league, it's the FA Trophy, I want to win every game and yes they can lead to more special days out, but a win's a win at the end of the day, and that's the most important thing. 

DK: So no concerns about fixture congestion then?

DM: No, I don't think so, just one game at a time, just play the next game at a time, you don't look too far ahead, you just look towards the next game. I'm not thinking about who we've got when in the future, just playing one game at a time and trying to win one game at a time. That's all we can do I think as a squad, and players and manager, it's all we have to do. 

REACTION | KYLE HAMMOND + TOM ROTHERY POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | HASHTAG UNITED 0-1 NEEDHAM MARKET | 16.09.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND |

REACTION | KYLE HAMMOND POST MATCH INTERVIEW | HASHTAG UNITED 0-1 NEEDHAM MARKET | 16.09.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND |

Midfielder, match-winner and Man Of The Match Kyle Hammond reflects on yesterday's win away to Hashtag United.

DK: Nice win, you must be pleased?

KH: Yeah, it was a good win, we'll take quite a good away performance, so at the end of the day it's about getting through to the next round.

DK: Talk us through your goal.

KH: To be honest with you, I think Pagey passed me the ball outside the box, I just took a touch and it sat up for me perfectly to smash (home). All I was doing was hitting and hoping and it went top corner.

DK: How pleased are you to be chosen as our Man Of The Match today?

KH: I think everyone was probably at a 7, 8 out of 10, so probably the only standout moment was the goal. So I don't know, maybe if you said I was Man Of The Match then fair enough.

DK: Like you say it was a good all-round team performance and at the end of the day that's been a key feature for us of late.

KH: Yeah, this season I think something's just clicked, something's changed, we've got good personalities come into the building with Tev, Reece, Tommy Smith they've all just brought something different to the team from last year. I think they've improved us massively, and we already had a good core group I think, and now we've just added that extra bit of grittyness, bit of that hard work, obviously quality as well and I just think it's just working for us at the moment. So yeah, we're all really pleased about how the season's started, but at the end of the day we haven't actually won anything, you know how this league can change so quickly, in terms of results. Because this time last year, September, we were probably in a similar position, so look where we ended up last year, so we've just got to keep our standards really high in the changing room, everywhere, keep performing out on the pitch, and I think we're probably the hardest team to beat at the moment, in terms of goals conceded, bar the first game. I think we've only conceded in 3 games now, but that's only by the odd goal I believe, we've got six, seven clean sheets and another one today. So if we just keep doing that I think we'll be alright this season.

DK: Was it a case of if we keep a clean sheet that the rest should look after itself?

KH: I think we work hard to keep clean sheets, if I'm honest, I think we can do better to kill teams off and we get in such good areas but I think sometimes, whether it's just we're just rushing things or, we're just lack a little bit of quality at the time - I don't know, but that's something that we are improving on at training every week. So I think 1 if we took up front, I think we're comfortable in games, because I think generally our defending as a team, our defending individually, from Marco, back four, and us 3 in midfield and everyone up top, pressing from the front I think we always give ourselves a good chance ti win a game. 

DK: Now we're back through to the 3rd Qualifying Round, is this the priority for you, the league or a bit of both?

KH: Just whatever game comes really. I'd say it's nice for the FA Cup because of the club, and us players, because we want to get in the first round again and try and beat that maybe, but league is your bog standard week in week out. Personally, if I had a choice and money wasn't involved, because  money at the moment for any club is vital, so if money in the FA Cup wasn't involved I'd say the league means more to me. 

REACTION | TOM ROTHERY POST MATCH INTERVIEW | HASHTAG UNITED 0-1 NEEDHAM MARKET | 16.09.2023 | EMIRATES FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND |

Assistant Manager Tom Rothery reflects on the Cup win over Hashtag.

DK: Another good win on the road, in the cup!

TR: Yeah, of course, I think apart from Stratford the first game we've done well away from home especially in comparison to last season so the main thing is you're in the hat, and that's what we've done today so yeah, brilliant, another clean sheet which is really pleasing. Could've done some things better on the day, but overall it's just getting yourself in the hat, that's the main thing.

DK: Would you agree that we just about edged it and the scoreline just about reflects it?

TR: Yeah, I think they, I don't know possession wise, but they had more of the ball than maybe we normally let teams have but they hit the bar in the first half, can't think of other threats apart from they put a lot of balls in the box, which I think we defended it really well, and I think there's times where we could be a little bit more clinical in the final third and maybe get a second. But yeah I thought we edged it personally, just because I felt we carried more threat when we did have the ball personally, and like I said, although potentially they had a little bit more of the ball today, which is a little bit unusual for us really, but yeah we just edged it. It was tight, it was a tight game no doubt about that.

DK: Yeah, we took the goal well with a perfect strike from Hammo and looked good defensively - like you say.

TR: Yeah, it was a great strike, yeah, defensively - that's what I've just said in the changing room - for me personally the manager the other day from Kettering said that we turned up not wanting to be beat - that's obviously meant to be a little of a diss. I don't see that as a diss, I think that's the crux of football, if you make yourself hard to be beat then that gives you a platform to then go and win games. I just think defensively we looked really solid and again we did that today, obviously the back four and the goalkeeper will get the plaudits, but I just think as a team we just looked really solid. Everyone's really working hard and, you know, you can see everyone's buying into it.

DK: Yeah, we worked hard as unit, started off with a brilliant high press then as the game went on we kept working together.

TR: Yeah, especially with the heat today you're not going to be able to press for 90 minutes, you've got to pick and choose where you're press and where you're going to from, so there was times where we just had to go into that mid-block or deeper block, and like I said, fair play to them they worked the ball well at times and were looking to try and create overloads and then get it into the box so you've got to deal with what the opposition bring haven't you?! So we knew they were going to do that and they're not a bad side, they got promoted last year. I don't know how many home games they've lost in the last sort of 12 months but it isn't many so yes, it's a good performance. Solid performance and just edged the win.

DK: With them having hit a rocky patch of form we kind of expected some kind of performance like today but we dealt with their threat fairly well.

TR: Yeah, I've been watching them for the last 12, 15 months or whatever, so I know exactly what they do and what they don't do so I don't think they're a bad side, but like everyone finds that adaption going a league higher, especially going step 4 to step 3 is a big jump, so it'll take them time. I'm sure they'll do it, they've got good players, they've got good ability within that side and obviously Devs and Joe Keith have been around football a long time, so I have no doubt in my mind that they'll be more than good enough this season to stay at the level they're at, and kick on from there. I'm sure they will.

DK: We just have that momentum that, like we've said before, we're grinding out games, we're having another good September.

TR: Like I said, after the Stratford game I just think we've been really solid and, like I said, it just gives you a foundation to go and win games from. Like I've just said to the lads in the changing room, I think the only - if there was a criticism- was that I think we could've killed them off. There's a spell after we scored the goal, sort of 10-15 minutes little spell where we had a lot of the ball, few short openings and we just didn't really kill them off, and that's probably the criticism, if there is one at the moment. Same as Kettering the other night, when we scored the goal, we had a couple of chances after that to put it to bed and when you don't and it's 1-0 there's always that chance that they get a stunner like Hammo, or a header or whatever. It is a slight criticism, but like I said we've always got to try and improve, so that's something we do need to improve on. 

DK: All around though, pleasing.

TR: Yeah, definitely, after the first game if you would've said we're going to lose 6-1, be third in the league and then be in the Third Round Qualifying of the FA Cup you'd bite someone's hand off, wouldn't you?! It's nine or ten games now, seven or eight clean sheets, eight games in the league so ten in total, seven clean sheets. We've, so far, only conceded in 3 games, so yeah not bad, you've got to be happy with that. That gives you a really solid foundation to then kick on from so we've just got to not get ahead of ourselves and make sure that we keep doing what we're doing at the moment, and keep working hard- and like I said if we want to add anything to it, it's just being a little bit more clinical and putting games to bed. You know, getting that second goal, which then gives you a little bit of sort of space, little bit of comfort to not be on the edge of your seat towards the end of the game.

DK: Moving onto Telford next Saturday, long trip and another tough game.

TR: Obviously they've came down from the league above, it's a big club, so I've watched them but I don't really focus on teams until we play them so I'll watch more of them next week. I know they've got Montel Gibson up front, he's a handful, so they'll be a good side. They beat Nuneaton 7-0 at home, they've had a few good results at home, it's a good set up. It's a big club, so we'll expect a tough game and the journey obviously does add complications, and it is a really long journey, but we're used to it now there's not that excuse, and we won't use that as an excuse and we'll be prepared and ready for a tough game and looking to get more points on the board. 

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK & TEVAN ALLEN POST MATCH INTERVIEWS | FC ROMANIA 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 02.09.2023 | 2023-24 | EMIRATES FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND |

Manager Kevin Horlock and goalscorer Tevan Allen reflect on yesterday's win in the Emirates FA Cup.

REACTION | KEVIN HORLOCK POST MATCH INTERVIEW| FC ROMANIA 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 02.09.2023 | 2023-24 | EMIRATES FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND |

DK: A good 3-0 win on the road.

KH: Yeah, it was a really good team performance today, obviously a potential banana skin, they always are in the FA Cup when you come away. I got the impression that they fancied their chances, they were a little bit arrogant, but we coped with that well especially after the most blatant penalty I think you'll see all season first half waved away for whatever reason. And you think, 'cor, this might not be one of our days,' but the lads were brilliant. Defended well, created problems, scored 3 really good goals and another clean sheet - I think that's six in seven, so onto the next round we'll take that!

DK: Yeah, very professional performance.

KH: Yeah, across the board we did the right things at the right times, we looked hard to beat, and we lookred dangerous as well so there's still other things that we obviously pick the bones out of and want to improve on, because that's the group we are. We want to improve every game, we want to get better and better, but we've been good up to this point in the season, take out the Stratford game, and even in that we were quite good first half, it was just errors on the day that cost us. We've looked solid, we've looked hard to beat and we look like we're going to create and I've got a good bench as well so squad's looking way better than last year. More rounded and it looks bright, but it only stays looking bright if you continue to work hard and do the right things and do the fundamentals right.

DK: You must be pleased with two of the goals being from set-pieces?

KH: Yeah, yeah, we don't get many. We've looked more threatening, obviously Reece Harris' delivery into the box as well has took us up a notch, so the ball's coming into the right area and we spoke about making sure that we attack areas with a bit of intensity and desire and that's what happens. We've done that today and like you said we've got two goals from it, so yeah very pleasing!

DK: Yeah like you mentioned, after the Stratford game we've been unbeaten, we've been near enough from game to game perfect in different areas.

KH: Yeah, we've been good, we've been consistent, which is good, we should've really got 3 points at Leiston as well, we looked a little bit leggy I think on another day we would've (won), so even the draws have been quite good as well. We could've won the draw at home as well, so yeah it's positive, we'll take it up to this point, but we won't rest on our laurels and we'll keep working hard and pushing and see where it takes us. 

DK: The last couple of the seasons we've had tomes when we've lost too many games, drawn too many games, it's just about right at the moment.

KH: Yeah, if you can nick points away from home and obviously win your home games and win odd games away from home you'll be there or there abouts. It's still really early doors, but it's pleasing. This competition's obviously massive for us, every non-league club, that the prize money, the glamour, that comes with it - like we got last year at Burton - so that's what we're striving for. That's the benchmark, we want to get as near to that or to the first round like we did last year. So we'll be doing our best, but I just want to keep the lads feet on the floor, which I won't have trouble doing because they do that themselves, and we'll keep working hard and see where it takes us, and see where the season progresses to.

DK: What's been the most pleasing thing for you today?

KH: I just think dealing with what they had to give, they had players in offensive areas that were quite dangerous, but we snuffed that out and we stayed solid. We didn't get involved in the stuff that was going on off the ball and didn't get too disappointed with the, like I said, the most blatant penalty. how that's not given I don't know, but the lads stayed focus, kept their mind on the game, so it was a real good professional performance away from home in the FA Cup, which was massive for us.

DK: For you in the FA Cup, would you be happy with just emulating last season run, or do you want to try and go further?

KH: I just want us to be consistent and play well in games, to give us a chance. Sometimes you'll come up against a team that's better than you on the day, or from a higher level, but we're going to give it everything and if it means we emulate and get to the first round, then we'd be made up obviously. IF we don't, but if we've given it everything, then you can't be too disappointed.

DK: What's the priority for you, obviously the league, but would you take an FA Cup run if the league's not so great again?

KH: No, no. I think from the club's point of view, obviously, we want a good run in the FA Cup for financial reasons, every club at our level does. I want a good cup run for the lads to experience what they experienced last year and the new ones experiencing that. Young players that's really good for their development, but the league's where it's at for me. The league is where we needed to be improve, the league is where we need to be consistent, and the league is where you find out whether you're a good team, because if you are you'll end up near the top. 

DK: Saturday we're back at home to Stourbridge, who've also had a good start.

KH: Yeah, tough game, but we're in good form, we're in good spirits, I've got a group of players that don't rest on their laurel. I've got a group of players that will approach it in the right way so it should lend itself to be a good game Saturday.

REACTION | TEVAN ALLEN POST MATCH INTERVIEW| FC ROMANIA 0-3 NEEDHAM MARKET | 02.09.2023 | 2023-24 | EMIRATES FA CUP 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND |

DK: In the hat, nice win!

TA: Yeah, perfect win I think, something that summed it up that we said in the changing room, it wasa professional win. It's always a hard place to come, playing a lower opposition, you have to give them respect because I thought they did well, passed the ball when they could. It was a hot day, not on the greatest of pitches so again a professional performance, no goals conceded again, so yeah happy all round really.

DK: It kind of reflects how well we've started the season overall.

TA: Yeah, I think we've had a real good start to the season, obviously bar the first game, but I think that's a blip - it happens sometimes in a season, it's just about how you react. We could've went one way, and not necessarily thrown the towel in but, we could've just not performed really. We've come out swinging from that game onwards, and I think we've just excelled from there, and hopefully it continues. 

DK: How've you found your first competitive month or so with the club?

TA: Yeah, I've found it really good! I think with the players, again before I even signed we had the interview and I said the players that I've always wanted to play with and it feels comfortable. It feels kind of like a home, so the players have obviously made me feel welcome, so I think it's been easier to adapt, and easier to put my style of play into what was already here, and I think it's worked really well, and yeah we've started to pick up good wins, and good performances. That's the main thing, all of them have been good performances.

DK: A lot of clean sheets and been clinical when we've needed to be. 

TA: Yeah, I think that's another thing about last year, I think I heard that we struggled with about being clinical, being ruthless, keeping over teams in a game and that can be a banana skin, like today when it was 1-0 we were saying that, or they were saying, last year potentially it could have been squeaky bum time and they could've scored a goal and it could've been a hard affair, but obviously luckily I got the second goal and then Jamie goes and gets the third and makes it much easier for ourselves, and just act professional about it. Do what we need to do and go away being in the hat!

DK: Definitely, you speak about the goal, do you think you took it well?

TA: Yeah, I think it's not one of the best goals I've ever scored, but like everyone was saying, you've got to buy a ticket to win the raffle so I've took the shot, I've took it nice and early, luckily the keeper's not caught onto it, it's gone into the bottom corner, a goal's a goal really, I'll take any of them at the moment.

DK: It's your second in three games!

TA: Yeah, nice little run, I think last season when I was at Stow and not Brightlingsea I think I had one of the best goalscoring runs seasons that I've had, and I think in the role that Kev and Tom have allowed me to play in this year it's really allowed me to be able to get there and to be able to be in chances to score goals. Like even after the goal, still had a chance and hopefully more goals will come and that's something that's been lacking in my game since I've been a kid, so hopefully it starts now and keep scoring goals, and keep doing what I need to do. 

DK: You talk about the team performance being brilliant, but do you think your personal performance deserved that goal?

TA: Yeah, I think, look I think I've done well. I'm not one to blow smoke up my own arse as they say, but I think I've done well, adapted to the league, I think that's a big change for me being in a league that's much more physical and demanding physically, and I think I've adapted well. I think I've done what I've needed to do and I always ask questions so with Tom and stuff, as it is a bit of a different role to me, getting closer to the striker, but I've asked everything that I need to do and at the moment they seem happy with it, so yeah long may that continue, and obviously can always adapt in games when needed, but I think I've started really well and hopefully again that continues.

DK: You talk about adapting to the league, have you found it much different to the Isthmian divisions?

TA: In a way, I think it's much more physical. There's a lot of good technical players, but I think they're tactically more aware, and it just seems like you're more in a football match. I just think that in the Isthmian North and Isthmian Prem there's a lot of good techincal players that kind of stand out, it's not like a good technical team, but in these leagues I think they're tactically just aware. They know where they need to be, hard to break down, and at times you're always in a tough game, so it's good. I like the challenge as you can see, like tenacious player myself I love having that physical challenge, having that battle and not being underestimated really.

DK: You were Man Of The Match today, would you say that's fair?

TA: Firstly, appreciate it, if anyone says that I'm Man Of The Match I'm not going to grumble. I don't know, I think it's a good team performance, I can never say that I'm going to be a stand out player because I know what I can bring to the team and more often than not I'll try my best to be consistent, at least 7 out of 10. So hopefully I've done that so far, and if it was better today, it's better today. If it's better next week, if it's not then it's not going to bother me, I'll just keep trying to do what I've got to do. 

DK: Next up we've got Stourbridge, who've started well as well.

TA: Yeah, I don't think we need to look at anyone else to be honest, I think we need to continue what we're doing, because everyone's said the same about Coalville, and we went there with the mindset of we had to give them respect, of course because they are a good team in that league, obviously for me personally it's a clean slate. I know absolutely nobody in the league, so I just turn up to a game and play, every game is a game of football, no matter who, which eleven you play against. You play against Chelsea, yeah it'd be different tactically with better players, but you've still got to look at a game of football against eleven other people. So I think yeah it's good to know they're on a good run, because I think they'll be surprised if we do exactly do what we've been doing, and change up the style of play when we can, I think they'll be in for a shock hopefully. And if they're not, if it turns out that they're better than us on the day so be it, we just go onto the next one. 

DK: It's nice to have a free week!

TA: Yeah, I feel like it's been absolutely nonstop, but I'll never grumble at playing football. I don't care how consistently it is, I'm getting to that age that I am getting there, I'm not threre yet, but I'm getting there and one day it's all going to be gone so I'm playing as much football as I possibly can really, until I physically not do anymore. So it's still good to have a week off, but it's nice to play a lot of games in a small time period anyway. 

DK: You speak about not knowing so much of the league, does it help having things like Tom's tactical knowledge?

TA: Yeah, it sets you up for a game just to know, because obviously if I'm someone completely unaware of any kind of player, don't know who the players are, if he tactically sets you up and he tells you what a player's going to do it'll put in your mindset you kind of know how to react off of them. But I've always done it to be fair mate, I've always not looked at the opposition, because I think psychologically it can put you 1-0 down. I just think if you focus on what you bring to a game and win your second balls, first balls, try battle as hard as you can think sometimes that outshines tactical. It's just building from that foundation, then being aware tactically so yeah it does help, but at the same time I don't really play into that stuff.