JULY 2019 REVIEW- GAMES I WENT TO

JULY 2019 GAMES OVERVIEW:

Just want to start this blog by thanking everyone for their continued support with the blog this season (171 total on the various blog posts I’ve done so far- reports and groundhopping write ups), the feedback I’ve received on them has been amazing- I really appreciate it! As the title suggests, in this blog I’ll be talking about the games I went to during the month of July 2019, seeming as I won’t get to a game tonight (31st July as I write this).

First of all here are the month’s statistics:

Game no.	Teams	Result	Ground	Date	Leagues teams compete in
1	Needham Reserves v Brantham Athletic Reserves	5-2	Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena	Sat 6 July	Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North v Essex & Border League Premier Division
2	Needham Market Under-18s v Brightlingsea Regent Under-18s	2-2	Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena	Tues 9 July	Thurlow Nunn Youth League Central Division v Thurlow Nunn Youth League South Division
3	Needham Market 2-3 Colchester United Under-23s	2-3	Bloomfields	Fri 12 July	BetVictor Southern League Central Premier Division v Professional Development League
4	Whitton United v Witham Town	2-3	King George VI Playing Fields	Sat 13 July	Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Premier Division v BetVictor Isthmian League North Division
5	Needham Market Reserves v Haughley United	6-1	Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena	Tue 16 July	Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North v Touchline Suffolk & Ipswich League (SIL) Senior Division
6	Needham Market Reserves v East Bergholt United	3-0	Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena	Sat 20 July	Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North v Touchline Suffolk & Ipswich League (SIL) Senior Division
7	Needham Market v King’s Lynn Town	0-3	Bloomfields	Sat 20 July	BetVictor Southern League Central Premier Division  v Vanarama National League North
8	Needham Market Reserves v Harwich & Parkeston FC	0-5	Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena	Tues 23 July	Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North v Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division South
9	Bury Town v Needham Market	2-4	Denny Bros Ram Meadow Stadium	Fri 26 July	BetVictor Isthmian League North Division v BetVictor Southern League Central Premier Division
10	Needham Market Home Kit v Needham Market Away Kit (3G opening Showcase game)	1-1 (3-2 penalties)	Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena	Sat 27 July	Mixture of BetVictor Southern League Central Premier Division, Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North, Thurlow Nunn Youth League Central Division, Eastern Regions League Womens Division One North.
11	Needham Market Under-18s v Brantham Athletic Under-18s	5-2	Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena	Tue 30 July	Thurlow Nunn Youth League Central Division v Thurlow Nunn Youth League South Division

Statistics Table:-

Total Games	Home wins	Draws	Away wins	Home goals	Away goals	Total goals	Penalty shootout goals
11	5 (1 on penalties)	1 (excluding match that went to penalties)	5	28	26	54	5

Review of the games in order of favourites:-

1. Needham Market Reserves 6-1 Haughley United- this was a superb friendly, and was very competitive. Could’ve been much more goals had it not been especially for Haughley’s fantastic goalkeeper. Needham were superb and deserved every goal
2. Needham Market Under-18s 5-2 Brantham Athletic Under-18s- another superb game, Needham were absolutely emense first half, could’ve been 8-0 at the break instead of just 4 with many going just past the post. Second half, the changes took Needham a fair bit to click back into gear, as Brantham began to enjoy more possession, scoring 2 good goals to make it 4-2, before the hosts added a fifth late on with both sides having chances to add a few more goals each. A FANTASTIC goal from Callum Page Helped Needham on their way with the winger, Kai Fletcher and Jose Santa all linking up well- dangerous young trio. 
3. Bury Town 2-4 Needham Market- With 2 of Suffolk’s tip non league clubs going head to head it was bound to be a good game, which it was. Bury going ahead just shy of the half-hour mark through Cemal Ramadan’s composed finish, though some defensive mistakes and some fantastic play from Needham allowed the visitors to go 1-3 up half-time. Bury though had a lot of the ball in Needham’s half, but just couldn’t make something of it on a few occasions. Needham though added a superb fourth goal through Joe Marsden in the second half, with Joe Neal scoring two superb goals in the first half, one composed and one into the top corner. Bury meanwhile, deserved a second goal and got it in stoppage time- another good low strike from one of the trialists (can’t remember his name lol)
4. Needham Market Reserves 0-5 Harwich & Parkeston- Very competitive game first half, though second half visitors’ more senior experience told as they made it look easy at times, although could’ve been closer had Needham took their chances. 
5. Needham Market Reserves 5-2 Brantham Athletic Reserves- Superb game to start pre-season, very competitive game. Best moment was José Santa’s cross-turned-shot from the wing into the opposite bottom corner. 
6. Needham Market Reserves 3-0 East Bergholt United- Another competitive friendly in which Needham could’ve possibly scored double their eventual tally had it not been for Needham’s keeper standing in for East Bergholt who made umpteen superb stops. East Bergholt had a few chances but can’t remember them troubling Needham’s keeper a great deal.
7. Whitton United 2-3 Witham Town. A great friendly, first half Witham’s higher level quality showed, going ahead at the break. First half red cards for both sides ruined the game slightly, disrupted might be a better word. Whitton though kept pressing Witham throughout and got rewarded scoring two late goals as the score line was arguably a fair reflection of what was witnessed that day. Witham though were a much better team than when I last saw them play Bury Town in February, so good to see them looking better- though it is a friendly. 
8. Needham Market Under-18s 2-2 Brightlingsea Regent Under-18s- A fantastic competitive match, as both sides could’ve possibly scored one or two more apiece, with the drew certainly the fair result. Can’t remember a great deal from it, but if memory serves well a couple of late goals (one each side) saw the game go from a potential Regent win, to a draw as Needham drew level with time almost running out. Two good sides that look good for the season ahead.  
9. Needham Market showcase game. Let’s start off by saying the fact George Burley (ex-ITFC manager and player) seemed to enjoy what he saw of this says a lot- also thanks to him for giving me his autograph! Some of these placements in these rankings may seem harsh, especially this- as there have been so many great games this month. This game though was end to end throughout and could’ve seen more goals possibly on another day. However, I feel the draw was the right result, with the penalty shootout at the end a great way to end it- though I can’t lie some of the spot-kicks weren’t the best- some though were fantastic. All in all a fun game to cap a great day for the club. 
10. Needham Market 2-3 Colchester United Under-23s- to be honest this was not the greatest match. First half was decent, with the visitors ahead at the break. The second half though was fairly dire, with both sides seemingly going through the motions, with Colchester looking happy with their 2 goal lead though substitutes were made with Needham youngster George Clayton-Leek grabbing the hosts a late consolation to make the score line a bit closer. 
11. Needham Market 0-3 King’s Lynn Town. Newly promoted King’s Lynn we’re absolutely superb against a fairly understrength Needham Market. King’s Lynn scored early, hassling the Needham goal before forcing home from close range, with the second fairly similar. Second half was a bit better, George Exworth going close to scoring for the Marketmen though the Linnets scored a third goal towards the end to wrap up the victory in what was a maybe decent game if you’re a Linnets fan- possibly not otherwise. 

Needham Market U18 v Brantham Athletic U18 30.7.19

Game 11: Tuesday 30 July 2019, 7:30pm, Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena, Pre-Season Friendly, Needham Market Under-18s v Brantham Athletic Under-18s.

Match report on club website

Young Marketmen Hit Five Against Their Brantham Counterparts

By Drew Kendall

Needham Under-18s beat Brantham’s Under-18s 5-2 thanks to a brace from Kaleb Palmer, and a goal each from Kai Fletcher, Callum Page and Marcel Lincoln-Francis.

Needham Market Under-18s finished their pre-season campaign with a fantastic 5-2 win over their Brantham Athletic counterparts, thanks to a first half blistering display.

The home side went close as early as 3 minutes in, Jose Santa (who for me was MOTM causing havoc up and down the wing and spotting passes, with Kai Fletcher & Callum Page also worthy recipitents) crossing a dangerous ball in on the right wing to the far post, where Kaleb Palmer was running in but was intercepted by the keeper. A minute later, the overall lively start to the game continued as Brantham's No.10 got through on the right from 6-yards out but shot over the bar. Five minutes in meanwhile, Kai Fletcher went close for the Young Marketmen, the striker getting through on the left just inside the area, though the strike went just the wrong side of the bottom near corner and into the sidenetting. A minute later, Needham went close again, Jose Sabta was set through well down the right to put a good ball into the far post, where from 6-yards out a header back across goal found Kai Fletcher at the right post. The latter's shot though goes just wide of the bottom right corner, almost rewarding more great play. On 7 minutes however Brantham had a good chance themselves, after a free-kick on the left wing 40-yards from goal was headed wide at the near post, before Needham went close once more two minutes later. Kai Fletcher again found on the left eight yards from goal, whose great low strike was deflected towards the far post, where Jose Santa cut the ball back from the byline. The shot however went just over the top near corner. 

Brantham meanwhile went on the counter, getting to the left edge of the box to shoot low st goal, but was easy for the keeper to gather diving to his right. Ten minutes in and Needham went close again, Kai Fletcher's shot from the left inside the box beat the keeper, but also best the bottom far corner, with the scoreline still unbelievably goalless. Six minutes later another great chance almost gave Needham the lead, as good work from the hosts found Callum Page through on the left wing, whose shot-turned cross forced the diving keeper to catch at his near post. 

With 21 minutes on the clock, Needham went close again before doing so a minute later, the first saw Kaleb Palmer's great low strike from the left edge of the box go just wide of the bottom far corner after good buildup play between Santa and Kai Fletcher, as the second saw Needham shoot just wide of the top left corner. Moments later however, Needham had another chance, Jose Santa was found on the right inside the penalty area to cutback on the byline for Callum Page running in at the far post, the latter though firing well wide of the far post. On 24 minutes, Needham went close again, a great crossfield low ball from Callum Page found Jose Santa who hared down into the box on the right, to round the keeper and square across towards Kai Fletcher running in, but was intervepted by the defender stationed importantly at the near post- saving an otherwise certain goal. Page, Santa and Kai Fletcher linking up dangerously once more.  Down the other end, Brantham's No.4 went close to opening the scoring, the close range shot went just over the bar with the goal pratically at his mercy. Needham however, set Kai Fletcher through down the left, though offside striker struck into the sidenetting on 25 minutes. Needham though deservedly opened the scoring on  26 minutes, after great buildup play saw Jose Santa set Tommy Northwood through on the overlap on the right wing, as the latter's low cross in 8-yards out found Kai Fletcher, who couldn't quite get his shot off. Though Kaleb Palmer was on hand to first time finish instinctively into the bottom right corner, superb goal 1-0 Needham. 

Wait 26 minutes for one, and like buses a second comes soon after- three minutes to be exact- Santa again running down the right wing beating a couple of defenders to to pick out Kai Fletcher, who this time on the right edge of the box shot low and superbly into the bottom right corner, 2-0 Needham. On the hour mark, Brantham had a good chance to get a goal back, No.4's 30-yard low free-kick though going straight to the Needham keeper. A minute later meanwhile, Needham again went close, Callum Page setting Kai Fletcher down the left wing superbly, the latter's low cross in directly to the near post saw the keeper dive down but spill the ball, with Santa otherwise bound to get to it and score, though wasn't close enough to challenge the keeper in collecting the loose ball. On 33 minutes, Needham went close again, Kai Fletcher again released through into the box forcing the keeper well off his line to get down and make a good stop. The ball though fell perfectly for Kaleb Palmer, who shot just wide of the bottom left corner of the open goal, should've been 3 but more great play. Fletcher was again involved a minute later, jinking past the defender on the right edge of the box, though the shot was blocked, prior to the hosts going close ten minutes before the break. Callum Page winning a free-kick on the very left edge of the box, before stepping up himself to shoot low towards the bottom near forner, the keeper though was up to the task diving across to palm just behind the post. 

On 37 minutes, Needham went close again as Jose Santa embarked on his latest run downfield, skilling his defender well to reach the byline, as Santa's squared ball across found Palmer in the area. The latter's backheel was just out of reach of Kai Fletcher who stood behind him, allowing the defence to partially clear- Reuben Cowler striking from 25-yards out but was put just wide of the bottom left corner, though the resulting set piece was put behind the far post. Two minutes later, a moment of pure magic then came from the boot of Callum Page- who hit an unbelievable strike! The young winger getting to the left edge of the box to curl an absolute beauty towards the top far corner, dipping perfectly into the net leaving the keeper rooted- always going in from the minute he hit it, 3-0 Needham. Meanwhile, a minute before the break, Kai Fletcher went close again, after a long ball over the defence sent the striker through on goal, which after seeing keeper dash off his line Fletcher attempted to lob him. However the shot went over the top left corner. Moments later though it was 4-0 Needham, Kai Fletcher running down to the right byline after more great play, squaring into the six yard box for Callum Page, who tried to work an opening whilst holding the ball up well. Kaleb Palmer then ran in on the scene, as the former's lay-off tasked Palmer with a comfortable composed finish into the bottom corner for his brace and Needham's fourth. The goal ended a fantastic first half, with the Young Marketmen four goals up to the good at the break. 

HALF TIME: Needham Market Under-18s 4-0 Brantham Athletic Under-18s

HT thoughts: Superb play from Needham, deserve every goal. Been emense. Jose Santa, Kai Fletcher, Callum Page all been fantastic- superb driving force & one of the three involved in everything attacking wise. Brsntham can't cope with the pace much but been competitive, had a few chances but mostly been Needham. Great Needham team performance though, 4-0 HT is a superb result, could've even been more possibly. 

Needham began the second half having a shot on target a minute following the restart, Kai Fletcher's shot from the edge of the box who turned to shoot low but easy for the keeper to dive down to his left and gather. On 48 minutes though, Brantham pulled a goal back, No.10 releasing No.4 through the defence well onto the left hand side in the box, who from a tight angle went onto to finish well into the bottom far corner. On 54 minutes, Brantham had a half chance to get a second goal back, No.11's fericous shot on the right inside the box but was sliced well over and wide. Five minutes later though, Needham had another great chance, Kai Fletcher picking up possession on the right edge of the box before beating the defender to shoot low at goal, but bouncing off the keepers chest and rebounding away. However, no Needham man was around to anticipate as the keeper gathered the loose ball. On the hour mark however, Brantham pulled a second goal back, as a good ball upfield foced Elsdon off his line in an attempt to clear but was beaten to it. The Brantham man then squared the ball back across from the right byline, as the man running in 2-yards out at the far post  to tap into the bottom left corner for an easy finish, 4-2. On 62 minutes, Needham went close again as a ball over the defence set Callum Page through to the left byline, the winger then squared across to Lincoln-Francis at the far post, whose 8-yards strike was saved well by the keeper at the near post, as the rebound bounced off the keeper towards his own net- though the defender was able to clear behind the near post. 

The resulting corner in meanwhile, saw Kai Fletcher pick up possession on the left hand side in the box, only to shoot just over the bar in an open second half. On 66 minutes, Brantham had a half chance, as a shot on the right edge of the box was well blocked, before the visitors forced a good stop out of Elsdon three minutes later. Brantham's low free-kick on the left edge of the box went low towards the near post, though Elsdon dived across to beat it away. Then on 71 minutes, Kai Fletcher almost got his second goal of the evening, as his low shot in the box was well saved by the keeper getting down low after advancing off his line, though the rebound didn't quite fall to Lincoln-Francis running in, as Brantham survived. On 75 minutes, Needham went close again as another low strike from outside the box just whistled the wrong side of the bottom left corner- this time from Charlie Collis. Two minutes later, the visitors went once more, the shot from a tight angle on the left byline in the area goes across the face of goal but just wide of the bottom far corner. On 81 minutes, great play from the young Marketmen saw the hosts go close again, Callum Page this time set through to the left edge of the box to square across goal, but Brantham's No.12 at the near post deflects just behind his near post and into the sidenetting. From the corner a minute later however, Lincoln-Francis picked up the loose ball from 8-yards out but saw his shot blocked well. On 84 minutes, Brantham's No.11 was then set through on the left hand sidevin the box to shoot low at the near post, though Elsdon was up to the task to dive down to his left and make a good stop to gather the ball. 

With 3 minutes to go meanwhile, it was high-fives for Needham, Lincoln-Francis was set through on goal by a great long ball onto the right inside the box, doing well to keep possession and draw the keeper off his line to slot into the bottom right corner, 5-2 Needham.  Both sides then proceeded to have an opportunity each on 89 minutes, Needham having the penultimate chance of the game, as Jose Santa's shot on the left edge of the box was hit hard but well wide of the top far corner. Moments later, Brantham then countered up the pitch, where the shot from the left edge of the box went just wide of the bottom left forner, as Elsdon dived across to watch the great strike just beat his post. Upon that, the full-time whistle went as Needham's Under-18s concluded their pre-season with victory. 

FULL TIME: Needham Market Under-18s 5-2 Brantham Athletic Under-18s 

Needham Market:-

1 Rob

2 Tommy Northwood

4 Jes Nevard

5 Charlie Collis

6 Ben Hunt

7 Jose Santa 

8 Kaleb Palmer

9 Kai Fletcher

11 Callum Page

16 Reuben Cowler 

Subs

1 Owen Elsdon 

15 Konnor Fletcher

14 Marcel Lincoln-Francis

17 Alfie Parnell

Goals: Palmer (26', 44'), Kai Fletcher (28'), Page (39'), Lincoln-Francis (87'); B4 (48'), B (60'), 

11: @NMAcademy1 U18s 5-2 @BranthamAth U18s. Good game, Young Marketmen were on 🔥🔥🔥 first half, could've been double the 4-0 scoreline. Second half Brantham played well pulling 2 back. NM Scorers:- Palmer x2, Kai Fletcher, @CallumPage20 (SCREAMER!) & Lincoln-Francis. pic.twitter.com/vVGTDcnqYD

— Drew Kendall (@drewney2000) July 30, 2019

NEEDHAM MARKET SHOWCASE MATCH 27.07.19

Game 10, 3pm, Bloomfields Ruby Homes 3G Arena, Needham Market 3G Official Opening Showcase match, Needham Market Home XI v Needham Market Away XI

Today I went of to Needham Market for their 3G official opening, which was opened by Jo Churchill MP and ITFC legend George Burley, from who I got his autograph (tweet embedded below).

Match report on club website

Showcase match settled by penalties 

By Drew Kendall

An entertaining showcase match rounded off a superb afternoon at Bloomfields, as Jose Santa and Noah Collard found the target during ninety minutes. 

The Needham Market showcase match was settled by a penalty shootout, after the two sides played out an entertaining one-all draw. The 'home' side had the first opportunity on 5 minutes, as a cross on the left found Jamahl Godward whose header went wide at the near post. Two minutes later the 'away' team had their first opportunity, Callum Page was fed through to the left edge of the box in acres of space, the low shot thought went straight to Alex Silveri at his near post. On 12 minutes, the away side went close, Noah Collard's low strike from the right edge of the box going just wide of the far post before his teammate Luke Ingram had a shot also from the right edge of the box blocked on 14 minutes. Back came the home side though four minutes later, Jamahl Godward's right wing free-kick from 45-yards out was headed towards goal at the back post where it found Taylor 2-yards out in the middle. The full-back's low strike was intended to nutmeg Silveri who instead got down well to save with his legs. The hosts' Collis then had a go at goal on 23 minutes, the low shot from the edge of the box though going straight to Elsdon. Five minutes later, Callum Page had a go at goal from the edge of the box however the strike was low but straight at Silveri. 

Thirty-one minutes in, the home side had a shot at goal but just the wrong side of the left post, as near sides could yet break the deadlock. A minute later though, the home side a brilliant ball through the defence set Kai Fletcher one-on-one with Elsdon, the striker's miskick falling kindly for Fletcher to try again- this time shooting just wide of the bottom left corner from close range in what was an end to end match. Down the other end, Luke Ingram's 30-yard free-kick down the left wing was deflected just wide of the bottom far corner on 34 minutes, with both sides looking likely to score. Next to go for goal was the "host"s Evan Collard on 38 minutes, though his volley from 25-yards out on the left went well wide for a goalkick near the corner flag. Six minutes before the break however the home Needham side took the lead, Jose Santa was set through past rhe defence into the box on the left, slotting a composed finish into the bottom left corner, 1-0 to the home team (Red). A minute later, the away side went close to equalising, a ahot on the left forced a home defender to head it over his top near corner, for a corner-kick. The visitors then went close again two minutes later, Kadir Akaba got through on the right inside the box, although Palmer did well to get the tackle in to prevent a shot- with the ball ending up just wide of the far post for a corner, from which Luke Ingram was found on the left edge of the box whose shot was blocked. Then a minute into stoppage time, the home side's Jamahl Godward's free-kick on the right edge of the box curled narrowly over the top near corner as the home side had a good chance to double their lead. Shortly after, the half-time whistle went, with the Reds 1-0 up. 

HALF TIME: Needham Market Home XI 1-0 Needham Market AWAY XI

The second half was more of the same, closely matched with just one goal in it, with Jose Santa having the first shot since the resumption, shooting low from the left edge of the box but straight at Elsdon on 47 minutes. The 'visiting' then got down to the left edge of tge box a minute later, although the shot was blocked. Next to go close on 51 minutes was the hosts' Lincoln-Francis, whose 20-yard low shot went just wide of the bottom left corner. On 53 minutes, the Reds had a good chance to double their advantage, Jose Santa's cross-shot on the right edge of the box was just too high for No.18 at the back post who couldn't quite reach, as the ball went just wide. 

Down the other end though, the away side shot just wide of the left post, before drawing level on 55 minutes. Good buildup play by the 'away' team saw Wilkinson and Noah Collard link up well, as the latter drilled a great low strike on the edge of the box into the bottom right corner, 1-1. Two minutes later the 'away' side had a great chance to go 1-2 up, Amber Sparkes doing well to get to the right edge of the box, the shot though went straight at Silveri at his far post. The game was still wide open though, as Wilkinson went close to finding the net on 59 minutes. The shot on the right edge of the area though went straight at Elsdon. At the other end moments later, the away side went close themselves Amber Sparkes then set Noah Collard through down the right, though the latter's strike lifted just over the top far corner. On 62 minutes, the 'home' side's Fletcher had a shot blocked from the right edge of the box, five minutes prior to Parnell's 25-yard strike going over the top right corner. Seconds after, the visitors shot straight at Silveri on the left, with neither side still unable to grab a second goal. On 69 minutes, the home XI went close again however as a corner in on the right found Jose Santa a yard out at the far post who headed just wide of the bottom near corner. The away team then counter-attacked, as Milly Carter's cross in on the right forced Silveri into action, the keeper tipping the ball over the bar at his far post. 

Then on 72 minutes, Kai Fletcher was set through on the right for the hosts, as the 16-year old's cross in was headed away only as far as Alfie Parnell on the edge of the box. Parnell though miscued his half-volley which fell kindly for the latter to strike at goal the second attempt, this time forcing Elsdon to get down to his right and make a good stop. Two minutes later, the away team had a good chance of their own, Callum Page through on the left hand side in the box though his strike was deflected into the sidenetting at the near post. A minute later meanwhile, Reynolds tried his luck from the left edge of the box, but saw his shot blocked. With 11 minutes left to play, the away side's Callum Page had a chance to score once more. The young winger jinking through to the left hand side in the box to shoot low at goal, though was easy for the diving Silveri at his near post. On 82 minutes, Akbaba forced Silveri into another good save, as the substitute's shot on the right byline requiring Silveri to dive across from his near post to palm it away. Two minutes later, Nick Ingram had a good chance to also give the away side the lead but was again denied by Silveri. Ingram's strije on the right close to goal was heading for the far corner had it not been for a good diving save by the keeper, palming away for a corner. 

Callum Page then had the final two chances of 'normal time,' the first seeing Page set through to the edge of the box on 88 minutes, but shot straight at Silveri. The second and final chance of the afternoon then came on the verge of the final-whistle as the away side went close again. After good buildup play, Noah Collsrd on the left edge of the box teed up Page on the edge of the area in a central position, the latter aiming for the bottom far corner- though Silveri got down well to palm away. That was it for the proper game, as a penalty shootout took plave to seperate the two sides, which is detailed below. 

The away side stepped up first, Akbaba taking the responsibilities on and responding well, drilling low into the bottom left corner, 0-1. First up for the home side meanwhile was Kai Fletcher, whose low penalty was straight at Elsdon who dived down the middle to make a comfortable save. Up next for the visitors was Noah Collard- whose penalty towards the bottom right corner was palmed away by the diving Silveri. Up next for the hosts was Lois Balfour, who could only blaze way over the top right corner, still 0-1 to the away side after 2 each. Next to take for the away side was Callum Page, whose spotkick towards the top left corner was also palmed away well by Silveri, who got two hands to it. Palmer then stepped up for the hosts and delivered, placing perfectly into the bottom left corner, 1-1 after 3 each. The away side though went 1-2 up as Amber Sparkes' brilliant penalty sent Silveri the wrong way as Sparkes found the bottom left corner. The 'home' side's George Exworth though levelled it up, dispatching a great penalty into the top left corber, with Elsdon diving the opposite way down to his left, 2-2 from 4 apiece. Then came the crucial moment in the shootout, as Nick Ingram looked to place his spot-kick into the bottom right, though Silveri made a great two handed save to beat it away. With that, the home team gained the advantage for their five penalty. Jose Santa slotting a greatly composed finish into the bottom right corner, as the home side won 3-2 on penalties to end a superb showcase match. 

FULL TIME: Needham Market Home XI 1-1 Needham Market Away XI (3-2 penalties)

home:

1 Alex Silveri

2 Jamie Taylor

3 Tom Bak

4 Evan Collard

5 Kieran Morphew (c)

6 Ben Hunt

7 Jamahl Godward

8 Caleb Palmer

9 Kai Fletcher (37' Santa

10 George Exworth

11 Lois Balfour (30' Wilkinson)

Subs:

12 Jose Santa

14 Abbie Wilkinson

15 Konnor Fletcher

16 Alfie Parnell

17 Marcel Lincoln-Farcis

18 

Away:-

1 Owen Elson

2 Conor McLaughlin

3 Reuben Cowler

4 Charlie Collis

5 Jes Nevard

15 Tommy Northwood

7 Luke Ingram (capt)

8 Noah Collard

9 Nick Ingram (30' 18)

10 Amber Sparkes (30' 12)

11 Callum Page

Subs:

12 Eboni Shepherd

14 Milly Carter

6 Nicola Henderson

16 Sam Reynolds

17 Sam Garrod

18 Kadir Akbaba

Goals: Santa (39'), Noah Collard (55'), 

10: @needhammktfc showcase game. Great way to open 3G facility & to celebrate the good work a lot of people especially @RobPeace9 have put into it! 1-1 after a fantastic 90mins, before a fun penalty shoot out took placed 3-2. Also got Burley's autograph! pic.twitter.com/1zW70qyInw

— Drew Kendall (@drewney2000) July 27, 2019

Bury Town v Needham Market 26.07.19

Game 9: Friday 26 July 2019, 7:45pm, Denny Bros Ram Meadow Stadium, Pre-Season Friendly, Bury Town v Needham Market

Match Report on Needham’s website

Marketmen Pick Up First Win of New Season

By Drew Kendall

Goals from Cambridge United debutants Neal (brace) and Foy give the Marketmen a strong first half lead, with Joe Marsden’s second half strike rounding off the victory.

Needham Market beat Bury Town 4-2 away from home, as clinical finishing edged the friendly in Needham's favour.

Bury though had the first two chances, the Blues' ball in from the left was shot over the bar from 6 yards out on 6 minutes. Eleven minutes in a Bury corner in on the left found Gardner from 6-yards out, though the header went over the bar. At the other end, Needham went close to scoring as a great cross in from the right saw Joe Neal at the far post cut it back to Sam Squire was was six yards out at the near post. The latter's low deft shot though was smothered well by the defender on 13 minutes.  The Marketmen then had a great chance five minutes later, as Joe Marsden's shot from the right edge of the penalty area was blocked, with the rebound falling to Marsden whose second attempt curled well towards the top far corner- though on-loan Norwich 'keeper Barden got across well to keep it out with relative ease. On 23 minutes, Needham went close to opening the scoring as Neal got through on the right hand side in the box to run towards goal, though the low strike aimed towards the far corner was denied well by Barden's leg at his near post. 

Bury though opened the scoring on 28 minutes, Crane's strike on the right six-yards from goal, Fin Shorten though seemingly made the save, though the ball ended up going under the young keeper and coming back of the far post. Ramadan then picked up possession on the right from a similar area to where the original shot was from. Ramadan finding the bottom right corner as Bury took a 1-0 lead. The lead though lasted just five minutes, as Needham drew level after Joe Marsden was set through down the right byline in the box to square across for Neal running in from a few yards out, the Cambridge United youngster guiding a great finish past Barden and into the bottom far corner to make it 1-1. Fellow United youngster Foy then tried his luck at goal on 27 minutes, Foy's strike from the right edge of the box took a deflection of a defender, looping up at goal though Barden took a routine catch jumping up on his line with a Needham man running in. Needham then took the lead 6 minutes before the break, as left-back Callum Sturgess' cross in on the left was partially cleared by Joe White as far as Matt Foy on the edge of the area, whose superb strike found the top left corner to give Needham a 1-2 lead. 

Then on 41 minutes Needham had a half-chance, Joe Marsden's shot from the left edge of the box though was blocked. The Marketmen though made it 1-3 on 42 minutes, Joe White's pass across his own box was intercepted by Neal who brought the ball forward onto the left hand side in the area, drawing Barden two steps off his line, before cooly finishing into the bottom far corner, 1-3 Needham. That's how the half ended, with the Southern League (Central Premier Division side) leading their Isthmian North hosts 1-3. 

HALF TIME: Bury Town 1-3 Needham Market

HT thoughts: Not much in the game, Needham the more clinical. Bury not making the most of their attacks, some of which went un-noted.

Needham started the second half like they ended the first, Craig Parker's shot from the edge of the box was blocked, the ball falling to Russell Short on the left edge of the box- the latter's strike though met the same fate on 47 minutes. Two minutes later, Bury had a chance as Cemal Ramadan was set through on the left inside the box from close range, where the striker spinned well past his defender though the shot went into the sidenetting at the near post. The Blues then went close on 51 minutes, Ollie Hughes racing down the left wing to the byline where the attacker's dangerous cross into the six-yard box forced Daniel Morphew to slice clear narrowly wide off his right post. Seven minutes later, Joe Marsden added a fourth Needham goal with a great low strike from the left edge of the box which dipped perfectly into the bottom far corner, 1-4 Needham. Needham substitute George Exworth then tested Bury keeper Barden, though his 25-yard strike went straight at the keeper on 71 minutes. 

Bury though countered downfield instantly as trialist Nyaozayo's good strike from the edge of the box was heading towards the bottom right corner until Fin Shorten dived across and palmed behind well. Bury's centre-back though headed the corner wide at the far post. On 83 minutes Bury went close again, as a good ball through to substitute Emmanuel Machaya on the right close to goal saw the young striker shoot towards the bottom far corner. Shorten though got down well at his near post to palm away. A minute later, the Bury substitute was involved again- this time shooting low from the right edge of the box, but was accidentally blocked by teammate Tanner Call. The ball then fell to Nyaozayo from a similar position, the shot though was fired well over the top near corner. Bury however pulled a goal back two minutes into stoppage time, the hosts corner in on the left was partially headed away as far as Cruise Nyaozayo on the edge of the box. Nyaozayo turning well before unleashing a great low strike into the bottom left corner, after which the full time whistle shortly went as Needham won 4-2. 

FULL TIME: Bury Town 2-4 Needham Market

FT thoughts Bury arguably deserve a second if not more. Needham were clinical when required. Both sides played decently though, been  a good encounter taking the scoreline ought of the equation. 

Bury Town:-

1 Daniel Barden

2 Ryan Stafford

3 Will Gardner (56' No.12)

4 Joe Hood

5 Joe White 

6 Taylor Hastings

7 Ryan Crane

8 Ryan Jolland (87' Kennedy)

9 Ollie Hughes (c) (72' Machaya

10 Cemal Ramadan (59' Call)

11 Cruise Nyaozayo

Subs:

12 Max Maughan

15 Emmanuel Machaya

Jake Chambers-Shaw

17 John Kennedy

14 Tanner Call

George Bugg (GK)

Needham Market:-

1 Fin Shorten

2 Jake Dye (73')

3 Callum Sturgess

4 Russell Short

5 Kieran Morphew (c)

6 Daniel Morphew (63' D.Morphew)

7 Joe Marsden

8 Craig Parker (73')

9 Matt Foy (63' N.Ingram)

10 Joe Neal (73')

11 Samuel Squire

Sub

12 George Exworth

14 Nick Ingram 

15 Conor McLaughlin (73')

16 Luke Ingram (73')

17 Noah Collard (73')

Goals: Ramadan (28'), Nyaozayo (90'+2); Neal (33', 42'), Foy (39'), Marsden (58'),

Booked: Marsden (60')

Att 140. 

Tonight’s superb @NonLgeProgs @cayden_sands
First programme of the season for me. pic.twitter.com/oSSCq5xMFG

— Drew Kendall (@drewney2000) July 26, 2019

NEEDHAM MARKET RESERVES v HARWICH AND PARKESTON 23.07.19

Game 8: Tuesday 23 July 2019, 7:30pm, Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena, Pre-Season Friendly, Needham Market Reserves v Harwich & Parkeston

Match report on Needham’s club website

Reserves End Pre-Season In Defeat to Strong Harwich side

By Drew Kendall

Despite a good performance, the Young Marketmen’s winning streak ends after 4 goals in the second half see Harwich take the victory

Needham Market Reserves end their pre-season campaign in defeat as Harwich & Parkeston win 0-5, despite the Reds putting in a good performance in a fairly warm evening.

Both sides though started brightly with Harwich, who finished 5th in the Thurlow Nunn First Division South last season, whipping in a cross on the right on 7 minutes, where the header from 6-yards out at the far post was low but easy for Silveri to catch down to his left at his right post. Down the other end, Needham won a free-kick on the left edge of the box, striking it at goal but straight at the keeper's chest on 8 minutes. Harwich then won a corner on the right two minutes later, where the header in the centre was headed wide of the far post as the chances continued to come for both sides. Harwich though opened the scoring eleven minutes in, as Needham gave away possession Sean Gunn was set through on the right hand side in the box to finish off a well worked goal, slotting comfortably into the net despite Silveri getting a hand to it diving down at his near post, 0-1 Harwich. On 15 minutes Needham however had a good chance to equalise, Jose Santa cutting in onto the left edge of the box as the young winger's curling strike was parried away by the keeper at his near post. The visitors then went onto counter, as the low strike on the right edge of the box forced Silveri into a good save, palming behind his far post for a corner.

With 17 minutes played, Jose Santa was then set through down the left wing, to bring the ball upfield well, switching the play well to George Clayton-Leek on the far side with a low ball, the latter though cut inside the defender inside the area to shoot- but the defender made the block. Moments later, a good Needham ball over the defence picked out Kai Fletcher on the left inside the box, as the striker's header went wide of the near post.  Harwich meanwhile had another chance of their own on 23 minutes, after a corner in on the right into the six yard box saw No.18 leap the highest to head just over the top left corner from point blank range at the far post. A minute later though, Needham had another good opportunity to get back on level terms, Kai Fletcher fought well to keep the ball on the right edge of the box to maintain possession, though the shot on the near side in the box was blocked. With 10 first half minutes remaining meanwhile, Harwich went close to doubling their lead, after a cross in on the left was headed just over the at the far post from close range. The away side then had a good opportunity to double their lead, as the shot from the left edge of the box went wide of the bottom near corner on 37 minutes. Three minutes later meanwhile Silveri was forced into a great instinctive reaction save, after a free-kick on the left from 25-yards out was crossed superbly to the far post, where a few yards out a diving header from point blank range was matched by a great reaction save by Silveri- diving across to his bottom left corner to beat it away.

With 45 minutes played, Needham though travelled well to the left edge of the box from 20-yards out, though the strike which was well hit went straight to the keeper at his near post. A minute into added time meanwhile, great defending from the hosts prevented a second goal, as Kevin Coyle laid the ball off to Sean Gunn 12-yards from goal, the latter's strike however was deflected well wide of the left post for corner. From which, the cross into the far post six-yards out Silveri was onve more brought into action. The Needham stopper this time diving down and across to intercept the cross and beat it away.

Harwich still had one last chance of the first half, as Kevin Coyle's free-kick from the right edge of the box was blocked by the wall, only to fall to a Harwich man on the near side in the area. The low strike however was well saved by Silveri down at his near post, from which the ball fell to a visiting man on the byline- thoygh the strike was deflected behind for a corner. The set-piece meanwhile, forced Silveri into another good stop- palming behind his right post with what was the last action of the half, Harwich leading 0-1 at the break, after an entertaining first half.

HALF TIME: Needham Market Reserves 0-1 Harwich & Parkeston

HT thoughts: Good competitive half, both sides had chances- could be lot more goals really, both gk's done well when required.

The second half began with Harwich doubling their lead just three minutes after the restart, as a great low ball into the box from the left found Sean Gunn 6-yards out at the near post. Gunn picked up his second of the night placing a perfect shot into the top right corner, 0-2 Harwich & Parkeston. Harwich then began to look for a third goal as a long ball drew Silveri out off his box to head clear. The ball though fell to a Harwich man 50-yards from goal, whose first time volley went well over the bar of the unguarded net on 52 minutes. Five minutes later, both sides had a shot on target each, Needham having the first as the low strike from the right edge of the box went straight at the keeper, at his near post. Harwich then countered as a throw-in onto the right 8-yards from goal forced Silveri to advance off his line well and stop the low shot. The rebound then fell to Purll, whose shot/cross went across the face of goal with nobody around to tap home. Then on 58 minutes, the visitors had another chance, a good Harwich strike ended up just wide of the right post, whilst Needham had a great chance of their own on the hour mark. Kai Fletcher picked up the ball on the right just in the penalty area, the young striker turning well by the defender blocked the shot well.

With 61 minutes on the clock, Ross Purll increased Harwich's lead to three-nil, Purll running through the centre bringing Silveri racing off his line. The Harwich man though produced a great lobbed finish to dink it over the Needham keeper, underneath the bar and into the net. Harwich then went close with 25 minutes to go, Kevin Coyle attempting a long range strike towards the top middle of the net but was denied by a good stop by Silveri palming it up before tipping it away from the line, good strike good save. Sixty-seven minutes in, Harwich were awarded a penalty as Purll got through on the left and was adjudged to have been hauled down, as the ref pointed to the stop. Up stepped Sean Gunn a minute later, as his spot-kick was superbly palmed away by Silveri down to his right, the ball though falling for Gunn whose follow up save at the bear post was well saved by a superb reaction save by Silveri- diving back across at his near post to palm away. It was to be third time lucky for Gunn though, nodding into the left corner for his hat-trick, 0-4 Harwich. Needham though had another good chance to pull a goal back on 69 minutes, a half-volley shot from the left edge of the box went just wide of the bottom near corner. Three minutes later, Purll was set through on the right hand side in the box, as the goalscorer ran onto the ball into the area but saw his low shot towards the bottom near corner denied well by Silveri. Moments later, Kevin Coyle then tried his luck, though firing over the bar from distance. On 73 minutes, Needham's George Clayton-Leek had a chance to get his side on the scoresheet, the young winger's 30-yard strike dipping straight at the keeper at his bottom right corner.

Harwich though added a fifth goal on 75 minutes, Kevin Coyle's superb free-kick from the right edge of the box beat the wall well before dipping perfectly into the bottom far corner, no chance Silveri; 0-5 Harwich. Coyle then had a great chance to grab another goal just sixty seconds later, the Harwich number 4 was set through to right edge of the box to shoot towards the far post, but went just wide of the bottom corner. On 77 minutes, Needham went close as a free-kick on the right edge of the box bounced just shy of the bottom far corner and just wide of the post. Two minutes later, Needham then had another chance, as the shot from the left edge of the box went narrowly wide of the near post. Harwich though then gave away possession deep in their own half, as the hosts teed up Ben Frost on the left edge of the box drawing a good save out of the keeoer, reaching across to palm behind his far post as the defender cleared on 80 minutes. Two minutes after, Harwich brought another good stop out off Silveri, the latest shot towards the bottom left corner requiring the keeper to get down and palm away. Needham then went close once more on 83 minutes, the free-kick on the right edge of the box going just wide of the bottom near corner and just the wrong side of the post. With 5 minutes to play, Needham went close again after a great through ball set through George Clayton-Leek well onto the left inside the box. The young winger cutting in past his defender shooting just over the bar as Needham still couldn't quite get on the scoresheet. Both sides still had a great chance each before the full time whistle blew, Harwich having the penultimate action on 87 minutes. A corner in on the right was headed just over the top near corner from close range. On 90 minutes though Needham went close to scoring, George Clayton-Leek was fed on the left in box, jinking inside his defender but shot just wide of the bottom near corner, following which the whistle went as Needham Reserves finished pre-season in defeat to a strong Harwich side.

FULL TIME: Needham Market Reserves 0-5 Harwich & Parkeston


Nm
1 Alex Silveri
7 Jose Santa de la Paz
11 Kai Fletcher
14 George Clayton-Leek
Subs
12 Ben Frost

Harwich:-
Felgate
Palmer
Murray
Ben Parkin
Cant
M.Palmer
4 Kevin Coyle
Beecham
Fay
6 Sean Gunn
Cripps
Subs:
14 Ross Purll

Goals: Gunn (11', 48', 68'), Purll (61'), Coyle (75'),

NEEDHAM MARKET V KINGS LYNN TOWN & NEEDHAM MARKET RESERVES V EAST BERGHOLT UNITED 20.07.19

Game 6: Sat 20 July 2019, 2:30pm, Bloomfields Ruby Homes 3G Arena, PSF, Needham Market Reserves v East Bergholt United

NM Trialists- Adrian Okoro, Alberto.

Game 7: Sat 20 July 2019, 3pm, Bloomfields, PSF, Needham Market v King's Lynn Town

Needham Market's second pre-season friendly ends in defeat at the hands of Kings Lynn Town, as the National North side were the better side throughout running out 3-0 winners.

On the other hand, over on the 3G Needham's Reserves meanwhile had opposite fortunes as they beat East Bergholt United 3-0, with all the goals coming in the second half. The Reserves started brightly and had a free-kick on the left wing as early as the third minute, which was swung into the far post from close range. The ball squared back across goal though was intercepted well by the keeper. Three minutes later, the hosts then had their first shot on target of the afternoon, as the low strike from range went straight at the keeper. On 7 minutes Needham had a great chance to open the scoring, as No.11's well hit low strike from the edge of the box towards the bottom left corner forced Silveri to get down well to palm behind. Two minutes later, Needham went close to going infront as No.11's great volley on the edge of the box looked destined to find the net. A great header by the defender however took it over the bar for a Needham corner. Then on 13 minutes Jose Santa curled a good low shot from the right edge of the box straight at the keeper, as the Marketmen continued to press for the opener. Sixteen minutes in meanwhile, Needham whipped a cross-turned-shot towards goal on the left wing, ending up just wide of the far post. Needham then had another shot on the left on 19 minutes, only to be blocked by a defender, before the Young Marketmen had another from the edge of the area deflected behind the near post for a corner a minute later. Needham then went onto hit the bar, before the first half drew to a close with the scoreline still goalless.

The first team however were behind after the first notable action of the game, as Super Play-Off Winners King's Lynn went infront after just 4 minutes, as Marriott got through on the right inside the box, whose low strike was saved well by Shorten- who replaced the injured Garnham just before kick off- though the rebound fell to Sam Kelly to finish from close range, slotting into the bottom left corner, 0-1 Kings Lynn. Though the visitors looked sharper & despite being fairly understrengthed Needham put in a good defensive display with a couple of trialists in action, whilst some of the reserve players also got a run out (some of which featured for them slightly before coming off the bench). The Reds' first chance came on 5 minutes, when the trialist wearing No.9 shot at goal from the left edge of the box though it ended up going off his own man in new signing Craig Parker and just wide of the bottom near corner. Back down the other end, Kings Lynn had another chance as No.3's low shot from the left edge of the box went low and straight at Shorten at his near post on 11 minutes.

Two minutes later King's Lynn doubled their lead, once more leading from good work down the right wing, where the cross into the far post found a man six-yards out to shoot low at the near post. Needham defender Kieran Morphew however got across well to block the shot, despite the rebound eventually being snuck under Fin Shorten by Ryan Fryatt who headed home, after Kelly's cross back in, from a few yards out for 0-2 Kings Lynn. Needham though went close to halving the deficit on 17 minutes with what would've been a superb finish as Craig Parker's free-kick from the left edge of box curled and dipped fantastically towards the far corner- although the set piece rebounded off the face of the post and straight to a Lynn defender to clear behind. Needham though headed the corner wide of the far post as the hosts looked for a quick response. Twenty minutes in however, Lynn's Marriott had a shot on the left inside the Marketmen's area only to be denied once more by Morphew- who deflected the shot behind his far post well in what was superb defending. The Linnets' man then tried again four minutes later, this time low at goal from the left edge of the box and straight at the diving Shorten.

A minute later however, Town's No.8 blasted a speculative shot towards goal from range, but blasted well over the bar, as the game didn't really feature too many clear cut chances for either side. Needham meanwhile went down the other end on 28 minutes, as the trialist wearing No.7 was set racing through down the left to the edge of the box- though his shot was blocked, showing good intent from Needham just possibly lacking much of an attacking edge with personnel missing. Lynn on the other hand won a free-kick on the right edge of the box, which was hit well and low towards goal by No.7, but also beat the near post- ultimately going just wide on 32 minutes. The hosts meanwhile went close ten minutes before the interval, after a dangerous set-piece originally found Parker from close range the partial clearance found No.7 on the left. The latter's close range strike however was blocked, as the ball fell to Conor McLaughlin on the right edge of the box- the right back's strike though met the same fate. That then fell to Morphew whose strike from distance, which was also low and powerful, fared no different.

Needham's last chance of the half then fell on 37 minutes, as the hosts' shot from the right edge of the box was deflected over the top right corner, for a Needham corner, Lynn though still had two more chances prior to the break. The penultimate saw the away side shoot over the bar from 25-yards out on 39 minutes, before a corner in on the left found No.16 at the back post. His close range header though went over as the Linnets led 2-0 at half-time.

HALF TIME: Needham Market 0-2 Kings Lynn Town

Whilst the first team's clash was nearing the interval the Reserves came back out for the second half, as Kai Fletcher arrowed a great strike into the bottom corner for 1-0 Needham. Fletcher then tried again on 56 minutes, this time though his strike from the edge of the box was blocked. Jose Santa was next to try his luck as the young winger's shot from the left edge of the box drew a great save out of the keeper, who got across and down well to palm behind his near post on 58 minutes. On the hour mark, Needham went close to foubling their lead, as José Santa got through onto the left inside the penalty area to race onto the byline but shot wide of the near post. The Young Marketmen then went close again a minute later, No.11's free-kick on the left edge of the box was destined to find the top left corner. Bergholt's keeper however had other ideas diving up to palm the ball behind superbly. Goalscorer Kai Fletcher then recieved the ball 6-yards out on the left in the area to shoot low at goal from 6-yards out but was blocked by a defender on 62 minutes. Two minutes later the striker doubled his and Needham Reserves' tally, as Kai Fletcher was given minimal space by the defenders on the left edge of the box to arrow a great low strike into the bottom left corner, similar to the first goal- 2-0 Needham. East Bergholt meanwhile then had two opportunities to score, the first saw a volley from the left edge of the box go well over the crossbar on 67 minutes, before a shot from the same area forced a good low diving stop from Needham's substitute keeper, tipping behind his far post on 71 minutes. The Young Reds then made it 3-0 on 81 minutes, as the hosts maintained their 100% pre-season record.

With play back underway on the main pitch, Kings Lynn had the first opportunity six minutes after the restart firing a shot on the right over the top near corner. Then on 56 minutes, after good buildup play from the visiting Linnets the away side reached the right byline in the box, where the shot was blocked. Six minutes later, Lynn then shot over the bar, with No.15 unleashing a fierce strike from range just wide of the left post moments later. Straight up the other end meanwhile, good build-up play from Needham who passed the ball around well as Callum Sturgess laid the ball off to the trialist wearing No.7 on the overlap on the left wing. The latter then squared the ball into the area where George Exworth (name could be wrong) shot just wide at the near post from close range- a great chance for Needham to score going begging. On 67 minutes, Lynn's shot from the left edge of the box went low but just wide of the near post, before the visitors' cross/shot on the left forced a good diving stop from Finlay Shorten who palmed it away at his near before gathering the rebound on 73 minutes.

The friendly was your typical pre-season encounter, not a great amount of clear cut opportunities to write about, though King's Lynn were the more sharper and clinical side. Needham substitute Nick Ingram though had a shot blocked from the left edge of the box with 15 minutes to go. Lynn though tripled their lead on 77 minutes, Aaron Jones getting through onto the right edge of the box, whose shot was deflected into bottom near corner beating the diving Shorten to make it 0-3 King's Lynn. Two minutes later meanwhile, the Linnetts put an attempt just wide of the near post, prior to the away sides going close to extending their lead further on 84 minutes, a well struck free-kick on the left edge of the box was curling towards the bottom far corner, only to be denied well by Shorten who dived across well to palm away. With 4 minutes to go, Lynn went close again firing a thunderbolt from the left edge of the box narrowly over the top far corner. On 87 minutes, Lynn had another great chance to score again, as a shot from close range on the right forced a good low stop from Shorten- who gathered the loose ball just ahead off his goal-line- before repeating the process after a saving shot at his far post in the same manner.

King's Lynn then had the final chance with two minutes to go, No.14 striking low from the right edge of the box but wide of the far post- following that recently promoted National North Linnetts make it 3 wins from 3, as understrengthed Needham will take pride in their decent defensive display.


FULL TIME: Needham Market 0-3 Kings Lynn Town

NM
1 Fin Shorten
2 Conor McLaughlin
3 Callum Sturgess
4 Russell Short
5 Kieran Morphew
6 James Baker
7 Trialist
8 Craig Parker
9 Trialist
10 Sam Squire
11 Billy
Subs:
12 George Exworth(?)
14 Nick Ingram
15 Callum Page
16 Jamahl Godward

Kings Lynn Town Squad:-
1 Alex Street, Barrows, Nathan Fox, Michael Clunan, 8 Sam Kelly, Hilliard, 10 Marriott, Ryan Jarvis, Rory McAuley, Ryan Fryatt, Chris Smith, Hawkins, Chris Henderson, 17 Aaron Jones, Carey

Goals: Kelly (4'), Fryatt (13'), Jones (77').

MOTM: Kieran Morphew

Thoughts:- King’s Lynn pressed well, knocked it around well, both first half goals came from the right hand side. Both of those were forced in from a previous shot denied. Third was deflected just inside the post, but they looked very hungry for the win, passed it around well. Look like a good test for National North sides. Needham though defended well, despite being understrengthed, threatening Lynn’s goal a few times but not greatly. Not the greatest of encounters overall really.

Saw 24 first half mins of Res.

Res:-
1 Finlay Shorten
6 Shane Wardley
7 Jose Santa de la Paz
9 Callum Page
10 Jamahl Godward
Sub
14 Kai Fletcher

East Bergholt
1 Alex Silveri

Goals: K.Fletcher x2 (2nd was 64'), (81').

NEEDHAM MARKET RESERVES V HAUGHLEY UNITED 16.07.19

Game 5 of 2019/20: Tuesday 16 July 2019, 19:30, Ruby Homes/ Bloomfields 3G Arena, Pre-Season Friendly, Needham Market Reserves v Haughley United

Match report on club website 

Reserves Make It 3 Friendly Wins out of 3 to start the new season

By Drew Kendall

Young Marketmen cruise to victory over lower league Haughley United, as the visitors’ keeper kept the score down on numerous occasions.

Needham Market Reserves make it 3 wins in a row in their pre-season schedule, as the Thurlow Nunn First Division side beat Touchline SIL Senior Division side Haughley United- who were in their first friendly of the new season. 

Needham were on the attack just 30 seconds in, Kai Fletcher was set through on the right hand side in the box where the striker’s first time close range low stroke was comfortable for the keeper diving down to his far post. Three minutes in, Haughley’s keeper kicked the ball out straight to a Needham man 50-yards out, though he was let off as the low shot went straight at the keeper, who was off his line. On 6 minutes, Haughley had their first chance of the evening, a free-kick on the right edge of the box was blocked well by a sturdy wall. Three minutes later, Needham stopper Finlay Shorten made a good save up to his left to take a good catch, as the game started very brightly & competitively. Down the other end on 10 minutes, a great strike was matched by a great save, as the hosts free-kick from the left edge of the box was teed up to be stuck low at the bottom left corner, but was palmed behind well by a superb diving stop by the keeper to tip behind for a corner. On 13 minutes, Needham winger José Santa de La Paz curled a strike from the left edge of the box straight at the keeper- who took a routine catch. Santa then had a great chance a minute later, as the young attacking threat got through on the right just outside the six yard box, as his cross-shot was dangerously sent towards the bottom far corner, though the keeper got down to palm away.

Moments later, a great Needham strike at goal took a looping deflection towards goal, but was saved well by the keeper. Fifteen minutes in, Kai Fletcher took a shot at goal from outside the box, though fired over the bar, before Needham’s Evan Collard forced a great save out off the outstanding Haughley keeper a minute after. Collard’s great strike from the edge of the area looked destined to find the top near corner, but for a superb diving stop by the keeper to palm it away, before pouncing on the loose ball to prevent a corner. Needham then had a great chance on 18 minutes, Santa’s shot on the left ended up just wide of the top far corner. Needham then went close to taking the lead on 20 minutes, as Evan Collard hit another great strike, this time from 30-yards out, towards the top left corner, but was again matched by a great diving save by the keeper- diving up to take a good catch. Two minutes later meanwhile, Needham had another great chance to score, Ben Frost’s 30-yard strike went straight at the keeper to palm away, as Needham were in control of proceedings and would be ahead had it not been for the outstanding Haughley keeper. 

Needham though did open the scoring on 26 minutes, Ben Frost getting to the left byline in the box to cut it back to Fletcher just outside the six yard box, to slot low into the bottom left corner, 1-0 Needham. Straight after, Needham shot straight at the keeper, as the young Marketmen looked for a quick second goal. Haughley though had a good chance on 30 minutes, as No.7 got through on the right hand side n the box, the shot though was deflected wide of the near post for a corner. Needham though had numerous chances in quick succession, with the first coming two minutes later- goalscorer Kai Fletcher letting fly from 25-yards out but over the bar. Eleven minutes before the break, Fletcher went for goal again, this time from the right side in the box. However, this time his low strike was blocked. Shortly after meanwhile, Santa went close as Needham continued to pile on the chances. Santa doing well to get through on the left hand side in the box, beating his defender before shooting low from close range, but straight at the keeper. On 35 minutes, Needham went close again, as a low strike from 30-yards out on the left forced a good save from the keeper to tip behind his near post for a corner. 

Sixty-seconds later meanwhile, Needham did in fact double their advantage as the resulting short corner found Santa on the near side in the area to sidefoot a great finish into the top right corner, 2-0 Needham. Still, Needham weren’t satisfied as a long range strike on the left went straight at the keeper on 37 minutes. On 38 minutes, Needham had another strike at goal, this time Evan Collard curling over the bar. Five minutes before the interval, Haughley had a decent opportunity to pull a goal back, the visitors’ low strike from the right edge of the box going just wide of the bottom far corner. At the other end, Needham’s right back had a shot on the right hand side in the box from close range, but skied the strike over the bar with Needham still hunting more goals with 4 first half minutes remaining. 

Then on 42 minutes, Noah Collard was next to try his luck for the hosts, curling a strike on the left edge of the box straight into the keeper’s chest. A minute before the interval meanwhile, a good one touching passing move from Needham created another good chance, as a shot on the left in the area went low but straight at the keeper. On the verge of half-time, there was still one last opportunity for Needham, Kai Fletcher’s short on the left inside the box was blocked, but a defender inadvertently kicked the ball back towards his own near post- but was let off the keeper kicked it clear with the last kick of the half- upon which Needham went in 2 up with Haughley having their keeper to thank that it wasn’t any more. 

HALF TIME: Needham Market Reserves 2-0 Haughley United

HT thoughts: Needham the much better side, Haughley stopper very much preventing it from possibly being 4-0, great half. 

Needham began the second half in the best possible way, scoring a minute after the restart, as Santa got his second of the evening. The young winger got through on the right inside the box to send a good finish into the bottom near corner, 3-0 Needham. Despite the score line it was still very much a competitive game, as Haughley’s No.4 had a shot in the box- only to hit wide of the bottom left corner on 49 minutes. José Santa then went in search of his hat-trick three minutes later, as the Needham youngster was set through on the left wing, to cut into the edge of the box as his low strike was cleared behind the near post well by a defender for a corner. Santa then turned provider, as Connor Fletcher played a one-two with the former, before shooting low on the right hand side in the area but straight at the keeper on 55 minutes. A minute later meanwhile, Jamahl Godward forced a brilliant save out of the Haughley stopper, as the left winger was set through down the left wing thanks to a fantastic through ball. Godward then proceeded into the box to shoot low at the far corner, but was palmed behind well by the stopper, at the expense of a corner. 

Needham though then struck the bar on 57 minutes, as the ball rebounded back into play- Haughley though went up the other end and almost got on the scoresheet a minute later. Number 5 getting through inside the box on the left to chip the onrushing keeper. Where upon reaching the byline, the shot at goal was well blocked by the retreating & well placed defenders. Needham then countered straight back up the other end, as the hosts saw a shot blocked on the edge of the box. The young Marketmen then went close on 59 minutes, as a great through ball split the defence, releasing Santa through on goal to draw the keeper off his line. The strike however went the wrong side, from Needham’s perspective, of the bottom left corner. Needham though did make it 4-0 on 62 minutes, Connor Fletcher’s cross on the right wing came back into play via the top of the crossbar before falling for Nick Ingram to finish well into the bottom right corner, 4-0 Needham. Then on 64 minutes, Needham curled a strike at goal from the right edge of the area- only to shoot over the top far corner. Still the chances continued to come, as Needham swung a great cross in on the right, where a shot from 10-yards out towards the bottom right corner seemed to be heading wide, though Nick Ingram ran in from a few yards out to tap into the net. The goal though didn’t stand, as it was ruled out for a free-kick, presumably for a high foot- still 4-0 with 25 minutes left. Seconds later meanwhile, Needham had another good chance, this time blazing over the bar. 

On 67 minutes, Needham then had a low strike on the right hand side in the box go wide of the near post, closely followed by another goal that was ruled out moments after. This time Ingram tapped in from close range- denied on this occasion by the offside flag. With sixty-eight minutes in, Needham then tried their luck from 20-yards out from goal but struck well over the bar. Haughley did get a goal back though on 74 minutes, bursting through on the left inside the box to slot a good finish past the onrushing Needham stopper into the bottom right corner, 4-1. The Reds restored their four goal lead straight away, with quarter an hour to play, a great cross in on the right handed in the air perfectly for a man at the back post to leap the highest to direct a superb header into the top left corner to respond in great style, 5-1 Needham. On 77 minutes, Haughley had another chance, No.5’s free-kick on the right edge of the box curled over the wall but dipped straight into the keeper’s chest. Needham then countered well down the pitch, as Nick Ingram set No.17 through on the left inside the area, as the sub keeper left his near post open. Sure enough, the low strike was destined to punish the keeper’s positioning, but he made amends with a great stop- getting across well to pal, behind the near post for a corner. 

With 11 minutes to go, Nick Ingram was set through in the box, once more drawing the keeper off his goal-line, although the stopper did well to get down well and gather the low strike. As nine minutes were left on the clock, Needham had another strike on the right outside the box, but was blocked well before the hosts rounded off the scoring on 84 minutes. After being set through on the right inside the area to finish easily into the bottom right corner, 6-1 Needham and very much deserved. Haughley though still had opportunities, as No.5’s shot on the left from range went low and wide of the bottom near corner on 86 minutes. The visitor’s No.5 then had another strike at goal a minute later, though this one was blocked from long range. The hosts meanwhile countered well upfield, Ingram on the right wing finding No.16 running down to the edge of the box as the low strike went straight at the keeper. 

As the game drew to a close, the hosts shot over the bar with 2 minutes to go, as Haughley had the game’s final chance. United’s great low strike from the edge of the area forcing the Needham substitute keeper- who came on at the break- to dive down to his bottom right corner to palm away and pounce onto the ball, in what was the last action as Needham’s Reserves ran out 6-1 winners.

FULL TIME: Needham Market Reserves 6-1 Haughley United

NM:-

1 Finlay Shorten

3 Noah Collard

7 José Santa de la Paz

8 Evan Collard

9 Kai Fletcher

10 Jamahl Godward

11 Ben Frost

Subs:

1 Riley 

12 Connor Fletcher

15 Nick Ingram

Goals: Fletcher (26'), Santa (36', 46'), N.Ingram (62'), (75'), (84'); H(74'),