Welcome to my Football Groundhopping blog, detailing all of my football adventures from the 2018/19 season to present. (2024/25) These games will include: Non-League, Sunday League Football, Non-League Youth (U18) Football, and maybe a few Professional Football matches. All opinions are my own, even reports I have written for Needham. All reports, photos, videos + Tweets (c) Drew Kendall, 2018-2025
Thursday, 27 August 2026
Needham Market v Alvechurch | 26.08.2023 | The Pitching In Southern League Central Premier Division | Bloomfields
A goal in each half ensured Kevin Horlock's side moved into 5th place after their third consecutive victory from their first five league matches.
The Marketmen named an unchanged side once again following Saturday's 6-1 win at Coalville Town, with Luke Ingram returning to the bench.
The opening stages of the game, in which the home side were arguably the better side throughout the first half, saw the Marketmen start brightly, Tevan Allen tried his luck at goal from 35-yards out but his strike was blocked after 4 minutes. Needham then created a great chance a minute later, Reece Harris' right wing corner was headed back into the danger area by Callum Page, at the far post, finding Dan Morphew whose close range volley was deflected crucially just over for a corner.
At the other end, Alvechurch broke forward after some neat link-up play which saw Jaanai Gordon fed through onto the right-hand side of the box whose tight angled low volley was beaten behind well by a smart near post save from Marcus Garnham on 14 minutes.
Just prior to the downpour of torrential rain, Needham broke the deadlock five minutes later. Jake Dye exploited space out on the right wing to whip a good cross into the box which took a deflection before flying into the top far corner, 1-0 Needham.
The Church meanwhile saw a good crossfield ball out to the left-hand side of the box headed into the six yard box by Yaw Namtwi-Ofosu well read by Garnham, to claim possession on 25 minutes.
Jack Hallahan then shot narrowly wide of the bottom right-hand corner on 35 minutes, while Needham saw Kyle Hammond thread Tev Allen through onto the right-hand side of the box, the midfielder's blocked shot however fell to the latter who in turn teed up Jacob Lay, but his shot was off target on 41 minutes.
As the torrential rain briefly stopped, Jacob Lay's ferocious strike forced a good save out of the visiting goalkeeper a minute later, as the first half drew to a close following 3 added minutes.
The second half saw both teams start well, as good play from Jamie McGrath saw the Needham striker hold up possession well before winning a corner five minutes after the restart.
Alvechurch meanwhile broke up the other end on 53 minutes, but the shot in space on the left-hand edge of the box was curled over the top far corner.
Reece Harris then arrived to latch onto the loose ball, following a good break from the home side on 61 minutes, but the midfielder's 30-yard strike curled narrowly wide of the bottom left-hand corner.
Chong meanwhile shot wide for the visitors two minutes later, while a superb instinctive reaction save from Marcus Garnham swatted over Kai George's close range strike after Kobe Chong's headed flick on from a left wing cross on 78 minutes.
Jack Concannon then found space inside the box from the resulting corner, a minute later, whose low shot went narrowly wide of the bottom near corner.
Needham substitute Seth Chambers meanwhile broke into space well down the right wing, but the forward's low ball squared across the face of goal, on a plate for fellow substitute Ollie Fraser was crucislly deflected behind for a corner, denying an almost certain goal on 87 minutes.
The Marketmen though wrapped up all three points in the fourth minute of seven added minutes, Ollie Fraser surged through down the left wing before breaking past the defender onto the left-hand byline to square a brilliant ball on a plate into the six yard box for Tev Allen to slide in and tap home his maiden Needham goal, 2-0 Needham.
Allen nearly made it 3-0 two minutes later, the midfielder looked to curl a good strike from inside the box into the roof of the net, but his shot was beaten over by the keeper.
Needham travel to fellow Suffolk side Leiston on Monday (28th August, 3pm).
Goals: Dye (19') Allen (90+4'). Att: 242. Entertainment: 3.5. Star Man Jake Dye (NMFC)
A goal in each half sees Needham move into the playoff places following a 2-0 win over Alvechurch.
Needham were the better side first half and had the first chance of the afternoon as Dan Morphew forced an early save out of the keeper to tip it over for a corner.
Alvechurch, meanwhile broke forward as Jaanai Gordon was denied by a good near post save from Marcus Garnham.
Needham then broke the deadlock on 19 minutes, as Jake Dye's cross dipped into the top far corner.
The away side then saw a dangerous header across the six yard box held well by Garnham, while Hallahan shot just wide after 35 minutes.
Jacob Lay almost doubled his side's lead shortly before the interval, as his ferocious strike was well saved by the keeper.
The second half saw both sides start well as a Church strike was curled narrowly over, while Reece Harris shot just wide for Needham.
An instinctive save from Marcus Garnham denied the visitors from close range, while Tevan Allen wrapped up all three points in stoppage time, tapping home Ollie Fraser's ball on a plate following a surging run.
Moreton Men v Bury Wanderers | 23.08.2026 | Pre-season Friendly | British Sugar |
Moreton Men concluded their 2026/27 pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Bury Wanderers, courtesy of Dexter Lee's late first half clever finish.
The result also marked the team's first ever clean sheet, as they look ahead to their second ever season in the Premier Logos Bury + District Sunday League Division Four.
In truth the first half was an even end-to-end affair, with Moreton Men goalkeeper Alfie Hardiman (8') on hand to comfortably hold onto the only shot on goal until the 36th minute.
At the other end, Dexter Lee headed just agonisingly over from Dylan Jessett's right wing cross in the 28th minute, which the latter then had the host's first effort on goal eight minutes later.
The winger was set through on goal by a great defence splitting pass by Jack Hardiman only to see his shot smothered by the onrushing keeper at close range. Striker Jacob Malpass was first to the loose ball, but shot just wide on the rebound.
With the final notable chance of the first half, Lee put the Yellows in front, ultimately proving to be the decisive goal. Man Of The Match Alfie Hardiman's excellent drop kick over the top threaded Lee through on goal to race towards goal and cleverly wrap his strike round the goalkeeper and into the bottom left-hand corner.
After the break, the hosts enjoyed a lot more of the possession and until the final stages looked the likelier team to score the next goal.
Malpass was nicely picked out by a good long ball to take aim at goal from 20-yards out (54'), but his well hit strike was straight at the substitute keeper's chest.
At the end though, crucial defending from the Yellows preserved their clean sheet and victory, as Alfie Hardiman was drawn into a comfortable catch to keep out an 85th minute strike.
Wanderers went mightily close in the 89th minute to snatching an equaliser as a right wing cross into a dangerous area was met by a diving header that went just over via the top of the crossbar.
A big, important, reaction save from Alfie Hardiman in the first minute of stoppage time secured the Yellow's victory. A goal-bound strike at close range was hit towards the stopper's bottom right-hand corner, forcing a sharp diving save with his outstretched right-boot by Hardiman to turn it vitally behind.
Moreton Men saw out the final few moments, defending doggedly for a solid win, ahead of their league opener on Sunday 30th August away to Bury Bears (10:30am).
Moreton Men:- 1 Alfie Hardiman, 18 Louis Legois, 3 Callum Ranson, 20 Lewis Shepherd (c), 6 Matt King, 8 Dean Nelson, 12 Kian Neary, 14 Jack Hardiman, 7 Dexter Lee, 9 Jacob Malpass, 23 Dylan Jessett. Subs: 16 Kienan Wade, 21 Craig McLaren, 30 Cameron Regan, 11 Will, 2 Kieron Turner, 10 Mikey Bird.
Cambridge United v Millwall | 25.08.2026 | The Cledara Abbey Stadium | Carabao Cup Second Round, Sky Bet EFL Championship v Sky Bet EFL League One.
Jake Cooper's early strike was the difference as Championship side Millwall advanced to their Third Round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, despite a good performance from League One side Cambridge United.
Millwall looked to put their lower league hosts under early pressure, with Kell Watts smartly mopping up a through ball and Zak Bradshaw (4') expertly out-muscling Jordi Osei-Tutu off the ball to superbly retain possession and win a throw.
Gassan Ahadme (6') then drew a foul from Batth, while Lovelace moments later was penalised for halting Watts illegally down the left wing.
Mpanzu's excellent 7th minute set-piece was headed away as far as McConnell whose ferocious strike was blocked from just outside the box with appeals for a penalty dismissed.
Millwall though (8') forced Eastwood into a sharp reflex stop waist high to his left hand side to double handed beat a shot away.
The stopper was alert again (9'), repeating the feat, with Kell Watts and Liam Bennett both vitally in the way to deny close range shots.
The latter deflected a goal bound shot over from a corner, which skipper Jake Cooper (9') fired Millwall in front from.
Cooper's initial effort thundered out off the underside of the crossbar with the defender on hand to lash home into the bottom right-hand corner on the rebound.
An explosive start continued as Isaac Heath wriggled into space on the right wing to swing a good cross in, but goalkeeper Max Crocombe was able to claim well on his line.
Baggott (16') meanwhile glanced Osei-Tutu's long range right free-kick across goal, but was watched narrowly wide for a goal kick, as Ra'ees Bangura-Williams (19') drove between two midfielders to exploit space to fire low at goal, though Eastwood was equal to it, across to his left hand side to take a good catch.
The U's gradually looked to find their feet back in possession, after Millwall had looked eager to add to their lead quickly, but the newly promoted League One side seemed to lack a cutting edge in the opening 23 minutes, which Millwall would've hoped their opening goal would take some of the sting out off their hosts, with frustration beginning to creep in within the U's fan base - though it could be argued a fair amount of that was aimed at referee Paul Howard.
Elkan Baggott (25') then left Heath in a heap out on the right wing, giving the U's a free kick from distance out on the left, which Zak Bradshaw fed onto Mpanzu to drive unopposed down the left wing towards the area and rasp a strike towards the top near corner that initially stung the hands of Crocombe, gathering at the second attempt.
In a physical, rather feisty encounter, in which both sides looked to play football, Kell Watts (27') was well placed to intercept a good through-ball towards Dykes in the area out for a throw, in what was an entertaining first half.
Neil Harris' - notably a Millwall legend from his previous spells as their manager - side continued to defend valiantly, Lovelace attempted to glide through down the right wing (31'), which Glenn McConnell had other ideas, reading play well to put a strong foot in and win possession.
Alex Neil's Lions were then prevented down the right wing at the expense of a throw by Zak Bradshaw (33'), with arguably one of the highlights of the opening half being Harris yelling "f@&# off" in the 33rd minute.
Bennett's clever right wing (34') cross was headed away in a dangerous area, as Zak Bradshaw blocked Osei-Tutu's 36th minute right wing cross to swivel and clear, picking out Ahadme on the touchline.
Ball then sped past both Osei-Tutu and Bangura-Williams (37'), prompting the former to foul him in a good position down the left wing, which Mpanzu's low cross fell to Watts whose great driven cross from the left hand side was cleared out to McConnell, who flicked the ball smartly in space to shoot but the Championship side were able to clear.
The U's were firmly still in the contest, battling hard, though the visitors will feel they should have taken their chances better earlier in the half to put the game beyond doubt. However, take nothing away from how well the hosts had defended, with Eastwood also looking in good form in the home goal.
Batth (41') brought down Ahadme who'd controlled a Cambridge clearance well, before attempting to rile up the home striker, moving into his personal space before Bangura-Williams (42') fouled Kaikai.
It was clear Millwall had travelled the hour or so distance with the intent of trying to frighten the U's with their aggressive nature, but it appeared to not faze the hosts, though given Harris would know more than most the Millwall style of play it shouldn't really be much of a surprise.
The home side went close in the only additional minute at the end of the first half, Sullay Kaikai's silky footwork got the winger through onto the left hand byline to clip an excellent cross to Bennett at the far post, who met the pinpoint delivery at close range but could only head just agonisingly wide of the bottom left hand corner, as Millwall went into the break with a slender lead.
The U's started the restart brightly, after withdrawing Ahadme for Louis Appere at the interval, captain Dom Ball (47') won back possession before expertly feeding Heath to hold off his marker and see his 20 yard low strike deflected wide off Baggott for a corner.
Heath (50') weaved into space to unleash a ferocious 20-yard strike at goal, only to fire over, as Bauer was cautioned for a foul at the other end.
The U's went close, again through great trickery from Heath in the 52nd minute. The winger darted freely down the right-hand side to cut back to McConnell inside the six yard box whose poked effort was too close to Crocombe who was able to hold, inexplicably catching the ball.
Calum Perry was introduced for Bauer in Harris' second change, though Baggott smartly intercepted a long ball forward (58') to drive forward and slide Dan Kelly free down the left wing whose cross was cheated calmly and cut out well by Bradshaw.
A flurry of substitutions each saw, Sykes, Metcalfe and Neghli on for Millwall and Herd and Shayne Lavery introduced for Ball and Kaikai for the home side (64'), as the U's shot narrowly wide two minutes later.
McConnell was threaded clear through on goal (67'), albeit skewed his low shot through a defenders legs and wide of the bottom far, left hand, corner in a big chance for Harris' men.
Crocombe's goal-kick though ended up comfortably into Eastwood's gloves, as Sturge entered the frey for Millwall.
Lavery (74') forced a corner, which Heath's excellent delivery towards Perry stealing in free at the back post with an almost certain tap in at close range, though substitute Sturge got in first to crucially poke behind.
Perry's (75') right wing inviting delivery into the six yard box was just headed clear with the U's on the front foot, smelling an equaliser, firmly looking the likelier if any team to score.
Bradshaw (80') was first onto Watts' partial headed clearance to deal with the loose ball, as Millwall looked keen to just hold out their one goal advantage.
Bennett's low flashed right wing cross (83') was well controlled by Lavery who spun smartly and fired a dangerous ball into thd corridor of uncertainty at close range but the hosts were unable to latch onto it.
McConnell (87') was booked for a trip on Massey, as McDougald replaced the dangerous Heath soon after.
Six minute of additional time was met with a roar from the home support, willing their team on, as McConnell looked to set McDougald through on the left hand side but for a big defensive interception to cut it out for a throw (92').
A foul from Dykes from a good position moments after, which Calum Perry whipped round the wall, up off the turf but gleefully into Crocombe's gloves (93').
Perry (94') advanced onto the left hand byline but for the Lions to clear, as McDougald was brought down from behind on the right hand edge of the box, raising the volume in the stadium once more.
Perry's 95th minute low clever set piece looked destined to find the target but was turned just wide for a corner, which Perry (96') launched it excellently into the six yard box in search of Eastwood lunging towards it but for the visitors to just clear.
The late flurry of Cambridge pressure continued, one way traffic, saw Perry's long great ball headed on by McDougald but headed clear.
Millwall crept over the line, and go into the hat for the third round.
Cambridge return to home league action on Saturday, looking to follow up their 3-2 home win over Wigan Athletic and 1-1 draw at Bromley last Saturday against Huddersfield Town, as fifth entertains 2nd (with matching records).
Millwall, who have beaten Norwich and Bristol City (3-0 home, 2-0 away), travel to Southampton as 24th plays first (Won 1 lost one plays won 2 with 5-0 go difference).
Cambridge United:- 1 Jake Eastwood, 2 Liam Bennett, 4 Dom Ball (c) (64' Herd), 5 Patrick Bauer (55' Perry), 6 Kell Watts, 7 Isaac Heath (89' McDougald), 11 Sullay Kaikai (64' Lavery), 14 Gassan Ahadme (HT' Appere), 17 Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, 22 Zak Bradshaw, 27 Glenn McConnell. Subs:25 Ben Hughes, 31 JJ Briggs, 3 Cal Perry, 9 Louis Appere, 19 Shayne Lavery, 23 Mo Jobe, 30 McDougald, 33 Herd.
U's XI by Position: 1,2,5,6,22,4,27,17,7,11,24
Millwall:- 15 Max Crocombe, 2 Jordi Osei-Tutu (63' Sykes), 5 Jake Cooper (c), 12 Elkan Baggott, 13 Lyndon Dykes, 16 Dan Kelly (63' Metcalfe), 23 Danny Batth (70' Sturge), 25 Luke Cundle, 29 Zak Lovelace (63' Lovelace), 31 Ra'ees Bangura-Williams (78' Matthews), 44 Alfie Massey. Subs: 43 Joel Coleman (GK), 3 Zak Sturge, 10 Camiel Neghli, 14 Jenson Metcalfe, Mark Sykes, 28 Ajay Matthews, 48 Archie Kirby, 51 Sacha Tsugita Vieira, 44 Tristan Parkes.
Booked: Patrick Bauer (50'), Glenn McConnell (87').
Goal: Jake Cooper (9').
Att: 5,363.
My Cambridge United MOTM: 6 Kell Watts/7 Isaac Heath.
Moreton Men ran out 14-4 winners in a great day to raise crucial funds for the organisation in aid of Men's Mental Health against Sellebrity Soccer at Mildenhall Town.
The Bury St Edmunds side, featuring players from Moreton Men's Sunday League eleven a side team, their 4 Leisure League Sixes (six a side) teams, ex-Ipswich Town Legends and an Soccer AM icon/local Non-League legend, faced ateam packed with celebrities from Soap Stars to a Boxer, a Tattoo artist and social media influencers among overs.
Straight from kickoff, Wiggins shot just wide just 3 seconds in, while the Yellows set Harry Romp free onto the left, whose low shot was saved (3').
Alfie Hardiman then shot agonisingly just wide of the bottom far corner (3'), who drove into space down the left onto to fire a good low shot narrowly wide of the bottom far corner.
The home side started superbly, ex-Town legend Cole Skuse mopped up smartly to play a long ball to Andrew Wiggins (9') who rattled the top of the crossbar with a thunderous shot from range, the striker followed it up by hammering an excellent strike into the bottom left-hand corner (10') to give Moreton Men the lead in style.
Harry Romp (13') weaved into space down the right wing after a great ball from Ed Upson but fired over, as the hosts slipped Alfie Hardiman through onto the left-hand byline, to find Dean Nelson - the forward help up play well to tee up Matt King whose low curled shot was held.
Nik Gordejevs (14') dived expertly across to his right to deny Bailey's right-hand smart low strike, prior to James Norwood (17') showing why he's still a profession, wrapping home Moreton Men's second goal effortlessly into the bottom right corner.
Tyler Lombardo went close to a third, beating the keeper the skipper looked to poke home into an empty net but for Springett to hack clear crucially on the line.
A smart turn by Greg (G & T Plumbing, an excellent business who have recently relocated to Suffolk and are highly recommended) swiftly looked to turn defence into attack, shortly after which Moreton Men were awarded a penalty after good work from Nelson (22').
Ben Mayhew, who had just brought himself on (to the disgust of Cole Skuse) duly slotted home cooly into the bottom right corner to make it 3-0, before seeing yellow for taking his shirt off.
Just prior to him coming on I asked Mayhew score two, and he did just that on 26 minutes, adding the Bury based side's 4th goal from the corner, heading home unmarked free at the far post.
Nelson (28') drew a smart catch from the keeper, as Dexter Lee 29' was beaten to the ball by the keeper.
Moreton Men remained on the front foot, defending resolutely, and forced another sharp diving catch from the shot-stopper low to his right, as Dean Nelson (30') made it 5, breaking through one on one to delicately lob the onrushing keeper from range.
Craig McLaren (32') wrapped a brilliant 25-yard strike narrowly over the top far corner, ahead of Nydam reading play brilliantly to mop up the danger, as well as blocking a great strike in the 35th minute.
The hosts extended their lead to 6-0 a minute later after a perfect run from James Norwood saw the forward ghost into space down the left wing to cross towards goal where a defender was unfortunate to slice his clearance into his own net.
The Celebrities however were awarded a penalty in the 37th minute, which Bailey cleverly found the right-hand corner to reduce the deficit to 6-1, in a game played in very good spirits with hardly any fouls all game.
Nelson (38') saw a clever low right wing cross smothered away by the keeper after a great through-ball by McLaren, though the away side made it 6-2 in the 41st minute.
The number 12 (41') made it 6-2 sharply turning to make an angle to shoot, after a sharp save off his line by Nik Gordejevs, finding the left-hand corner nicely.
Norwood netted his second to restore the 5 goal advantage (44'), calmly heading home from close range following a pinpoint left wing corner for 7-2.
Ethan Stevenson (45') read play well to deflect Berthonneau's shot behind for a corner, which Stevenson scored (45'+1') a cracking effort - only to be denied by an offside flag, as the Celeb's 2nd goalsccorer skewed a shot wide (45'+2').
After a nine goal feast first half (7-2), there were nine more to follow in the second half.
The Celebs thumped a shot just wide (47'), as Jack Hardiman (49') floated a great 20-yard effort just over.
Kienan Wade (52') blocked JP's long range effort, moments after which the celebs hit the top off the crossbar.
Lee was fouled by the keeper (53') for a penalty, Aidan Stibbs took it and sent the keeper the wrong way to nonchalantly fire into the bottom right corner (55'), making it 8-2.
The celebs had a shot deflected just wide on (56'), while offside (61') ruled out a clever move by the home side. A long ball threaded Nydam free, surging down the right wing, to square the ball on a plate for Ed Upson to delicately chip the onrushing keeper into the net.
Wade saw a handful of shots saved, as Ed Upson effortlessly scored the 9th and 13th at close range, finishing off two incredibly worked moves out to the left and crossed invitingly across the six yard box with Aidan Stibbs netting the 10th in similar fashion.
Alex Spall's quickfire outstanding brace for the 11th and 12th goals kept the goalfest going, both within a minute - each time baring down on goal to fire home, firstly expertly into the bottom far corner, then the second curling a stunning strike into the top far corner.
Stibbs added his second to make it 14-2, with another clever finish, as the Celebs scored two late on while Joe Poole and Kendall forced some saves from the keeper late on. A great ball from Norwood released Kendall through down the centre whose wrapped shot was saved.
That completed an entertaining encounter in front of a great crowd at Mildenhall Town, hosted excellently by the club, Moreton Men and Sellebrity Soccer.
Moreton Men:- 1 Nik Gordejevs, 2 Joe Poole (C), 4 Lewis Shepherd, 6 Cole Skuse, 8 Alfie Hardiman, 9 Dean Nelson, 10 Tyler Lombardo cpt, 12 Harry Romp, 13 Ed Upson, 25 Andrew Wiggins, 31 James Norwood, 5 Ben Mayhew 30 Tristan Nydam, 11 Craig McLaren, 27 Ethan Stevenson, 19 Jacob Malpass, 14 Callum Ronson, 27 Alex Chapman, 20 Greg, 16 Dylan Jessett, 24 Kian Neary, 18 Jack Hardiman, 6 Aidan Stibbs, 2 Scott Miller, 21 Kienan Wade, 23 Nick Lowe, 7 me, 34 Alex Spall, 22 Cameron Regan, 28 Tommy, 17 Liam Marriott, 28 Harry Lally, 15 Dexter Lee,
Sellebrity:- 3 MacDevitt 4 Springett, 5 Berthonneau, 6 jp, 8, 9 bailey, 10 Nightingale, 11 Call the Dragon, 14 Stevi Levy, 15 Kelly, 16 Cooper, 17 Phillips, 18, 20, (Not got a full squad list, some didn't have numbers on)
Booked: Ben Mayhew (23').
Goals: Andrew Wiggins (10'), James Norwood (17', 44'), Ben Mayhew (23'pen, 26'), Dean Nelson (30'), og (37'), Aidan Stibbs (55'pen, 73', 77'), Ed Upson (72', 76'), Alex Spall (73',75'); Bailey (38'pen), 12 (41'), (85'), (87').
PLAYER REACTION:-
REACTION | James Norwood Post Match Interview | Moreton Men v Sellebrity FC |16.08.2026 | Mildenhall Town FC |
Largely experienced EFL striker James Norwood discusses Sunday's game for Moreton Men.
DK: Very good afternoon out, scored a couple of goals. How did you find the experience?
JN: Yeah, I really enjoyed it. It was obviously for a great cause. Came down from Manchester a couple of days ago, so I got to see Ipswich again. It was nice to be back, and a great set of lads, really enjoyed the day. And, you know, it was worth the five-hour trip.
DK: You must be really delighted with those goals.
JN: Yeah, it's always nice to hit the back of the net, regardless of what sort of game it is. You know, I tried my best to get a few of the lads to get some goals. And, you know, I got a couple myself. So it was always enjoyable.
DK: Did you enjoy it more than you expected to?
JN: A hundred percent, yeah. I think it's always nice to play football and then you come into games like this and you know what it's really for, it's for mental health and everything like that. So it's really, really fun to play with lads, you know, who on our team have obviously gone through struggles and you can just see how happy they are when they play football.
DK: What was the driving force behind you being part of this today?
JN: I just think it's a great cause. You know, I think in football, especially, mental health is a massive thing. You've got so much time to yourself and sometimes you're not in the squad and you've got to deal with these things. And, you know, it's really brave of people to come out and speak on mental health and things like that. So, you know, the cause is the main driving factor. It's good to support. You know, you see the smiles on the faces of lads playing with ex-pros and pros and it just makes everything worthwhile.
DK: How does today rank with your football experiences so far?
JN: I've really, really enjoyed today. You know, as I said, if you've got another one, let me know. So I really enjoyed today. It was a lot of fun.
DK: Are you free to play for us next Sunday?
JN: It's a bit far for me at the minute, but if I move back down, you never know.
DK: You're not retired yet, are you?
JN: No, I've still got a little bit of the legs I hope. So hopefully keep going.
DK: You said it was nice to be back down here. Did it bring back those memories?
JN: Yeah, I mean, I was staying in the city centre about two minutes away from the stadium. So I had a little walk past that for a bit of nostalgia. You know, I really enjoyed my time down here and playing in front of great fans in a big stadium. And it was really nice to look back at you know, I don't think you appreciate it as much when you're here. You appreciate it a lot when you've left a big club. It's really nice to come back.
DK: It must make you proud even more so of your career to be playing alongside people like us who are massive Ipswich fans?
JN: Yeah, you know, I don't want it to sound the wrong way, but as the other lad said, that's part of the reason why these lads are enjoying it so much. You know, playing with Trystan, Ed, Skusey, it must be really nice to play with lads that you've watched, and hopefully they're not as rude or a thing as you think they are. And we give ourselves a good review.
DK: What are your highlights from when you were at town?
JN: I just think scoring goals. You know, I really enjoyed everything to do with it. You know, scoring in front of 30,000 people was a special feeling and I loved the support as much as I had of it, but the whole experience of, you know, being a really good professional club and playing in front of great fans.
REACTION | Lewis Shepherd Post Match Interview | Moreton Men v Sellebrity FC |16.08.2026 | Mildenhall Town FC |
Moreton Men Sunday League team captain Lewis Shepherd reflects on the game and how much the organisation means to him.
DK: Very good day for Moreton men and great result.
LS: Yep, yep, we've had a great turnout. We're all happy with how it went, aren't we?!
DK: I know you weren't captain today, but being captain in the XI's (Bury District Sunday League 11 a side team), it must make you even more proud.
LS: Oh yeah, yeah, we've come a really long way in a short time and for me to captain the team for the XI, I really enjoy that. But I had no problem handing on to Tyler today, being a day one player here right from the jump. And yeah, couldn't be more happy for him and Adam and everybody to be fair.
DK: It's a day that Moreton Men really deserve.
LS: Yeah, yeah, they do. A great bunch of people for a great kind of, for a great cause, and everybody here, I think, playing every game this year and getting beat in every game and kind of being down and about. We've had the payoff today, haven't we? All that hard work, all that disappointment time to time, we've really had our payoff today.
DK: How did it feel playing with and against ex-pros and celebs?
LS: Oh, I loved it, mate. I knew all of them from being a child, watching the Town and all that, and then getting to play next to them and kind of chat to them, get to know them, learn a bit from them. Oh, brilliant. I'll remember that for a long time.
DK: Did you expect the scoreline to be like it was?
LS: I don't think anyone did. What did we have? What did it end up? God, yeah, I can't believe that. I mean, well, they were good, but clearly we were a lot better.
DK: As it was said afterwards, we barely scored six goals all season, so...
LS: Yeah, I think we got more in one game than we have in about 20.
DK: And with the season starting back up, it gives us confidence to go and give a good count of ourselves in the league.
LS: Oh, yeah, I mean, we've really shown what we're capable of today, and I wouldn't put that down to who we played with or who we played against. I'd put that down to the fact that we finally found the ability to play like a team, work together, and yeah, we really showed what we're capable of. We were all out there being really confident, doing our thing, not worried about anything, making a mistake or losing the ball. We just went out there and played our game. And might I add, you looked very sharp up top.
DK: Yeah, you've thrown me off there! You've been here for a long time, so it's one of those days that you'll remember forever.
LS: Oh, yeah, I've been here getting on toward about a year now. I think I would have joined about maybe... When did I join? August last year, right before the first game, and yeah, I've been here a year now and I hope to be here for many more.
DK: So especially for you personally, it means even more having a day like this.
LS: Oh, yeah, for sure. I mean, Moreton Men, they embody everything that I... They embody something I'm very passionate about in mental health. And yeah, it means more to me that we've managed to raise a little bit of money, put it toward something that really comes close to my heart. And yeah, we will use that to help a lot of great people.
REACTION | Cal The Dragon Post Match Interview | Moreton Men v Sellebrity FC |16.08.2026 | Mildenhall Town FC |
Famous Social Media content creator, largely from TikTok, gives the Sellebrity FC view on the game and why he enjoys playing in Charity Matches.
DK: A nice day out, what did you make of it?
CTD: A great game, it wasn't the best in terms of the wind, but it probably could have done a bit more, but a great game nonetheless.
DK: You've played in many charity games, where does this rank?
CTD: It's definitely up there, the crowd was unbelievable, obviously the scoreline is different to that, but it's not about the scoreline, it's about taking part, raising money for charity and making people's day, and that's the biggest thing, and to play at an incredible club like Mildenhall, it's incredible honestly, I'm so grateful for getting these opportunities.
DK: Like you say, the result didn't go your way today, but it was a good performance from both sides.
CTD: Yes, I just think at times, I think it's slightly sloped when the way it looks on the pitch, but we've got no excuses, we have to be better defensively, and I think we have to finish our chances in that, but it's about charity, that's what it's about, it's nothing about individual things, it's about raising money for charity, making people's day, and just being a part of it.
DK: What's the driving force behind you playing in these games?
CTD: My main attraction is obviously TikTok, with 1.9 million followers as of now, but that's where it mostly came from, I started gaining from there, and it just got bigger and bigger, and I got invited to play my first charity match in 2021, and I've been doing them ever since then, and I'm grateful to be playing in these games, and always will be, until the day I retire from playing.
DK: You've played at places like Wembley, haven't you?
CTD: I've played at Charlton Athletic, Emirates, West Ham, I've played at some of these big grounds, there's nothing compared to that, but in terms of facilities for a club like this, it's incredible, and I'll give hands up to them.
DK: Does it feel any different to those experiences?
CTD: Obviously it's a smaller ground, so it can be a bit more menacing than a bigger stadium, because you've got crowds closer to you, and you get the atmosphere better, unlike the West Ham where the pitch is really far from the stands, and I think I tend to see these grounds sell out a lot more with these charity games, and the Sidemen game showed up quite a lot when I played in it, and it still does today. It's an incredible day, and I'm so grateful for it.
DK: When's your next one?
CTD: I don't think it's until after my birthday, which is a week on Monday, as of today, so the next time I play a charity match will be when I turn 26.
Transcribed by TurboScribe. Go Unlimited to remove this message.
Ipswich Town Women rounded off their final game of their first Barclays Women's Super League 2 season with a 2-1 victory over Sunderland.
On the same day that Town's Men's Team sealed promotion back to the Premier League 1,008 supported the Women's Team in the glorious sunshine at Colchester's JobServe Community Stadium, with survival already assured.
Lysianne Proulx (3') was on hand to deny Marissa Sheva's low driven effort after Katie Kitching's short corner was taken quickly to the former to weave into acres of space outside the box to fire straight at the Town home debutant.
A lively end to end game saw Ava Baker (11') weave into space outside the area whose low strike was deflected towards the bottom near right-hand corner which the keeper shovelled away before she tripped Dean, who was offside anyway.
Town soon scored though as Baker (13') duly curled Town in front. Exploiting space to again drive into space unchallenged outside the area, the England U20 International was found by Grace Neville who curled an excellent strike that arrowed into the bottom left-hand corner!
Dale (15') volleyed over from 16-yards out at the other end, before Rianna Dean (16') went agonisingly close to doubling the hosts' lead.
Lucy O'Brien drove forward into space freely before sliding the striker free onto the right-hand side whose low shot was fired just wide of the bottom far corner.
Bethan Roe's great left wing free-kick (26') was glanced on by Kenzie Weir to Megan Wearing free at the far post, at close range albeit her lifted effort looped over.
Lysianne Proulx (27') was on hand to tip a toe poked strike across goal away from all but certainly going in off her far, left-hand, post, with skipper Kenzie Weir on hand to get to the rebound for Proulx well placed, back on her feet, to claim and prevent a corner.
Weir (36') then blocked a shot from distance, while Proulx gathered the loose ball back into her area.
Proulx (44') claimed a right wing cross on the line of her six yard box, ahead of great play from Town (45'+2') nearly producing a rather deserved second just before the break. Goalscorer Baker weaved into space to wrap a low cross in that was turned goal wards by Dean whose shot from 5-yards out was smothered away by Lambourne.
Bethan Roe (57') whipped a 35-yard free-kick towards goal that Lambourne claimed well, looping on target after a Sunderland player was cautioned for dissent.
Proulx (59') reacted quickly to gather a low loose ball at goal, prior to Baker (62') latching onto the loose ball on the left-hand side to strike fiercely at goal - although was deflected vitally wide of the near post.
However, Sunderland equalised (68'), after Eleanor Dale's initial shot was beaten away by Proulx - despite looking offside as she latched onto the through-ball - the same player tucked home the rebound into the bottom right-hand corner.
Proulx (73') was alert diving low to her left-hand post to punch away a dipping ball at goal, though Town rather deservedly restored their lead on 86 minutes.
Kenzie Weir ghosted free at close range to nod home Ashworth-Clifford's excellent free-kick to the far side of the area brilliantly into the bottom far, right-hand, corner!
Malakai Meena (88') thumped a great strike just over the bar from distance, as Proulx (95') pushed a dangerous right wing corner wide of her far post oh her line.
Town Manager David Wright, who took charge of his first home game since making his role permanent, went onto win Manager of the Month for the final month of the campaign - as the Tractor Girls look ahead to a second campaign in the second tier of Women's domestic English football in 2026/27.
Moreton Men won the Sponsor Cup 9-2 over a good Suffolk & Essex Joinery side in raising crucial funds for Men's Mental Health.
Craig McLaren broke the deadlock early on for Moreton Men with a 2nd minute Olympico, swinging a low right wing corner that nestled into the bottom near corner.
Both keepers were tested inside the opening 22 minutes before the drinks break, though it was Matt Cattee (30') who doubled the hosts' lead.
Cattee was slipped through into space on the edge of the box by Will to finish smartly into the bottom left-hand corner. Jacob Malpass (35') did likewise following a great ball across low from the left wing by Dean Nelson.
Will added a fourth (37') firing home, following Malpass' clever pass, equally well into the bottom left-hand corner again just outside the box.
Dean Nelson (38') fired home expertly into the bottom far corner, as Moreton Men went into the break 5-0 up.
Will fed Jack Hardiman just after the restart, as the midfielder curled an excellent strike home from just outside the area (46').
Malpass (49') added a smart second, volleying home into the bottom far, left-hand, corner at close range after a superb pass from Jack Hardiman.
The MOTM sealed his hat-trick on 54 minutes, after Ethan Stevenson charged determinedly through onto the right-hand side to cut it back on a plate for Malpass to poke home into the bottom left-hand corner.
A foul from Shepherd, saw Will Kinsey get the Reds on the score sheet, cooly finding the bottom left-hand corner from the penalty spot (54').
In a well fought contest, Moreton Men added to their lead in clinical style on the hour mark, Craig McLaren threaded Kienan Wade racing down the right-hand side to sidefoot a well taken finish into the bottom far corner.
Alfie Hardiman latched onto another good run and through ball from Stevenson to fire low through the keeper's legs to make it 9-1 in the 71st minute, as the end to end action continued.
James Cogger was threaded through by Dylan Aliperti to net the Reds' second in the 90th minute, firing low into the bottom far corner from a tight angle.
With that the game finished 9-2 with plenty of off pitch entertainment taking place for all ages, which saw the community come together for a great cause.
Bury United concluded their 2025/26 season with a 2-2 draw at home to Bedfield.
In truth there was little of note to separate both sides, who sat safely in midtable as the Bury Sunday Division One campaign ended with Bedfield in third and United in fourth.
A very saw bright start from the hosts soon saw Jim Clayton's side take the lead. Tom Halliday (3') shot low but straight at the keeper (much like his favourite team's performance today), while Joe Phillips (9') neatly turned home Goddard's excellent right wing low cross from close range to break the deadlock.
Ben Gathercole (14') thumped just agonisingly wide of the bottom far lefthand corner from just outside the box for the hosts, before Bedfield grew into the game.
Joe Mills (22') was threaded through onto the right-hand side to fire a great strike low across goal, which goalkeeper Steve Fenner was equal to, down smartly to claw away low to his right and pounce on the loose ball.
However, there was little the home keeper could do eight minutes later as Matt McComb drew Bedfield back level. Both sides seemed to struggle with the windy conditions throughout, as a left wing long throw was headed partially away as far as McComb to dip a great strike that nestled perfectly into the bottom far, left-hand, corner.
A very competitive, closely fought, first half ended with Bedfield forcing another strong stop from goalkeeper Fenner on 35 minutes.
The away side raced into space on the left-hand side only to see a great strike beaten behind by Fenner, diving high to his top near corner.
Again other than long shots being comfortably held by either keeper, there wasn't too much to note in the second half either, in a rather typical end of season encounter.
Albeit United did retake the lead ten minutes after the restart, a great through-ball from Ben Daniels slipped captain Sam Goddard through expertly onto the left-hand side who cooly finished into the middle of the net for a 2-1 lead.
Tom Godfrey on the other hand drew the visitors level once more three minutes later, wrapping home a 20-yard free-kick, from the left-hand edge of the box, into the bottom near corner for 2-2.
On reflection, the result was a fair outcome - with neither keeper majorly tested.
At the other end, United went mightily close to restoring their advantage on the hour mark, Ben Humphreys' excellent left wing corner picked out the towering Tom Fenner at the far post whose header towards the left-hand corner was vitally headed off the line.
Fenner was also the target of a 76th minute left wing cross, this time though his near post glancing header was comfortably caught by goalkeeper Glyn Dixon at head height.
United stopper Steve Fenner was then required to hold onto a fierce shot from 25-yards out at head height (84'), while United went very close to a late winner (86').
Joe Phillips was threaded through one-on-one by an insightful ball past the defence, although the midfielder shot just wide of the top right-hand corner.
Humphreys had the final chance of the morning on 89 minutes, but curled a good strike straight into the keeper's chest.
Bury United:- 1 Steve Fenner, 4 James Clayton, 18 Tom Fenner, 27 Josh Allen, 3 George Lines, 17 Ben Gathercole, 2 Tom Halliday, 14 Joe Phillips, 7 Sam Goddard (C), 10 Ben Humphreys, 11 Ben Daniels. Unused Sub: 20 Jack Phillips.
Bedfield:- 1 Glyn Dixon, 2 Nathan Stephens, 3 Matt McComb, 4 Charlie Smith, 5 Martin Kemp, 6 Connor Goodchild, 7 Joe Mills, 8 Harvey Mills, 9 Giles Tyley, 10 Tom Godfrey (C), 11 Matt Bensley. Subs: 12 Kieran Minter, 15 Alfie Maw, 16 Joe Berry.
Goals: Joe Phillips (9'), Sam Goddard (55'); Matt McComb (30'), Godfrey (58')
Chedburgh finished their season, scoring 3 times in latter stages the second half despite a strong performance from the visitors, who belied their bottom of the table position.
Moreton Men took the lead early on, great football saw Dean Nelson and Jacob Malpass link up excellently, with the latter flicking an excellent ball round the defence to thread the former clear on goal to slot home.
Chedburgh however equalised 5 minutes later, threaded through down the right to slide home past Marshall.
Moreton Men though did test the home defence numerous times in the first half, forcing a few saves from the goalkeeper.
Chedburgh's striker was sin-binned (27'), while Craig McLaren was cautioned soon after for reacting.
A solid first half from the visitors was followed by persistent, determined defending in the same second half.
However, it took 68 minutes for Chedburgh to take the lead, baring down the right to round Marshall and score.
While the away side resiliently defended wave after wave of attack, Chedburgh netted a third on 79 minutes- after a squared ball was turned into the bottom left-hand corner.
Despite some brilliant defensive blocks, led well by MOTM and captain Shepherd, the hosts rounded off their campaign with a fourth in the 90th minute. A break down the middle resulted in a well taken finish.
Moreton Men recorded their first ever victory with a late 2-1 win over Bury Wanderers.
An even lively first half saw very little major chances of note, other than Alfie Hardiman heading a good free-kick just wide of the far post.
At the other end, debutant goalkeeper Nick Gordejevs was on hand to tip over a fierce strike from outside the box.
It was the home side who arguably deservedly broke the deadlock in the second half, a good through-ball released Dexter Lee (55') clear on goal, whose attempted dink over the onrushing goalkeeper was well denied by the stopper, though Lee made sure to turn home into the open net.
Wanderers however equalised, albeit harsh on the hosts as a left wing free-kick was flicked into the net by the head of the unfortunate Sheps.
The hosts went close to restoring their lead though, a big save from the advancing keeper thwarted Lee, but was unable to prevent Jacob Malpass from restoring the lead on 75 minutes.
A corner in was flicked onto Malpass, who was unmarked, to cleverly flick home into the gaping right-hand corner from close range.
A key late save from the keeper prevented the goalscorer from netting a late game sealing third, as Moreton Men stoutly saw out the final ten minutes to secure an important, hard fought victory.
Cambridge United extended their incredible unbeaten run in the Sky Bet EFL League Two to 13 matches, making it 5 successive wins (8 total), after a dramatic 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town.
Unchanged from their comeback victory at home to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, Neil Harris' promotion chasers rose up to third after Ben Knight struck in stoppage time once again, converting a late penalty, to condemn relegation threatened (21st) Shrewsbury Town to what was arguably a harsh defeat.
The visitors beat the U's in one of their 4 prior league successes this season in October, and arguably should've returned home with a point, though the Shrews struggled to test one the meaniest league defences in the country - certainly in the EFL conceding just 22 in 27 games, the side in Amber struggled to find a clinical touch in the final third, hitting the majority of their shots on target low and straight at Brentford loanee Matthew Cox.
At the break, you could sense the frustration around the ground, and even with Harris' half-time alterations giving the U's a much needed lift it wasn't until referee Abigail Byrne pointed to the penalty spot for a 90th minute handball that they were able to break down the stubborn visiting defence, who looked to have travelled with the sole aim of at least returning home with a point.
Shrewsbury (1') wrapped a smart through-ball towards Trey Ogunsuyi driving down the left, which was intercepted by the alert Mo Jobe. The visitors then sent a long ball forward in search of Ogunsuyi, forcing Jake Eastwood off his line to pluck it out of the night sky.
An excellent stop from Matthew Cox (6') thwarted a brilliant move.
James Brophy Fed Louis Appere just in the visitors' half who turned neatly to thread Sullay Kaikai driving down the right centre of the Salop half, into the area, where Cox advanced smartly to meet him, diving low to parry away his lobbed attempt.
Eastwood was then required to parry away Shrewsbury's (8') dangerous left wing corner at the edge of a packed six yard box, which Josh Ruffels pounced to shoot but had his effort blocked by Kell Watts, stood crucially just ahead of the goal line.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (9') saw a low tame strike from the left-hand edge of the box comfortably held by Cox at his near post, after crisp quick passing saw the U's break down the left with a byline cutback cleared to the U's 17.
Liam Bennett (12') was picked out by a pinpoint cross-field ball, only to skew his right wing cross over the crossbar.
Iwan Morgan (20') broke through on the right wing courtesy of a great defence splitting pass, whose dangerous low squared ball was slammed behind by Kell Watts, but the whistle went for a foul on George Hoddle.
Appere (26') was fed into space just outside the area to spin well and open up the angle to shoot, but hit his low strike straight at Cox.
With points very much at stake for both sides, it was a rather scrappy affair - though it was 4th v 21st, as Morgan's 27th minute right wing corner was expertly claimed by Jake Eastwood, once more rhrough a crowd of bodies but this time at his far post.
Cox (34'), who bizarrely went down to stop play for the free-kick, claimed Brophy's 35-yard free-kick from the left at his far post.
James Gibbons' (37') dart down the left wing produced a great clipped cross which just evaded the towering Ben Knight free at close range, as the U's began to control proceedings, albeit lacking the final touch.
Sullay Kaikai (45'+2') smartly controlled a header from Eastwood's clearance, he threaded Ben Knight surging forward, weaving through players into the area and close to goal but shot straight at the keeper, a golden chance.
Good play from Neil Harris' side (50') saw patient passing play lead to Sullay Kaikai driving towards the area to slip Ben Knight down the right-hand side whose cutback on the byline fleas met by Appere at the near post at point blank range, whose flick was blocked behind the near post by Cox.
Mo Jobe (51') met James Brophy's right wing corner at the far post, but could only head wide as the hosts again looked the more likely to find a breakthrough.
Ruffels (55') stabbed wide from the loose ball, following a partially cleared left wing corner, in what for large parts was a very frustrating evening for the Ambers.
Louis Appere was cautioned (59') for a late sliding challenge on Sam Clucas, stretching for the ball after a heavy touch.
Shane Lavery (63') was played through onto the right-hand side of the box but couldn't keep the ball under control to shoot as Cox gathered possession.
Taylor Perry (70') scuffed his shot just off target which Eastwood gathered, while Shame Lavery (77') latched onto a flick on down the left wing to smash dangerously back to the edge of the box where Ben Knight's low effort was held by Cox, diving just to his left.
Loanee George Nevitt (79') saw a half-volley blocked following Gibbons' great right wing ball was headed dangerously back across from the far post, as Cambridge were awarded a 90th minute penalty for handball.
Ben Knight (91') duly dispatched from the spot, expertly firing into the bottom right-hand corner.
Sang (98') curled a dangerous free-kick over as the final whistle blew.
Cambridge United:- 1 Jake Eastwood, 2 Liam Bennett (HT' Purrington), 6 Kell Watts, 7 James Brophy (62' Lavery), 9 Louis Appere (62' Nevitt), 11 Sullay Kaikai, 14 Ben Knight, 17 Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (74' McLoughlin), 23 Mamadaou Jobe, 26 James Gibbons (c), 38 George Hoddle (HT' Ball). Subs: 25 Ben Hughes, 3 Ben Purrington, 4 Dom Ball, 16 Zeno Ibsen Rossi, 19 Shayne Lavery, 21 Shane McLoughlin, 24 Elliott Nevitt.
Shrewsbury Town:- 1 Matthew Cox, 2 Luca Hoole, 4 Tom Anderson, 5 Will Boyle (c), 6 Sam Clucas, 10 Tom Sang, 14 Taylor Perry, 19 Iwan Morgan (73' Kabia), 21 Trey Ogunsuyi (54' Lloyd), 22 Temple Ojinnaka (74' Marquis), 25 Josh Ruffels. Subs: 12 Will Brook, 9 George Lloyd, 11 Anthony Scully, 16 Nick Freeman, 20 Ismeal Kabia, 23 Lee Isaac, 27 John Marquis.
Bury United picked up their first Premier Logos Bury Sunday Division One league victory with a 4-1 win over Stowupland Falcons.
In truth, both sides exchanged spells of possession for large amounts of the game, though United made their chances count.
George Corrie's second minute right wing corner was whipped dangerously to the far post, though the hosts shot just wide in acres of space.
Ben Humphries exploited space seven minutes later before smashing a 20-yard low shot just wide of the bottom near corner, though Falcons' right wing corner was shot over from close range at the back post.
United went close on 16 minutes, Corrie again tested the visiting defence with a clever left wing corner - which was on target - requiring a defender to clear it off the line as far as Jack Yallop to shoot over with his back to goal.
At the other end though, United keeper Steve Fenner was forced into a crucial double save in the 20th minute. After the visitors broke onto the left-hand side, the stopper was equal to the low strike wrapped towards his far post to tip it wide.
The resulting corner saw Fenner down low again to smother a close range shot.
With the game still remaining end to end, a great right wing cross into the danger area was punched away by the keeper with Corrie lurking, prior to Humphreys picking up possession high in the away side's half only for a vital last ditch challenge to prevent a shot for a corner.
Humphreys was involved again on 33 minutes, an intelligent Josh Allen left wing long throw found the latter whose looping header towards the far post was hacked off the line.
United went close two minutes later, a right wing cross found Corrie in acres of space at close range, whose shot went just wide.
Humphries picked out Corrie open on the left after a neat switch on 39 minutes, whose low driven shot was palmed behind by Bobby Bell at his near post.
The roles were reversed from the resulting corner as United broke the deadlock, Corrie's superb corner was met by Humphreys to loop the ball into the far corner, despitd the best efforts of two defenders.
Overall, United arguably deserved their lead at the break, having grown more in confidence as the half wore on.
United started the second half in the front foot, finding Humphreys with a right wing cross whose looping header towards the far post just evaded Corrie lurking with the goalkeeper alert to make a smart low diving catch.
A good, albeit comfortable, save from Steve Fenner preserved the hosts' lead on the hour mark, as a right wing corner was turned goal-wards from close range, though Fenner got across well to hold onto the effort towards his near corner.
Another dangerous right wing corner from the away side, six minutes later, was shot over from close range, before Jack Yallop was thwarted by two key saves from the Falcons' keeper.
The winger's 70th minute low strike from the left-hand side was beaten away well at the near post, while his low 30-yard driven attempt was straight at the keeper and well held soon after.
Yallop meanwhile struck twice in the space of two minutes to secure a big victory, latching onto the ball on the left-hand side to curl a sumptuous strike into the top far corner, making it 2-0 on 83 minutes.
Soon after though, Falcons' had a 12-yard strike palmed away well by Fenner, with Ben Humphreys denied at close range ahead of Yallop adding a third.
Falcons however did pull a goal back on 88 minutes, as Manning curled home a great strike into the top left-hand corner.
Humphreys though joined Yallop on a brace in stoppage time, receiving possession on the right-hand side to cleverly finish past Bell at point blank range for a 4-1 win.
Bury United:- 1 Steve Fenner (c), 15 Declan Walsh, 6 Jack Phillips, 4 James Clayton, 27 Josh Allen, 3 George Lines (57' 19 Tom Halliday), 17 Joe Phillips, 9 Ben Humphreys, 12 George Corrie, 11 Jack Yallop, 10 Romaine Scott. Unused: 20 Sam Goddard.
Goals: Ben Humphreys (40', 90'+1'), Jack Yallop (83', 85'); Manning (88').
An entertaining six goal thriller ended in a draw as both Moreton Hall Ferals and Real St Edmunds began the season with a pulsating point apiece.
After a fairly even start, the visitors broke free down the left wing finding Sam Evans free around the penalty spot with a clever low cutback but sidefooted his first time shot over inside the five minutes.
Real St Edmunds broke the deadlock with a stunning strike in the 7th minute, Dexy Driscoll smashed home a rocket from 30-yards into the right-hand corner off the underside of the crossbar.
The visitors doubled their lead on 9 minutes, Jack Utting was threaded down the right wing whose ball across the six yard box was spilt by Moye as Jamie Norton arriving at the far post found the top left-hand corner.
Weed saw a 14th minute left wing rabona cut out for a corner by Sam Waterson, while Sam Waterson's 17th minute flick on from close range was deflected wide for a corner.
Dexy Driscoll meanwhile saw a 35-yard free-kick well held by Moye at his top far corner on 19 minutes, as the away side looked in control of proceedings.
Ben Moye however read Weed's left wing 28th minute freekick, advancing off his line well to catch the ball into a dangerous area.
Fred Stewart-Hogg, after good link up play between Bryant and Charlie Larter, saw a 30th minute low strike from outside the box blocked.
Brilliant defending from captain Charlie Larter denied the away side from adding a third goal on 32 minutes, a smart run onto the left-hand byline was cutback dangerously into the six yard box but for the midfielder to intercept it in a tight area and clear the danger.
George Crowe's brilliant left wing 36th long range free-kick found Ben Newdick in acres of space at the far post whose volleyed effort went wide.
Ferals went close on 39 minutes, after growing into the game well, George Betson drove forward down the right wing whose low dangerous ball across the face of goal went narrowly wide, having evaded Mitch Bryant arriving at the back post.
Moye then tipped a dangerous 44th minute right wing cross-shot wide for a throw in, which picked out Jack Utting free at the far post a minute later whose diagonal dangerous ball across the face of goal just evaded Norton at close range a minute later.
The away though thought they'd made it 3-0 on 48 minutes, Weed's 30-yard free-kick curled smartly towards the top corner, forcing Moye to brilliantly tip it onto the face of crossbar with Norton offside as he headed home the rebound at point blank range.
Weed then saw a low shot from distance beaten away well by Moye, low to his left-hand side on 50 minutes, with Driscoll's effort on the rebound straight at Moye.
Josh Knightson was adjudged to have conceded a 52nd minute penalty, which Driscoll smartly dispatched, sending the keeper the wrong way to find the bottom right-hand corner on 54 minutes.
Betson's dangerous left wing free-kick was headed brilliantly towards goal by Dongray on 55 minutes, only for his looping header to be tipped onto the crossbar, though a free-kick was given against the hosts.
George Betson then reduced the deficit on 57 minutes, a smart left wing free-kick was dummied by Dongray as it dipped and nestled brilliantly into the far corner.
Sam Waterson saw a fierce 18-yard volley blocked, while Betson dipped a great strike narrowly over from the left winv on the hour mark.
Driscoll tried a speculative strike from the half-way line, but hit his free-kick straight at Moye's chest a minute later, before Weed smashed an effort well over on 63 minutes.
Ferals arguably should've had a second goal, Fred Stewart-Hogg jinked smartly down the left-hand byline on 68 minutes, cleverly cutting the ball back to Callum Dongray who fired over at close range.
Jake Stephenson was sent off for the away side on 70 minutes for a slap in the head, while Dongray neatly nutmegged the defender looking to find Betson on the left wing overlap winning a 72nd minute corner, which Callum Dongray headed agonisingly just over.
The visitors, from a quick free-kick taken short hit the outside base of the bottom far post on 77 minutes, before the away side saw a close range smart finish ruled out for a reckless foul on 83 minutes.
A brilliant solo goal from Fred Stewart-Hogg reduced the deficit to 3-2 on 85 minutes, the midfielder brilliantly held off multiple defenders, retaining possession, twisting inside and out of four opponents before breaking into the box through one on one at close range to brilliantly smash home into the top right-hand, far, corner.
Ollie Kellett palmed a dangerous right wing long throw from Bryant wide of his near post on 88 minutes.
Kellett then pulled off a crucial 90th minute save, Bryant's brilliant right wing long throw from 40-yards found Newdick free at the far post whose exquisite bicycle kick towards the top right-hand corner was brilliantly tipped away by the stopper.
Crowe then broke through onto the left-hand byline whose low effort was beaten behind by the keeper at his near post on 93 minutes.
Ferals dramatically equalised seconds later, the resulting corner saw Newdick's header denied at point blank range by a great diving save by Kellett, another close range save from Newdick by the keeper was stabbed home at point blank range by captain Larter to rescue a point.
Ferals play 96 away next Sunday, while Real St Edmund host Bedfield.
Ferals:- 1 Ben Moye, 28 Ben Newdick, 20 Callum Dongray (83' Bryant), 10 Sam Waterson, 88 George Crowe, 8 Charlie Larter (c), 14 Kieran Waller (34' Knightson), 4 Harvey Addison, 7 Fred Stewart-Hogg, 9 Mitch Bryant (56' Cook), 11 George Betson.
Moreton Hall Ferals began the new Bury Sunday Division One campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Bury Bowl, despite a good performance in an entertaining game.
Bowl keeper Jamie Humphrey proved to be the key man, and was the reason Ferals weren't able to pick up a share of the spoils with an impressive performance from the stopper.
Bury Bowl saw a 3rd minute fierce free-kick on the edge of the box blocked by the wall, while Dove fed Jake Peasgood to turn and shoot just outside the box bur saw his low shot held on 10 minutes.
Callum Dove then saw an 11th minute dangerous free-kick held by the goalkeeper, as Ferals grew into the game well.
The game remained an even affair with both sides enjoying spells of possession as of the 19th minute, while Arthur McCourt broke through onto the right-hand side but saw his 29th minute ferocious strike brilliantly tipped over by goalkeeper Tommy Haill.
Haill then watched a 31st minute freekick from Bowl's own half comfortably into his chest as the wind continued to make it difficult for both sides.
Mitchell Bryant however picked out Jake Peasgood with a great long throw two minutes later, but the latter's unmarked acrobatic close range effort was held by the keeper.
A spectacular 44th minute save from Tommy Haill kept the entertaining game level, as Guy Bailey's bicycle kick towards the bottom right-hand corner was brilliantly read and watched by the Ferals.
Jake Peasgood then shot wide from distance, who created a great chance on 47 minutes.
Peasgood drove down the left wing before whipping a great cross in towards Callum Dove but for the keeper to get there first and palm it away.
Peasgood then curled a shot agonisingly just wide of the top far corner from the left wing a minute later, while great team play from Ferals saw the hosts go close on 51 minutes.
Peasgood crafted the move, skillfully beating his marker before finding Josh Knightson to drive into space towards the edge of the box, threading Mitchell Bryant into the area, who held up possession to thread Kieran Waller onto the right-hand side whose low tame near post shot was held by the keeper.
Bryant latched onto a great through-ball in the 55th minute to drive through one on one with the goalkeeper onto to see his fierce 20-yard near post strike well held by Humphrey, diving low to his right-hand side.
Ben Newdick threaded Jake Peasgood through down the left wing on 58 minutes, whose smart first time byline low cutback was caught by the keeper, as Bowl went up the other end and broke the deadlock.
Scott McGavin then beat the wall with a low 25-yard free-kick but saw his 61st minute effort held by Humphrey, at his left-hand post.
Bowl then saw a 62nd minute shot from the right-hand side held by Haill across to his far side, before Bowl doubled their lead on 65 minutes.
Fin Rochford volleyed home into the top right-hand, near, corner from distance to make it 2-0.
McCourt volleyed wide from close range on the right-hand side on 68 minutes, as Bryant's 77th minute great right wing cross into the six yard box was held by the keeper at his near post.
Addison fired narrowly wide from outside the box seconds later, as Ferals were denied again on 78 minutes.
Bryant once more whipped a dangerous right wing cross low into the six yard box, finding Fred Stewart-Hogg whose sliding effort was too close to the keeper to hold onto.
Peasgood's 83rd minute free-kick was headed back towards the box but the winger, finding Stewart-Hogg on the edge of the area whose tame effort was easy for Humphrey.
Addison saw an 85th minute looping shot held by Humphrey, while Peasgood's exquisite left wing 86th minute corner knot the six yard box was punched behind the far post by the keeper.
Bowl shot over on 90 minutes, while Peasgood smartly cut inside into the box only to fire low and wide into the near side netting two minutes later.
Ferals host Real St Edmunds next Sunday.
Ferals: 1 Tommy Haill, 33 Kieran Waller, 10 Sam Waterson (81' Peasgood), 88 George Crowe, 28 Ben Newdick, 8 Charlie Larter (c), 7 Scott McGavin, 11 Callum Dove, 15 Charlie Glover (23' Bryant), 9 Jake Peasgood (63' Addison), 19 Josh Knightson (54' Stewart-Hogg). Subs: 12 Mitchell Bryant, 4 Harvey Addison, 5 Fred Stewart-Hogg, 99 Cameron Nicholls.
Bury Bowl:- 1 Jamie Humphrey, 23 Rob Darvell, 27 Kerrin Lawrence, 4 Ty Langford-Fox, 3 Tom Calver, 7 Matt Smith, 8 Guy Bailey, 10 Arthur McCourt, 17 Josh Sanders, 14 Finbar Rochford, 9 Connor Maultz. Subs: 2 Drake Collins, 19 Tom Pinyoun, 12 Lewis Tulk, 11 Varol Clarke.
Booked: Kieran Waller (45'+1'), Tom Pinyoun (83').
