Bury Town v Haverhill Rovers 19.12.2020

Saturday 19 December 2020, 3pm KO, Mid Season Friendly, Denny Bros Ram Meadow Stadium, Bury Town v Haverhill Rovers (The Pitching In Isthmian League North Division v Eastern Counties Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division) 

Bury Town returned to action post lockdown 2.0 with a 5-3 friendly win in what was an action packed friendly which included a lot of drama. 

The Isthmian League North Blues dominated their clash with lower league Haverhill Rovers throughout, despite struggling to work the Haverhill Rovers keeper until the second half - albeit even then the majority of their shots on target found the net, such was their second half rampage. 

Whilst Bury's buildup play was impressive as usual for the step 4 hosts, currently sitting on fourth on their division with 3 wins and a draw from their 4 league outings, their finishing was a bit rusty - which is to be expected having not played for the best part of 5 or 6 weeks. 

But they did still create dangerous chances, as Jake Chambers Shaw was released through onto the left-hand side in acres of space, but the attacking midfielder could only bend his shot wide of the far post in the third minute. 

Rovers meanwhile, who currently sit 18th in their division having won 2 of their 11 league outings so far this season - drawing one and losing eight, drew a good save out of young Bury goalkeeper Joe Wilson in the ninth minute. 

Dangerous play from Rovers saw a cutback pick out a man free close to goal, who drew a comfortable save out of Wilson. 

Bury meanwhile caught Rovers on the counter attack resulting in Cemal Ramadan being released through free towards the edge of the penalty area, though Haverhill left-back Charles Davies denied the striker an almost certain chance at goal, tugging the striker back as the last man and getting a yellow card as a result. 

Bury then forced the keeper into a routine stop on 15 minutes, a clever through ball threaded Cruise Nydazayo through down the left-hand side, who cut in well before firing a shot across goal which was easy for the goalkeeper. 

Rovers however broke the deadlock against the run of play on 27 minutes, a slick counter attack saw Rovers place a great finish just out off reach of Under-18 goalkeeper Joe Wilson and into the bottom left-hand corner, who got a hand to it but it proved to be not quite enough. 

Bury however went close to drawing level on 34 minutes, after a great ball over the defence released Cemal Ramadan through on goal, who cleverly lobbed the keeper well but he recovered well to catch the ball before it crossed the line. 

Haverhill though went down to ten men three minutes later, a lapse of concentration at the back from the visiting goalkeeper saw him give the ball straight to Cruise Nydazayo, who instead of taking aim at the vacant goal from 25-yards, he opted to drive forward towards the edge of the box, beating Davies in the process, the left-back though hauled the forward back, preventing a shot at goal giving the referee no option but to give him his marching orders. 

From the resulting dangerous free-kick, Ramadan's strike was blocked by the wall as far as Ollie Snaith - whose instinctive first time strike towards goal was blocked well by a defender as Haverhill survived. 

Meanwhile, great play from the hosts saw Bury almost draw level on 41 minutes, after Ramadan gkt through dangerously down the byline, his cutback found Snaith whose shot was blocked. The ball then fell back to Ramadan who teed off the midfielder again, which although his second attempt was blocked Joe Hood fired a rocket of a strike narrowly wide of the bottom corner as Rovers preserved their one goal lead going into the interval. 

Into the second half, Bury continued to dominate proceedings with the Blues almost drawing level nine minutes into the half. Taylor Hastings' header back into the danger zone forced the Rovers keeper to rush off his line well and get a hand to it ahead of Altintop lurking dangerously, the rebound however fell to Cemal Ramadan eight yards out whose well hit shot was blocked by a vitally placed defender, only as far as Will Gardner who could only lash a volley over the crossbar. 

Rovers however hit Bury with another sucker punch against the run of play, although Rovers had started the second half brightly despite being a man down, as the visitors found space to fire a good strike home into the net, 0-2 Rovers on 56 minutes. 

Bury meanwhile found their goalscoring rythym two minutes later, marking the start of a rampant scoring spree in which the Blues netted five times in 24 minutes. 

Substitute and massive fans favourite Olly Hughes showed great skill to roll his defender down the left-hand side before crossing a dangerously across the face of goal on a plate for Joe Hood from point blank range to nod home powerfully into the top left hand corner, 1-2.

From that point on Bury were lethal in front of goal and made their higher league status count massively, as Jake Chambers Shaw then weaved through numerous challenges inside the box before shooting low but straight at the keeper on 61 minutes. 

To Rovers credit, they were more lively in the second half, compared to the first half, but Bury continued to dominate throughout - ultimately ending up with the hosts continuously threatening the Rovers goal that it became a procession of Bury chances one after another. 

And the hosts drew deservedly level in the 64th minute after a great defence splitting pass released Cemal Ramadan through inside the box, who laid off possession to Ryan Horne on the edge of the penalty aeea before cooly placing a composed finish past the keeper into the bottom left-hand corner, 2-2. 

Bury though arguably should've taken theead five minutes later, after a great pass cut through the Haverhill defence before Max Maughn fired an inch wide of the bottom right-hand corner from Chambers Shaw's lay off. 

The next twist in this frenzy encounter then arrived in the 71st minute as Bury took the lead for the first time, Max Maughn this time swinging a dangerous ball in underneath the crossbar looking to pick out Hughes, though the keeper's touch away from the striker fell to Joe Hood rushing in from close range to fire an instinctive first time volley home into the net via a slight deflection for his second of the game, 3-2. 

The rampant Blues then got even hungrier for more goals as the game progressed, with Taylor Hastings firstly heading a dangerous corner just centimetres over the crossbar, before Charlie Cook fresh off the subs bench thrashed a first time shot over the bar moments later. 

To say all in attendance went away entertained would be an understatement, with plenty of quality goals to behold - added to by Charlie Cook's cleanly hit unstoppable volley which flew into the left hand corner, making it 4-2 in Bury's favour. 

Moments later however, Cook almost picked up a brace of his own in quick succession, but thundered his thirty yard strike just over the crossbar. 

The scoring spree was then concluded for Bury by an audacious goal from Olly Hughes. The forward was threaded through dangerously past the defence before delicately chipping the onrushing keeper with the ball nestling perfectly into the net. 

That wasn't the end of the action though, as Rovers headed home a consolation goal from close range into the empty net. 

Bury though finished off the dramatic encounter with Max Maughn shooting narrowly wide on the verge of the final whistle. 

The game proved to be both side's last outings in 2020 though due to the ongoing pandemic, so arguably fitting that it was an action packed encounter to mark the occasion. 

FT: Bury Town 5-3 Haverhill Rovers. 

Bury Town FC:-

1 Joe Wilson

2 Joe Hood

3 Will Gardner

4 Ryan Horne

5 Joe White (HT' White) 

6 Baris Altintop (86' Edwards) 

7 Jake Chambers Shaw (76' Angus Mills) 

8 Ryan Jolland (58' Maughn) 

9 Cruise Nydazayo (HT' Hughes) 

10 Cemal Ramadan (86' Brown) 

11 Ollie Snaith (73' Cook) 

Subs:

12 Charlie Cook

14 Max Maughn

16 Olly Hughes 

17 Taylor Hastings 

No Number: Angus Mills

No Number: Carlos Edwards

15 Harry Brown

Haverhill Rovers FC:-

1 Charlie Bell

2 Jacob Joseph

3 Charles Davies

4 Callum Anderson

5 Alfie Carroll (capt) 

7 Marc Abbott

8 Ryan Weaver

Booked: Davies (9'), Haverhill (13'), Nydazayo (25').

Sent Off: Davies (37'). 

Goals: Hood (58', 71'), Horne (64'), Cook (80'), Hughes (82'); (27'), (56'), (88').

REACTION | Joshua Pollard | Gloucester City AFC v Needham Market 15.12.2020

On Wednesday, the day after Needham Market's trip to Gloucester City AFC, defender and goalscorer Josh Pollard gave his thoughts on how he thought the game went.

DK: First of all, you must be disappointed to have lost but what did you make of the game and the team's performance?

JP: Yes was disappointing not to come away with a result but shows how far we have come being disappointed away from home to a top team, I feel not having some away fans on the night made it easier for the ref to give decisions against us, but on the whole was a good performance an showed we can still score goals against good opposition but equally need to be sharper defensively in our own box

DK: Having came on early into the game, how did you find it - must've been tough being thrown straight into the intensity of the game?

JP: Yes was very tough for me as I have had limited game time due to a little injury an the team doing so well it is hard to rotate but when the opportunity comes you have to be ready, it feels great being back out there an hopefully it won’t be to long before we can start the league

DK: Your goal came at a crucial time for us, talk us through what was going through your head as you scored.

JP: Yes if I’m honest I was surprised it was me on the edge, so when the ball fell to me I just went for a good contact an see where it ends up an luckily it was in the back off the net, which I feel but then under pressure just before half time. 

DK: Overall, you lads did the club proud last night - did that game set a marker for where you want to be as a team in the future?

Yes completely the lads as a group all have that desire to play as high as possible, an we shown we can match a team who’s top off the Conference north away from home, it’s a great club to be at with an exciting season ahead one I’m looking forward to I hope the fans have enjoyed so far. 

Gloucester City AFC v Needham Market 15.12.2020

Tuesday 15 December 2020, 7:45pm, The Buildbase FA Trophy Second Round Proper, Meadow Park, Gloucester City AFC v Needham Market

Post Match Interviews: Josh Pollard, Kevin Horlock

Needham Market's club record FA Trophy run ends at the Second Round Proper after a 4-2 defeat to National League North leaders Gloucester City AFC. 

In what was a historic night for both teams, with Gloucester welcoming fans to their home of Meadow Park for the first time in 13 years, the Marketmen battled hard throughout to show an impressive account of themselves as to why they are second in the Southern League Central Premier Division, a level below their hosts. 

However, the night got off to the worst possible start for Needham as Gloucester broke the deadlock after 57 seconds, a long ball released Mensah through inside the box who then rifled a fierce finish home into the top left-hand corner. 

Gloucester started the tie on the front foot and looked keen to be out of sight early on, but were denied by some good defending from the visiting defence as Keiran Morphew blocked a strike on the edge of the box in the third minute. 

Needham however grew into the game well and were undettered by the scoreline, even at 3-0 down, as goos passing play found Ben Fowkes in space from 25-yards out but the forward could only curl his shot over the crossbar on 7 minutes. 

Good defending once more from Keiran Morphew a minute later though to intercept a goos ball forward denied Gloucester a shot at goal despite the hosts then shooting narrowly wide of the left-hand post moments later. 

Fellow centre-back Daniel Morphew then showed some great defending in the ninth minute making two blocks to prevent a shot from close range, although the resulting strike from further out went wide of the target. 

After Needham appeals for a free-kick deep in Gloucester's half were waved away, the home side took advantage on 12 minutes - swiftly doubling their advantage from a quick counter attack. The ball fell kindly for McClure from 10-yards out who duly lashed home a good strike into the roof of the Needham net. 

Needham meanwhile then began to get forward and started to create chances, albeit not too many were clear cut, despite both Callum Sturgess and Ben Fowkes doing well to win the Suffolk side back to back corners after 16 minutes. 

Byron Lawrence meanwhile hit a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box into the Gloucester wall on 21 minutes, whilst great defending from Keiran Morphew saw the centre back shield a, dangerous through-ball back to Marcus Garnham a minute later. 

Gloucester though were awarded a penalty on 26 minutes, after Keiran Morphew was adjudged to have brought down Mensah, but Marcus Garnham did what he's done a few times this season as the shot-stopper denied the hosts from the spot, getting across brilliantly to his bottom left-hand side to beat away McClure's spot-kick. 

The Marketmen then broke upfield and nearly took advantage of that penalty miss after clever play saw Callum Page neatly backheel possession to Gareth Heath on the edge of the box, where the skipper's curled and dipping strike rebounded agonisingly back into play off the inside of the left-hand upright. Possession then fell to Luke Ingram through inside the box but his dangerous pacey cross across goal went out of play for a throw in. 

Gloucester however doubled their lead on 32 minutes, after goalkeeper Garnham had got down well to deny McClure from close range, Jack James was on hand for Gloucester to fire the rebound home into the top left-hand corner, past the man on the line, from close range. 

Whilst the hosts then curled a dangerous shot just wide of the bottom right-hand corner from close range on 38 minutes, a great retreating tackle by a Gloucester defender denied Callum Page a shot at goal from close range seconds later. 

Needham however pulled a vitally timed speculator strike as substitute Josh Pollard received Byron Lawrence's dummied set-piece before curling an audacious strike home into the top right-hand corner, game on! 

Instantly, Needham were denied soon after from reducing the deficit further as Callum Page was denied by a great save from the keeper. 

Needham ended the half strongly with their tails up, drawing a string of three corners - from the last of which drew a good save from the goalkeeper on his goal-line to deny the Marketmen, before then responding well to claim the dangerously dropping loose ball. 

Into the second half, Needham were on top for the majority of the half and didn't look out of place whatsoever, although Garnham stood firm to deny Mensah's dangerous close range strike on 49 minutes. 

Ben Fowkes meanwhile brought Needham fully back into the game by reducing Gloucester's lead to just the single goal, with what Kevin Horlock later described as a 'trademark' finish by the forward, who drilled a great strike across the goalkeeper and into the bottom right-hand corner from close range, 3-2.

From the start of the second half, Needham came out all guns blazing and until Gloucester's fourth goal ultimately killed the tie off the visitors looked likely to force a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Garnham again getting across brilliantly to his left-hand side to deny another low dangerous strike to keep his side in the game on 58 minutes. 

Needham were in full confidence as they searched for an equaliser, with Daniel Morphew spraying dangerously pinpoint long balls forward but Needham just weren't able to create any clear cut chances to restore parity. 

At the other end however, an unfortunate mistake at the back from Marcus Garnham, who slipped, allowed Jack James to pick up his second goal from point blank range pouncing on a rare mistake by the goalkeeper on 72 minutes. 

Needham continued to look to try and reduce the deficit quickly two minutes later as Luke Ingram's dangerous low ball across the penalty area went narrowly wide of the bottom corner. 

Great defending from Keiran Morphew though kept Gloucester out, vitally sticking out a foot to divert a dangerous ball close to goal behind for a corner on 81 minutes, whilst a vital block to deny the hosts from adding further to their lead, following a dangerous close range cutback, kept the scoreline a fairer reflection from Needham's perspective. 

Garnham was then required to save well from a free-kick in stoppage time, before denying tje hosts with a good diving save after Lovett's dangerous long drop-kick. 

It's Gloucester though who advance to the third round, who travel to Maldon and Tiptree whilst should Needham's league be able to restart on Saturday the Marketmen will welcome Hednesford Town to Bloomfields. 

Gloucester City AFC:-

Lovett, Whittle, Daly(C), James, Brunt, Morgan, Dawson (45' Robert), Thomas, O'Sullivan, Mensah, McClure (45' Campbell). 

 

Subs: 

Maher, Robert (45'), Hainault, Campbell (45'), Bremner. 

Needham Market:-

1 Marcus Garnham

2 Joe Marsden (19' Pollard) 

3 Callum Sturgess

4 Byron Lawrence

5 Daniel Morphew

6 Keiran Morphew

7 Luke Ingram

8 Gareth Heath (capt)

9 Callum Page (86' Mills) 

10 Noah Collard (78' Hunt) 

11 Ben Fowkes

Subs

12 Josh Pollard

14 Billy Hunt

15 Adam Mills

16 Tom Fitzgerald

17 Jose Santa

18 Owen Elsdon (GK)

Goals: Mensah (1'), McClure (12'), James (32', 72'); Pollard (41'), Fowkes (53').

Sporting 87 v AFC Kesgrave 05.12.2020

Saturday 5 December 2020, 1:45pm, Macron Sports Suffolk & Ipswich League Division One, Victory Ground - BSE, Sporting 87 v AFC Kesgrave

Sporting 87 returned to action from lockdown 2.0 with a 2-1 closely thought home win over AFC Kesgrave. 

Kesgrave will feel hard done by to have not came away with a point from the clash, as the away side edged the first half whilst hosts Sporting 87 did likewise in the second half. 

The first chance of the game went the way of the visitors just three minutes in, drawing an excellent save out of the Sporting goalkeeper in the process. The visiting man found space to curl a great strike towards goal, which took an unfortunate deflection off a defender who diverted the ball towards his own bottom corner but was bailed out by the goalkeeper who dived across brilliantly to get across and slap it away - a candidate for save of the season! 

My Sporting Man Of The Match, Courtney Prince, meanwhile created an excellent chance for Sporting in the fifth minute, the number ten was threaded through down the left wing before delivering a dangerous cross into towards the centre forward running in at the back post from six yards out but the keeper was alert well to take the catch. 

Kesgrave then arguably deservedly took the lead on 16 minutes after a long range dangerous dipping free-kick was misjudged by the keeper off his line in an attempt to deal with the ball, with Kesgrave centre-back Emmett Klipalo able to guide a great header home into the empty net, 0-1 AFC Kesgrave. 

Six minutes later meanwhile, Kesgrave had a great chance to double their advantage after great play from the away side saw a dangerous cross into the penalty area headed just wide from close range. 

Sporting however grew into the game and had a good chance as a dangerous long range free-kick was flicked on towards goal by Lebbon Jarrad but was gathered by the well placed goalkeeper on 26 minutes. 

Sporting then went agonisingly close in the 32nd minute as Courtney Price was through dangerously down the left wing his dangerous ball squared across the ball fell to the winger whose shot was vitally blocked by a defender. The ball then fell as far as the hosts' left-back who fired a great low strike at goal but was diverted on route by an offside home shirt on its way through to the keeper. 

Prince then went close himself as an audacious 35-yard right wing free-kick found Prince from close range but could only guide a first time strike straight at the well positioned goalkeeper on 34 minutes. 

Kesgrave on the other hand looked to catch Sporting on the counter attack, as the visitor's quick break led to a man being fed through inside the box but his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper. 

Both teams then went close once before the opening half drew to a close, after Sporting drew a good save out of the keeper from a low well taken direct free-kick on 42 minutes, Kesgrave fired agonisingly just wide of the bottom corner following a counter attack on the stroke of half-time. 

Into the second half, as previously mentioned it was Sporting who edged proceedings, but it was Kesgrave who had the first major opportunity of note after the restart, a dangerous counter attack found the striker six yards out from goal but their header went just wide of the bottom corner on 50 minutes. 

At the other end though, Sporting drew a great stop out of the Kesgrave goalkeeper, whilst the volley towards goal on the rebound was fired just over the crossbar on 52 minutes.

The game continued to be end to end which constant action until the half hour mark, as Kesgrave fired a shot from a dangerous position narrowly over the crossbar on 56 minutes. 

A minute later however Sporting drew level, after a dangerous cross into the box was met by the head of skipper Lebbon Jarrad running in who guided a powerful header into the roof of the net. 

At which point, the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game and really could've ended either way, as Kesgrave looked to respond to being pegged back level just before the half hour mark, smashing a great strike centimetres wide of the bottom left-hand corner. Whilst some expert defending on the hour mark denied Kesgrave from retaking the lead as a pinpoint cross was headed well towards the top right corner and was goal bound until defender Ash Brown somehow got back superbly to head vitally off the goal-line, proving to be a game changing moment with Sporting going onto score the winner 18 minutes later. 

The latest twist in the tale saw Courtney Prince slotted through dangerously inside the box before seeing his fierce strike diverted into the bottom right-hand corner by a defender to make it 2-1 to Sporting. 

Kesgrave meanwhile had a great chance to restore parity ten minutes from time as Matt Oldfield struck a fierce strike straight at the keeper, whilst at the opposite end a superb save kept Kesgrave in the game after getting across brilliantly to palm away an otherwise goal bound shot, that was sneaking into the bottom corner eight minutes later. 

In stoppage time however it was the turn of the Sporting goalkeeper to make a great save to maintain his side's one goal advantage, getting down well to his right to hold onto a low well hit strike on the edge of the penalty area. 

Sporting then finished off proceedings by flashing a long range strike just wide of the bottom corner two minutes later, as the home side ended the game in second place in Division One. 

Sporting 87:

 James Cadby

 Jack Edwards

 Samuel Fenning

 Sam Jackman

 Sam Petersen

 Daniel Steed

 Luke Taylor

 thomas gibson 

5 Ash Brown

8 Lebbon Jarrad

10 Courtney Prince

Subs:

Elliott Chaplin

 Will Frost

 Ryan Hyden

 Sam Marsden

 Liam Watfeh (unused) 

AFC Kesgrave:

4 Matt Oldfield (capt)

6 Emmett Klipalo

Charlie Billett

 Isaac Cocker

 Samuel Dunham

 Kristian Hammond

 Matthew Long

 Kamron Lord

 Ed Milner

 Lewis Thomas

 Oliver Waters

Subs:

Joseph Brett

 Alexander Coldwell

 Paul Cooledge

 MARK RICHARDSON

 ASHLEIGH STEIN

Goals: Jarrad (57'), Prince (78'); Klipalo (16').

REACTION | Jake Dye Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Leiston 12.12.2020

Following Needham Market's club history making FA Trophy 1st Round Proper win over Leiston, Match winner and MOTM Jake Dye gave his reaction to the game.

On the game: I thought first half we were excellent, maybe could've been a little bit more patient with the ball but obviously we haven't played for five weeks, so it's made me very, very happy. I think maybe the second half we made it a little bit difficult for ourselves, over planning areas but I think we were comfortable in the win and through to the next round on Tuesday. 

On his own personal performance: I know, it must be a local thing, but I'll take it! Again Tom (Rothery, Assistant Manager) said about getting round the back and that's what I did! Cal(lum Sturgess, left-back) obviously put in a great ball across the face of the goal and I was there at the right time, right place, so very, very chuffed! I did say to Kev(in Horlock, Manager) maybe I'll start up front on Tuesday, but yeah just a great team performance! 

To be fair I'll say the chip over the keeper was probably a bit of a cross, the crossbar one it was a good strike - obviously unfortunate but very, very happy. I've adapted my game well and now getting forward as much as I can. 

Picking up more goals himself: Obviously it helps the team, obviously helps my confidence as well. Kev's just said to 'just play your game, get as far forward as you can.' If you make mistakes in the final third he can live with that, so just go out and enjoy ourselves. 

On the team performance and dominating majority of the game: Yeah, I'd say so, obviously they had a friendly last week whilst we decided to train. I think where we are in the league we knew we had to come back after the second lockdown and really, really try our bests so we all stayed fit, had two or three really good training sessions and yeah, we did start a little bit sluggish but I think we did grow into the game, like you said. Obviously we got the win and are through to the next round. 

A nice little trip to Gloucester on Tuesday, but yeah really, really happy. 

On travelling to high flying higher league Gloucester in the next round: Yeah, we did do a little bit of research in terms of where they are in the league, obviously they're in the league above, obviously going to be a difficult game, they all are but one we're going to go there and try and win and play in lots of confidence.

Video interview:-

Moreton Hall Ferals v Mellis 06.12.2020

Sunday 6 December 2020, 10:30am, Hardwick Heath Pitch 2, Premier Logos Bury Sunday League Knights Lowe Division One KO Cup 2020-21 Quarter-Final, Moreton Hall Ferals v Mellis

Moreton Hall Ferals return to action following lockdown with a 3-0 Cup Quarter-Final win over Mellis at Hardwick Heath. 

The Knights Lowe Division One Knock Out Cup clash was originally going to be played at Mellis, but was switched to Ferals' home ground a couple of days beforehand and it was the Ferals who controlled proceedings from start finish, despite Mellis playing some good football but not troubling Aston Fallows as much as they would've liked. 

Ferals however almost had the opening goal in the first minute, after a lapse in the visiting defence saw a pass back to the keeper misjudged by the goalkeeper, with the ball going towards the bottom corner until a defender retreated brilliantly to slide the ball off the goal-line, with Ferals' forward Jack Brame unable to get to the ball to see it over the goal-line. 

Ferals meanwhile went close again in the fourth minute, after Bradley Peasgood threaded Callum Dove bearing down on goal, past the defence, the winger's close range stop was denied by the visiting defence. 

Ferals bright start continued as they went agonisingly close to opening the scoring five minutes later as Jack Brame's six yard header bounced on the goal-line but up into the goalkeeper's gloves, whilst George Crowe then saw his dangerous goal bound corner punched crucially behind for a corner by the keeper. 

With the encounter being Ferals' first game in a month due to the second national lockdown, the home side looked rusty in front of goal to begin with, as the Blues saw plenty of good chances go begging. 

One particular example saw Fred Stewart-Hogg's great low cross into Charlie Glover who shot first time from close range but could only sidefoot his strike straight at the keeper, with the goal virtually gaping. 

It soon became a question of when Ferals would break the deadlock, rather than if, as chances continued to fall the host's way after Dove found space to shoot from 30-yards out but saw his audacious dipping strike go just wide of the bottom left-hand corner on 19 minutes. 

Whilst two minutes later, the host's deserved opener arrived as the ball fell to Charlie Glover just inside the box whose deflected strike nestled into the bottom right-hand corner. 

Ferals meanwhile went agonisingly close on 32 minutes, as Callum Dongray curled an exquisite free-kick round the wall but just wide of the top right-hand corner, whilst Jack Brame's shot four minutes later was smothered by the keeper from close range. 

The Ferals though arguably should've doubled their lead on 42 minutes after George Crowe's pinpoint exquisite corner found Dongray, who could only guide a stooping header just wide of the bottom corner. 

At the other end however a world class stop from Aston Fallows preserved Ferals' one goal lead a minute later, reacting superbly to thwart a Mellis man sliding in from point blank range to brilliantly dive across and shovel the ball off the goal-line. 

Into the second half, Ferals continued to dominate proceedings with half-time substitute Ryan Gibbs through brilliantly inside the box but the shot was well saved from a tight angle on 47 minutes. 

Whilst at the other end, a great sliding tackle from George Crowe won back possession for Ferals a minute later, before great play from the home side almost lead to a second goal on 54 minutes. 

After Gibbs drove forward before finding Fred Stewart-Hogg ahead of him, the midfielder then released Charlie Glover through with a great ball over the defence but the latter could only shoot just wide under pressure by the defender. 

Ferals left-back George Crowe then went close to scoring himself, but shot narrowly wide of the top left corner on 56 minutes, before Ryan Gibbs drove through dangerously down the left wing to then cross a great low ball into Charlie Glover inside the box, who then beat his defender cleverly only to shoot just wide from close range in the process. 

Dongray was then denied by a great save from the Mellis keeper on the hour mark, the visiting stopper diving down well to instinctively palm away the centre-back's header. 

Another fantastic chance then went begging for Ferals on 64 minutes, Ryan Gibbs' great cross into Charlie Glover saw the latter only able to guide a close range diving header straight at the keeper. 

The second goal though finally arrived four minutes later, the influential Gibbs fed Callum Dove through just inside the box who then finished well into the bottom right-hand corner. 

Gibbs then rounded off the scoring with a deserved goal to make it 3-0 on 70 minutes, the forward finishing off clinically past the keeper and into the bottom corner after Charlie Glover's through-ball left Gibbs with just the keeper to beat. 

Ferals weren't content with just the three goals however, as the home side went centimetres away from adding a fourth goal two minutes later, but the shot went marginally wide of the post. 

Mellis by contrast fired a great long range strike just wide of the bottom corner on 74 minutes, before Aston Fallows was required to make three expert saves to retain Ferals' clean sheet. 

Both were outstanding saves with the first, on 77 minutes, seeing stopper down well to his bottom right-hand corner to shovel away a great strike, whilst the second ten minutes later drew a good reaction save out of the shot-stopper, smothering a shot from point blank range behind for a corner. 

The goalkeeper, who was my pick for MOTM, continued his top form a minute later to then get down brilliantly to his bottom right-hand corner and palm a strike behind for a corner. 

Ferals progress to the semi-finals, with the tie yet to be arranged. 

Ferals

1 Aston Fallows

33 Brad Peasgood

20 Callum Dongray 

5 Craig Defew 

88 George Crowe 

10 Sam Waterson 

8 Charlie Larter (capt) 

11 Callum Dove 

7 Fred Stewart-Hogg 

15 Charlie Glover 

27 Jack Brame

Subs

3 Ryan Gibbs

28 Ben Newdick

Mellis:-

 Luke Ashford

 Lawrence Brown

 Nathan Brown

 David Coleman

 Will Goulding

 Ben Hugman

 Callum Nash

 Scott Partridge (capt) 

 Harry Rollingson

 Luke Rowe

Jack Stevenson

Subs:

Richard Holding

 Bradley Hunt

 Kieran Manning

 Robert Payne

 Hayden Wilby

Booked: M12 (51'), M14 (79'), 

Goals: Glover (21'), Dove (68'), Gibbs (70').

Needham Market v Leiston 12.12.2020

Saturday 12 December 2020, 2:30pm, The Buildbase FA Trophy First Round Proper, Bloomfields, Needham Market v Leiston

Post Match Interview - Jake Dye

Needham Market make club history as they comfortably knock Suffolk rivals Leiston out of the FA Trophy to set up a visit to National League North leaders Gloucester City in the Second Round Proper on Tuesday. 

Leiston however started brightly, with one rare strike at goal for the visitors seeing Eaton-Collins hit a tame shot towards goal, which was comfortable for Marcus Garnham in the home goal after good play saw the Leiston man released through the Needham backline in the third minute. 

Needham however grew into rythym and dominated proceedings there after with forward Ben Fowkes testing the keeper with a great strike from the edge of the box, though the shot-stopper gathered at the second attempt having spilled the shot. 

Then on the fifth minute, Byron Lawrence, against his former club, had a great chance to give the Marketmen an early lead as the midfielder flashed a good strike across goal but just wide of the bottom left-hand corner. 

A key theme for the Marketmen in many outings this campaign often sees the Reds score first early on and they repeated this feat once again on 12 minutes with Ben Fowkes showing no signs of being in lockdown for five weeks as he finished a great run onto the edge of the box to lash a great strike home into the bottom left-hand corner, 1-0 Needham. 

Needham were then close to doubling their advantage two minutes later, with both Billy Hunt and Keiran Morphew both marginally unfortunate to get on the end of a dangerous Gareth Heath free-kick. 

It was an impressive performance from the Marketmen as Noah Collard dangerously released Callum Page through inside the box with the latter, who has recently featured for Ipswich Town Under-23s, seeing his attempted ball across smothered behind well by some great goalkeeping from Donkin for a Needham corner on 15 minutes. 

Moments later however, Needham went agonisingly close to adding to their advantage as Page's sumptuous cross found Keiran Morphew lurking a yard out from goal. The centre-back however saw his header vitally shovelled off the goal-line Donkin whilst Gareth Heath's clever flick back towards goal rebounded off the underside of the crossbar onto the goal-line and back into play. 

The hosts then deservedly doubled their lead on 32 minutes, capping some excellent team play with a goal of pure class. After Page found Collard, the latter then fed Fowkes through on the left wing, he in turn threaded Callum Sturgess through cleverly on the overlap as his dangerous low cross was tapped home in true poachers style into the bottom corner by Man Kf The Match Jake Dye to notch his third goal for the club, and the second of the campaign. 

Needham were relentless in their search for more goals in the hope of wrapping the tie up as both Noah Collard and Billy Hunt saw dangerous low balls across the penalty area cleared. 

Needham though, thought they had added a third goal on the stroke of the interval after an exquisite free-kick from Byron Lawrence curled dangerously round the wall towards the top corner, which though it beat goalkeeper Donkin it crashed back into play off the crossbar, falling to Billy Hunt who tapped home but was in an offside position. 

Early into the second half however, Ben Fowkes drove forward into the penalty area seconds after the restart but his low strike was straight at Donkin at his near post. 

Topscorer Fowkes, who added his ninth goal since joining the Marketmen from lower league Norwich United in the summer, then tested Donkin again on 50 minutes but his low shot was again well saved by Donkin. 

Needham standout Jake Dye then went marginally close to adding to his personal and his club's goal tally for the afternoon after Jake Dye thumped a dangerous rocket towards the top corner but was denied what would've been a outstanding goal by the frame of the goal as it cannoned fiercely back into play off the angle of both post and crossbar in the fifty-first minute. 

Sixty seconds later however, Needham captain Gareth Heath curled a sumptuous left wing free-kick which clattered narrowly wide of the outside of the post. 

Jake Dye was heavily involved throughout the afternoon and almost added to the headline as he nearly looped an audacious curling cross-come-shot underneath of the crossbar, forcing Donkin to tip the ball over the crossbar for a corner on 55 minutes. 

Five minutes later, Needham went close again to adding a third goal as Ben Fowkes was threaded through dangerously inside the box though his dangerous ball squared across the box was vitally beaten away by the diving Donkin with Lawrence running in for what would've been a tap in from inside the six-yard box. 

Leiston meanwhile halved the deficit with fifteen minutes to play, albeit neither really looking like drawing level despite Barnes finishing cooly from 12-yards out having been found in space from a dangerous cutback. 

That goal against the run of play however didn't have much impact on proceedings as Ben Fowkes was fed through on space around the penalty area only to fire a fierce strike narrowly over the crossbar in the eighty-first minute. 

The home side then went close once again a minute later, Gareth Heath smashing a powerful strike towards the bottom corner from 30-yards out requiring Donkin to dive across well and shovel it away. 

Leiston on the other hand went close to drawing level on 86 minutes after a dangerous strike was fired an inch wide of the bottom right-hand corner. 

Needham though were denied once more by some good goalkeeping from restoring their two goal lead a minute into four minutes of stoppage time, substitute Luke Ingram on the end of Noah Collard's clever cutback drawing another strong save from Donkin to dive down and beat it away. 

With that Needham progressed to the second round proper where they travel to high flying National League North side Gloucester City, in which manager Kevin Horlock has expressed that whilst his side will not be expected to win, the label of 'underdogs' will only be applied to his side from "only people outside the football club."

Needham Market:-

1 Marcus Garnham

2 Jake Dye (79' Ingram) 

3 Callum Sturgess

4 Byron Lawrence

5 Keiran Morphew

6 Daniel Morphew

7 Callum Page

8 Gareth Heath (capt)

9 Billy Hunt (67' Marsden) 

10 Noah Collard

11 Ben Fowkes (87' Mills) 

Subs

12 Luke Ingram

14 Joseph Marsden

15 Adam Mills

16 Joshua Pollard

17 Jose Santa

18 Thomas Fitzgerald

19 Owen Elsdon (GK)

Leiston:-

1 Sam Donkin (capt) 

2 Kyle Hammond

3 Ollie Saunders

4 Kyle Richardson (64' Stannard) 

5 Harry Knights

6 Matt Richardson 

7 Finlay Barnes

8 Josh Hitter

9 Will Davies (73' Jackson) 

10 Jamie Eaton-Collins

11 Marcus Wilkinson (65' Keys) 

Subs:

12 George Keys 

14 Adam Bailey-Dennis

15 Ben Stannard

16 Liam Jackson

17 Olly Godbold

Booked: K.Morphew (49'), Stannard (89').

Goals: Fowkes (12'), Dye (32'); Barnes (75').

Needham Market Reserves v Leiston Reserves 03.11.2020

Tuesday 3 November 2020, 7:30pm, Bloomfields, Thurlow Nunn (Eastern Counties) League First Division North, Needham Market Reserves v Leiston Reserves

Needham Market Reserves' last game before the second lockdown ends in a narrow defeat against rivals Leiston Reserves. 

The contest was a tight affair in truth, with both teams playing good football throughout, because of which it could be argued that a draw would have been the fairer result. 

However, whilst there were plenty of chances during the game, clear cut chances seemed hard to come by for either side, but as previously mentioned both teams played well in a game in which proper football was played. 

Despite that, the first real chance of the game arrived in just the third minute. Leiston's George Tuck was found free from 5-yards out but side footed his shot just wide of the near left-hand post. 

Up the other end, great play from Needham saw right back Tommy Northwood ran through dangerously down the right wing to deliver a low dangerous across across the face of goal, but the defender was first to it to clear it out of play for a throw-in on 14 minutes. 

Meanwhile, Needham Market shot-stopper Owen Elsdon was forced into making a great reflex save five minutes later. After Ben Stannard was set through dangerously onto the left-hand side in the penalty area, Elsdon dived across superbly to push the ball wide for a corner. 

Both sides carried a dangerous threat going forward, in what was a fairly even first half - though you could possibly argue Needham might have slightly edged it - with both teams potentially unlucky to not have broken the deadlock prior to the interval.

One example for the home side came from an audacious ball over the defence from Needham captain Shane Wardley, which released Ben Harris through past the defence, with just goalkeeper Potter to beat. The shot-stopper though was off his line well to narrow down the angle and make a superb save to deny the young forward on 24 minutes. 

Potter though was drawn into a couple more routine saves within the following minute, the first seeing Louie McDonagh-Kudiabor's low 20-yard strike towards the bottom corner saved by the keeper, who then smothering Kai Fletcher's powerful strike from 25-yards moments later. 

Needham however were agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the 27th minute, an audacious crossfield ball from Shane Wardley into the box was just inches away from McDonagh-Kudiabor who had ran in six yards out, so close to what would've likely have been a certain goal had he got a touch to the cross, which ultimately went dangerously just wide of the post. 

A minute later though, Kai Fletcher was through dangerously inside the box, the striker found space to shoot but fired a fierce strike an inch wide of the top left-hand corner. 

The home side then went close again on 39 minutes, as Kai Fletcher's cutback found Marcus Curtis inside the box but the winger fired his shot just wide of the bottom right-hand corner. 

The young Marketmen however went even closer a minute later. Brilliant play from the Reds saw Tommy Northwood hold off his defender well to beat his man and get through down the right wing and deliver a dangerous ball into Ben Harris running in free seven yards from goal. Only the latter's first time half volley went agonisingly just over the crossbar. 

But the last chance of the first half went the way of Leiston, four minutes before the break, as the visitors shot narrowly wide into the side netting. 

Into the second half, Leiston were on top in the early stages and drew a great save out of Owen Elsdon three minutes after the restart. The visitors got through on the left-hand side inside the penalty area, but the shot was matched by the save as Elsdon got across well to palm the ball away. 

Whilst at the other end, Needham broke the deadlock thanks to a superbly worked team goal, which mirrored the first team on 53 minutes. Kai Fletcher's flick onto Charlie Warren released the young left-back through down the wing who fed Ben Harris with a clever pass into the penalty area, Harris then provided a finish to match - expertly firing a first time strike into the top right-hand corner, postage stamp. 

Needham then had a good chance to double their advantage in the 71st minute, Ben Harris beat his defender with great skill down the left-hand side before slotting the ball round the corner to Kai Fletcher, whose effort was deflected towards goal and was easy for Joe Potter in the visitors' goal. 

Needham looked comfortable being a goal up, but a rare mistake from Needham goalkeeper Owen Elsdon however gave Leiston an equaliser on 73 minutes. Ben Stannard's dangerous free-kick from just outside the box looped over the wall and towards the goalkeeper who couldn't keep the ball out off the roof of his net. 

In quickfire fashion, Leiston then took the lead two minutes later, as Mason Sinclair took advantage of Needham being unable to clear a corner by smashing home into the bottom left-hand corner from point blank range. 

Needham meanwhile had a good chance to get back on level terms on 79 minutes. Kai Fletcher was fed in space to shoot outside the box, but his well hit strike across goal was held by Potter. 

Two minutes later, a dangerous Needham free-kick just outside the box led to the hosts going close themselves from a set-piece. Ben Harris flashing the ball across the box, finding Louie McDonagh-Kudiabor sliding in a yard out at the back post, but he couldn't quite direct the ball goalwards. 

The visitors however went dangerously close to extending their lead twice in the space of a minute, after Sam Allen saw a swerving first time strike go just over the crossbar from 50-yards out, the hosts whipped a dangerous corner across the face of goal but the header went just wide of the top right-hand corner. 

Leiston were then denied by another great save by Elsdon with five minutes remaining, across well to his right to beat away a low shot from inside the box. 

Some great defending from Needham though ensured that a decent strike, from just outside the box in the ninety-second minute, was deflected narrowly wide for a corner whilst Elsdon saved well from the resulting set-piece at the expense of another corner. 

Leiston meanwhile had the last chance as Mason Sinclair smashed his strike narrowly over the crossbar. 

Arguably, the defeat was tough on the young Marketmen, who did enough to arguably deserve at least a point but Leiston do the double over their local rivals having won the home league meeting.

Needham Market Reserves:-

1 Owen Elsdon 

2 Tommy Northwood 

3 Charlie Warren 

4 Archie Exworth

5 Hugh Cullum

6 Shane Wardley (capt) 

7 Marcus Curtis

8 Kurt Warren

9 Kai Fletcher 

10 Louie McDonagh-Kudiabor

11 Ben Harris 

Subs:

12 Jamie Taylor

14 Tommy Smith

15 Oliver Bennett 

16 Macauley Bell

17 Harry Blackburn

Leiston Reserves:-

1 Joe Potter

2 Taylor Sumpter

3 Callum Pearce

4 James Gaffer

5 Sam Allen (capt) 

6 Tom Bak

7 George Tuck

8 Ben Stannard

9 Harrison Bacon

10 Oliver Godbold

11 Louie Bloom

Subs:

12 Ash Wilding

13 Drew Connick

14 Sam Newson

15 Ryan Sharman

17 Mason Sinclair

Goals: Harris (53'); Stannard (73'), Sinclair (75').

REACTION | Tom Rothery Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Three Bridges 31.10.2020

REACTION | Tom Rothery Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Three Bridges 31.10.2020

Following Needham Market's 4-1 win over Three Bridges in the FA Trophy, Assistant Manager Tom Rothery gave his reaction.

On the game: I thought it was ok, we’re into the next round, I think that’s the main thing. I didn’t think we were fantastic for the whole ninety minutes, but I thought overall it was quite comfortable really.

On the first half: Yeah, their keeper’s made a few good saves, I think there’s a definite penalty just literally on the stroke of half time when Billy (Hunt) gets caught, I think that’s a stonewall penalty and obviously we’ve missed a few good chances. The keeper’s made a few good saves, it was ok (in the) first half, I thought intensity wise we weren’t quite at it but I thought the two goals actually came from us pressing really well and then moving the ball quickly as well, which resulted in the two goals.

On being clinical when hitting the target: I’d love to see the stats, how many shots we’ve had today, how many on target and off target. I’ll probably look at the video afterwards to find that out I suppose, but yeah we’ve had a lot of attempts as you say.

Progressing in the Trophy: That’s the most important thing, like I said to the lads at the end of the game, the main thing was that we wanted to be in the next round. We’re not going to analyse the game too much, there’s a few things that we’ll take into Tuesday that we want to do better, but overall we’re just pleased that we’re into the next round. It’s another solid home win, it keeps our home form going – which has been brilliant since we’ve returned at the start of the season – so it’s important that we just keep on it really.

On Noah Collard getting his maiden first team goal: He took it well I thought, it was a good goal! Think Fowkesy played it across and someone dummied it in the middle and then he (Collard) slotted into the bottom corner, a good goal and it’s nice for Noah to get his first goal and probably in a position that he plays you’d ask him to get across the course of the season to probably get a few more. So that’s something for his personal development, he does need to start adding goals onto his game.

On Ben Fowkes getting on the scoresheet with the opener: For me Fowkesy’s always a threat, he could’ve walked away with a lot more goals today, but he’s always a threat, he makes things happen in the final third. He’s lively and he’s just a problem for the other team’s defenders. If you analyse it I suppose you could say that he could’ve had a few more goals, he could maybe show a little bit more composure. There was one in the first half that I remember where he’s set the defender up really well, turned and then hit it and he’s just tried to hit the ball too hard basically, but I thought he took his goal really well because we spoke about that last week in the video about shots and following it in. Maybe Fowkesy watched the interview and he did actually follow it in so fair play to him – he’s taken his goal well.

On Joe Marsden’s second half brace: I was pleased for Joe, again a bit like we said about Luke (Ingram) last week. Joe’s probably not played as much as he would’ve wanted to, but he’s got 90 (minutes) today, scored two goals, took his penalty well – same as Luke did last week. At the end of the day, like I said last week, we’re not going to win anything with eleven players so we need the squad of 15 or 16 to be all working together, which they are doing.

On the penalty incident: I’m not trying to make excuses and I’m not trying to be Arsene Wenger, I genuinely didn’t see it, because we were about to bring Luke (Ingram) on and Luke had the wrong shirt number on, so we had to sort that out before we could Luke on. So I was busy trying to get the sub board ready, sort Luke’s top out and then in the meantime whilst that’s happened obviously I’ve heard a melee and then I’ve had to turn to Kai (Fletcher) and Owen (Elsdon) on the bench and ask ‘what’s happened,’ so I genuinely didn’t see it. I know their defenders were saying that he didn’t handball it, but it looked from what the lads have told me that on the bench, they were saying that it looked stonewall really.

I think to be fair the (number) six has had a few moments in the game where a different referee might look at a few incidences a bit differently, he’s dived in a few times. Like I said I didn’t see it but the lads on the bench were adamant that it was a penalty and red card.

On making our higher league status count: At one point it was comfortable. I thought they made it tougher in the second half, I thought in the first half I didn’t think really we were at our brilliant best, but like you said we had two moments and we still dominated the game in the first half. But I thought they carried a little bit of a threat on the break, which I did say to the lads that they did going forward have a bit about them. I felt we dealt with that largely in the first half and two moments of quality, like we’ve said. When we pressed them more aggressively we got the two goals and then second half I thought really their number seven has trampled all over Noah. The referee has seen it, the referee knows he has kicked out and he’s given him a yellow card, so I don’t why that’s only a yellow card offence. But I think off the back of that, that gave them a little bit of impetuous and then the referee’s then allowed them to take a throw-on from probably about fifteen yards forwards to where it is. Because of the multi-board we’ve got to have set up around the pitch they’ve just taken a ball, obviously we’re not set up for it, the referee’s allowed it yet he’s stopped throws all game on. He was making everyone go back for the throws for the whole ninety minutes. Yet that one he’s allowed him to go fifteen yards forward and take a throw, which they’ve done, fair play to them – they’ve taken full advantage of that and scored. Then off the back of that, those two incidences which have happened within the space of about a minute, that’s just given them a little bit of spark and they started being a little bit physical with us. I thought the referee could’ve protected us a little bit better, but he didn’t. Again, what’s pleased me is the way we’ve reacted to that, because for those couple of minutes afterwards we did look a little bit rattled. Because the lads probably felt they weren’t getting much protection, but thankfully they’ve settled down on the pitch and I don’t know how long after, but about ten minutes after we’ve got the fourth. But really after that initial couple of minutes where we kind of looked a little bit rattled, I thought we settled down really well and then obviously started moving the ball around again and I wasn’t worried from that point about anything really. I just think at 3-1 we did look a little bit rattled and we had a minute or two where I thought “I don’t know how this is going to go now.”  Again it’s a good test for us because we’re going to come up against teams whether it’s in the Trophy or whether it’ in the league where they may feel the only way to stop us is to kick us. Then you’re looking for the referee to look after you and protect you a little bit and I didn’t think at times he did that today if I’m honest.

On Keiran Morphew saying “he’ll never let the goal die:” It’s an annoying one, isn’t it?! You want to build clean sheet, that builds confidence and that helps with momentum as does winning games. It’s annoying as I’ve said but for me fair play to them as they’ve taken full advantage of it, but the throw when I watch it back on the video, but at the time live during the game it looked like they’ve taken about 15 yards further forward. Which obviously is massive because fifteen yards forward is in line with the eighteen yard line, our players are not ready for it to be thrown from there and their striker’s fifteen yards ahead of we’re expecting the throw to be taken and he’s ran through. I think to be fair, Marco (Marcus Garnham) saved the initial one didn’t he, so Marco’s done well to save the initial one and then the lads followed it in. It’s an annoying one but it’s not something we’re going to worry too much about tonight, because like I’ve said the main thing is that we’re through and I think comfortably through as well, so that’s the most important thing. But it is annoying because the referee is there to manage the game and I don’t think he’s managed the game at that point for those two incidences.

I don’t think there was ever any fear of that (not winning the game by the football itself), but like I’ve said it’s a bit annoying because really that was a bit of a game plan for them. To try and get tighter to us, to maybe kick us a little bit and you want the referee to protect you a little bit there and I didn’t think he did at times.

I think the thing is in games we are still quite a young side, we’re still learning. Kev is always saying we’re still trying to progress and get better and every game’s a lesson. There’s always things that you can take out of games that you can do better. We’re not the finished article, arguably we’re never going to be the finished article. We’re always going to be striving to be better so it’s just another lesson. I actually spoke to Noah after the game because I thought they really targeted Noah probably more so than anyone. Fair play to him that he took that well because there were probably times last season where he had a little reputation for reacting. And again it shows his maturity and how far he’s come as a player that he didn’t react and basically let his football do the talking.

On Callum Page being named MOTM: Again, we’ve just said about it in the changing rooms, to be fair Keiran Morphew’s turned around and said ‘if I was playing against Pagey and Noah I’d probably want to kick them as well.’ Which is fair enough, but Pagey’s got unbelievable ability really. He takes the ball in tight areas and all of a sudden he’s spun and he’s just a good player. He’s got unbelievable quality really, so it he’s shown that again today. I thought first half he thought he was outstanding. He came off the line really well and found really good pockets of space. My biggest thing with Pagey is for him to really kick on and progress as a player is to add even more goals and assists because I think he’s more than capable of doing that. A bit like Fowkesy, if you look at Fowkesy and Pagey today – Pagey’s come away with no goals but an assist and Fowkesy’s come away with a goal and an assist I think I’m right in saying. Which is still good but if you’re being hypercritical and you’re asking a little bit more, then you’re asking for a few more goals and a few more assists. Which I think they’re both capable of doing, but again a bit like I was saying about Noah its part of their development and their progression as a player. They’re both good players, they’ve both got loads of potential of getting even better.

 On continuing the momentum from the start of the season: That’s key, the only thing that might put a block in the road is obviously what’s going on, but we’ll just have to wait and see what gets announced and how that affects us with football and take it (on the chin) and when we can get back, by the sounds of it we’re playing Tuesday. So we’ll have to be ready for Tuesday, prepare for Tuesday and obviously after the announcement just play by ear and deal with it as did. If it does happen then we’ll look for the same reaction that we got in pre-season basically. The lads came back, they were buzzing. They had worked hard behind the scenes, probably through boredom as much as anything else during lockdown, so you might as well keep fit. When we come back, hopefully we’ll keep the run going if that does happen – which it looks it might.

On the type of game he’s expecting at Peterborough Sports on Tuesday: Tough, Peterborough were up at the top last year, before lockdown happened. I know Tamworth had games in hand on them, but they’re a good side and physical. I think they can play as well, they’ve got talented players so it will be a tough game. The pitch isn’t always brilliant over there, so we’ll have to be mindful of that I suppose as well. So we’ll be expecting a tough game, I think they’re a good side in my opinion personally. I think they’ll be right up there, I think they’ll be in the top five so it will be a good gauge to see where we’re at and how far we’ve come as a team.

On the last league game of last season being at Peterborough before lockdown: It’s weird how it’s worked out. I said that to Munno (Nathan Munson) on the way here, because obviously it broke this morning about a possible lockdown so me and Munno were talking about it in the car on the way up here. It’s ironic that lockdown happened pretty much straight after the Peterborough game last time. If Tuesday happens, which at the moment looks like it is and we’ve got to assume it is, we’ve got to go there and be right and ready to roll. We’ll make sure we’ve prepped alright, if it does go ahead and I hope it does go ahead as I love football. I want another game really, so fingers crossed.

We’ve got to make the most of it, that’s the biggest thing that’s come out of lockdown really. You’ve got to enjoy the things that you do as this pandemic’s proven. It can get stopped at any time, whether that’s going down the gym or playing football whatever it is that you do. All of a sudden these things are being stopped and you probably take some of these things for granted. But I just think we’ve got to roll with the punches and hope that if it does get stopped that we can get back to football again as quickly as possible.

Video Interview:

 

(*PLEASE NOTE, TUESDAY’S GAME AT PETERBOROUGH HAS BEEN POSTPONED*)

REACTION | Keiran Morphew Post Match Interview | Needham Market v Three Bridges 31.10.2020

After Needham Market's FA Trophy win over Three Bridges I spoke to the Marketmen's centre back and captain Keiran Morphew.

On the game: We were really good. We took a little while to get going. We got the first two goals and the game sort of opened up. We pressed them, that was it really. I thought we made them look a bit poor at times and in the second half they started kicking us and that was it really. They got a goal, a ridiculous goal, which I won't let die but other than that really good.

On the first half: Once the two goals went in we were alright, and we kicked on. We were keeping the ball and I don't think they really knew how to deal with all the players going forward and all ability and stuff we've got going forward. So yeah, good positive result!

Making first round of the FA Trophy (club record equalling): I look forward to the draw, hopefully it's (a) home (tie), but we'll see. We'll just take every game as it comes and attack, attack, attack!

On the second half: I think with the players we've got in the team are all quick, I'd be booting them if I was playing against them. They're quick, skillful and three nil down you're going to resort to anything you can and I think they just chose to kick us. The boys will just have to get used to it as they're all good players. 

We had plenty of shots, I think everyone said how many of them were high and wide but if the lads want to take it on and they are feeling confident, then go for it. 

On Tuesday's trip to Peterborough Sports: Obviously we want we want to win every game, that's been drummed into us from all the coaching staff. All the players want to win every game, so we'll go there looking to get three points regardless what happens after or if before. 

Rattlesden v Moreton Hall Ferals 01.11.2020

Sunday 1 November 2020, 10:30am, Premier Logos Bury & District Sunday League Snap On Tools Bury St Edmunds Open Cup 2020-2021 Third Round, Rattlesden v Moreton Hall Ferals

Moreton Hall Ferals advance to the Bury Sunday Snap On Tools Bury St Edmunds Open Cup Quarter-Finals with a 5-1 win at lower division Rattlesden. 

In the first half however it was a different story, which despite the Ferals having some good chances in the first half, in truth the Division One side were dreadful up until the interval. 

However, Ferals did create chances in the opening forty-five minutes but lacked the clinical touch, namely when Jake Peasgood's close range half-volley bounced up off the ground towards goal, falling to Billy Peck lurking a yard out. The winger though couldn't divert the ball away from the keeper into the gaping left-hand side of the goal, but instead straight at him to palm the ball away on 7 minutes. 

Jake Peasgood though went agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the fourteenth minute as the forward saw his curling strike towards the top right-hand corner rebound back into play off the inside of the post with the keeper beaten. 

Peasgood meanwhile drew a good reaction save from the keeper on 18 minutes, this time the winger was fed through down the right-hand side to cleverly direct a dangerous half-volley goalwards which required the keeper to beat it away. 

The chances continued to go begging for Ferals though as Callum Dove weaved through towards the edge of the box but could only smash a shot just wide of the bottom right-hand corner on 23 minutes. 

Rattlesden on the other hand took advantage of a lapse in concentration within the Ferals rearguard to take a shock lead four minutes later.

A through-ball towards goal was misjudged by goalkeeper Aston Fallows who rushed out of his penalty area in an attempt to hack the ball clear, but the ball fell for Ethan Radford to cooly finish into the vacant net from 30-yards out. 

In response to the goal, Ferals instantly went up the other end forcing the keeper to palm the ball behind for a corner from point blank range 

But the visitors arguably should've levelled proceedings on 33 minutes after Jake Peasgood's pinpoint free-kick was headed just wide of the bottom right-hand corner by Cameron Nicholls. 

Meanwhile, soon after Nicholls went close to drawing Ferals level once more. This time the forward was released through one-on-one with the keeper, who rushed out well to narrow down the angle and make a great save to smother his 30-yard strike. 

At the other end though just before the break, Rattlesden's Mackie drew a good, albeit fairly comfortable, save out off Ferals keeper Aston Fallows who dived across well down to his left-hand and catch the dipping free-kick. 

The second half was a different story as Ferals exploited the space to full effect with the away side equalising with the half just 50 seconds old. 

George Crowe's long ball was cleverly flicked on by substitute Callum Dongray onto Cameron Nicholls running through into the box, one-on-one with the goalkeeper, who fired a great finish low into the net. 

Ferals were dominant in the second half and nearly went in front in the fiftieth minute, as George Crowe's pinpoint corner found the head of Callum Dongray close to goal, but the latter's attempt was well saved by the keeper. 

It was 2-1 to Ferals twelve minutes later though, as great play from the Ferals saw Callum Dove release Charlie Glover through down the left wing and into the box, who provided a great finish to match - sweeping the ball home into the bottom far corner. 

As if like buses, Ferals then added two further quickfire goals in the six minutes that followed as Cameron Nicholls picked up his second and third goals of the morning to pick up his hat-trick. 

A long ball over the top released Nicholls through on goal for his second, as the forward finished emphatically into the bottom left-hand corner having expertly rounded the keeper. 

In between Ferals' two goals in quick succession though Ferals keeper Fallows was forced into a great save to deny Rattlesden a second goal. 

Shortly after that however, Nicholls was released through the defence well to run through towards goal and squeeze a shot home into the bottom left-hand corner, with the keeper unable to keep the ball out with his foot at his near post. 

Nicholls wasn't finished yet, as the forward went close to adding to his own tally further on 72 minutes - this time firing just wide of the post from a tight angle, having driven thriugh and into the penalty area. 

Both sides meanwhile went close just seconds six minutes later, with Ferals having the first of the two chances as Ben Newdick couldn't quite get on the end of Charlie Glover's low dangerous bal across the box having raced through down the left wing. 

At the other end though, George Crowe almost found his own net having inadvertently headed towards his own goal from point blank range. 

Fallows however was alert to get across and beat the ball off the line, whilst Crowe then headed the ball away from immediate danger. 

With nine minutes remaining, Ferals then wrapped proceedings with a well worked fifth goal. 

Cameron Nicholls lofted a 35-yard free-kick perfectly onto the head of Callum Dongray at the back post, who headed dangerously across the six-yard box finding Ben Newdick who looped a header over the the keeper and into the roof of the net off the underside of the crossbar. 

Great goalkeeping from the Rattlesden keeper meanwhile denied Ferals from extending their lead further on 82 minutes, reacting well to deny Jake Peasgood's header following a Cam Nicholls' cross. 

Peasgood then had Ferals final chance of the morning two minutes later, flashing a great strike across goal but an inch wide of the bottom left-hand corner from just outside the penalty area. 

But it was Rattlesden who had the last chance with two minutes remaining as Ethan Radford's shot from a tight angle was well saved by Aston Fallows at his near post. 

Rattlesden:-

Matthew Carley

Alexander Hunt

Kieran Hutchens

4 Callum Mackie

Max Paolo DellaValle

Luke Pumfrett

10 Ethan Radford

Andrew Rodzian

Martyn Rodzian

Matthew Rodzian

William West 

Subs:

Paul Ashford

Ashley Bussey

Adam Fayers

Jordan Palfrey

Ferals:-

1 Aston Fallows 

5 Craig Defew

33 Brad Peasgood 

88 George Crowe 

28 Ben Newdick 

8 Charlie Larter (capt) 

15 Charlie Glover 

11 Callum Dove 

9 Jake Peasgood

14 Billy Peck

99 Cameron Nicholls

Subs:

20 Callum Dongray

Sam Waterson (unused) 

Booked: R7 (67').

Goals: Radford (27'); Nicholls (46', 66', 68'), Glover (62'), Newdick (81'). 

Needham Market v Three Bridges 31.10.2020

Saturday 31 October 2020, 3pm, The Builbase FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round, Bloomfields, Needham Market v Three Bridges

Post Match Interview with Needham Market CB Keiran Morphew

Post Match Interview with Needham Market Assistant Manager Tom Rothery

Needham Market advance in the FA Trophy with a 4-1 victory over lower league Three Bridges. 

In truth, the result reflected the game with the Marketmen dominating the opening forty-five minutes. 

Needham were on the front foot early on as Ben Fowkes and Joe Marsden both shot just wide of the uprights inside the first five minutes, whilst Fowkes was denied from a tight angle by a smart reaction save by the keeper in the ninth minute. 

Byron Lawrence meanwhile went agonisingly close on 15 minutes, but the midfielder could only poke a close range effort onto the post from Jake Dye's dangerous low cross across the penalty area. 

Jake Dye then went agonisingly close to opening the scoring himself eight minutes later, but could only head Byron Lawrence's flick on onto the woodwork. 

The Marketmen however deservedly broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark, as Ben Fowkes was on hand to sweep home the rebound from close range after Byron Lawrence's shot was spilled by the keeper. 

The home side doubled their lead in quickfire fashion, as brilliant team passing play saw Billy Head released through past the defence on the left-hand side. The striker then cut the ball back dangerously across goal finding the onrushing Noah Collard who swept the ball home into the bottom corner for his maiden first team goal to make it 2-0 to Needham on 35 minutes. 

A minute later meanwhile, a great save denied what would've been a third goal for Needham as Callum Page's shot from inside the box was well smothered by the goalkeeper out well to narrow the angle. 

Joe Marsden however curled a spectacular strike just wide of the top corner and then thumped a strike just wide as the home side looked to finish the first half in style. 

Into the second half, Needham went close to adding a third goal a minute after the restart - as Ben Fowkes' dangerous cutback found Joe Marsden running in but his first time shot was deflected just wide for a corner. 

However, it was quickly 3-0 to the hosts in the following minute as Callum Page's half-volley was diverted home by Joe Marsden lurking in space to poke the ball home into the bottom corner. 

The goalscorer then went close to adding another quickfire goal, this time floating a dangerous strike just wide of the bottom corner on 50 minutes. 

At the other end a minute later, Marcus Garnham was well alert to thwart a dangerous ball that was goalbound until the stopper got across to tip the ball over the crossbar. 

The Needham goalkeeper was called into action again, making two superb saves in quick succession in the 54th minute. 

After parrying away a shot from a man free inside the box, the goalkeeper reacted well to deny a shot from point blank range. 

The Isthmian South East outfit however grabbed a consolation goal on 55 minutes as Tom Tolfrey tapped home following a quick throw-in, before the away side then flashed a dangerous shot just wide ten minutes later.

Despite a short period where Three Bridges enjoyed a good spell of possession, Needham grew back control of proceedings as Billy Hunt smashed a dangerous shot across goal but judt wide of the bottom corner on 69 minutes. 

The Marketmen though restored their three goal advantage on 74 minutes after Ben Fowkes' shot was handled by Dean Lovegrove on the goal-line.

Lovegrove though was shown a straight red card for the offence after his teammate had cleared Billy Hunt's goalbound strike off the line with keeper Throp beaten both times. 

Up stepped Joe Marsden who cooly dispatched the penalty, sending keeper Throp the wrong way to pick up his brace. 

Marsden meanwhile arguably could've added to his personal goal tally further moments later, although Throp got down well to deny the attacker's shot from close range. 

The visiting shot-stopper had to be alert again soon after, this time saving Callum Page's shot with his feet at his near post. 

Despite the scoring ultimately being concluded, Needham continued to create chances to add to their lead in the final 6 minutes. 

After Billy Hunt had thumped into the side netting from a tight angle, Callum Page went even closer - the MOTM hitting a dangerously fierce free-kick just over the top corner. 

With the game on the verge of stoppage time, Joe Marsden went agonisingly close to sealing his hat-trick, as he swerved a dangerous strike just wide, grazing the outside of the left-hand post on its way wide. 

There was still time for Three Bridges to test Marcus Garnham once more in stoppage time, but the goalkeeper got across to make a great diving save, pushing the ball onto the post before gathering the rebound. 

Needham therefore progress to the First Round, ahead of Tuesday's league trip to Peterborough Sports. 

Needham Market:-

1 Marcus Garnham 

2 Jake Dye 

3 Adam Mills (69' Sturgess) 

4 Byron Lawrence 

5 Keiran Morphew (capt) 

6 Daniel Morphew (79' Pollard) 

7 Callum Page 

8 Noah Collard

9 Billy Hunt 

10 Joe Marsden 

11 Ben Fowkes (76' Ingram) 

Subs:

12 Callum Sturgess 

14 Joshua Pollard

15 Kai Fletcher 

16 Owen Elsdon (GK) 

17 Luke Ingram 

Three Bridges FC:-

1 Kieron Thorp 

2 Troy Williams 

4 Lee Hall (Capt)

6 Dean LOVEGROVE 

7 Curtis Gayler

12 Joseph Kay

15 Andrew Sesay (78' Stone) 

16 Callum Donaghey 

17 Alex Barbary

19 Thomas Tolfrey (69' Bacon) 

13 Harry Docherty (53' Wilson) 

Subs:

3 Giani Ashley 

11 Joseph Stone 

18 Jonathan Lansdale 

14 Jordan Wilson 

10 Benjamin Bacon 

Booked: Docherty (27'), Gayler (55'), D.Morphew (71'), Williams (91'), Donaghey. 

Sent off: Lovegrove (74').

Goals: Fowkes (32'), Collard (35'), Marsden (47', 74'pen); Tolfrey (56'). 

Match Sponsors Turners Hyundai MOTM: No.7 Callum Page. 

Bury Town Women v Stowupland Falcons U18 Girls 25.10.2020

Sunday 25 October 2020, 2pm, Suffolk Girls & Womens Football League - Women's Premier Divsion, Culford Sports Centre, Bury Town Women v Stowupland Falcons U18 Girls.

Bury Town Women continued their unbeaten run with a 2-1 tight win over a young Stowupland Falcons side.

The win takes Bury top of the table by a point, with the home side being the one of two teams to still be unbeaten in the division along with Brettvale (1 game).

Chances however were overall at a premium for both sides throughout, as Stow arguably just about edged the opening forty-five minutes, whilst Bury did likewise in the second half.

In the first half, it was Stow who had the first major opportunity as the visitors hit the crossbar from outside the box on 17 minutes.

Bury however had a great chance of their own sixty seconds later, captain Norma Locker weaved through in midfield before finding space to dip a great strike towards the top right-hand corner, which Falcons keeper Maisie Johnson was equal to, to make the save.

Falcons however broke the deadlock on 26 minutes, having released a player free down the right-wing the visitors' crossed a dangerous low delivery into the box finding Amelia Skeggs who bundled the ball home into the bottom right-hand corner from close range.

But the lead only lasted for seven minutes as Bury drew level as Rachel Gwilliam headed home emphatically from close range from Olivia Hodge's corner.

Ten minutes before the break however, Falcons had a great opportunity to retake the lead as a through-ball released the visitors through into the box who rounded Tori Sharpe in the Bury goal before shooting towards the open goal from a tight angle as Clare Ellis got back brilliantly to slide across and divert the ball behind for a corner.

Into the second half, it was Bury who had the first chance of the half on 52 minutes, Rachel Gwilliam's 30-yard strike was creeping into the bottom right-hand corner but for a good save by Falcons goalkeeper Maisie Johnson.

Bury though scored what proved to be the matchwinner just before the hour mark, as Norma Locker got through inside the box before hitting a great low strike underneath Johnson and into the net.

A great save from keeper Johnson then prevented Bury from extending their lead in the 64th minute. Lyndsie Duemmel was fed through on the left-hand side inside the box before cutting inside to fire a great strike towards the top corner, which was creeping underneath the crossbar until the visiting shot-stopper got across well to tip it over for a corner.

At the other end meanwhile, Tori Sharpe was required to narrow the angle down well and make a great save, as the keeper smothered the shot well following a one-on-one inside the box, whilst both sides went an inch away from scoring deep in stoppage time.

Duemmel fired Bury's last shot just wide of the bottom left-hand corner, after Stow did likewise in the 96th minute.

The result leaves Falcons in fifth (6 points from 5 games), having played a game more than most of the teams in the league whilst Bury go top by a point (10 points from 4 games). Bury travel to Brettvale on November 8th, whilst Falcons host Brantham Athletic.

Bury Town:- 

1 Tori Sharpe

6 Helen Cryer

4 Mia Banbury 

9 Norma Locker (capt) 

5 Debbie Greeves

15 Clare Clare

14 Julie Brind

13 Lyndsie Duemmel

11 Olivia Hodges

16 Rachel Gwilliam

12 Kate Sandlan

Subs 

10 Kirsty Pollard 

17 Lisa Pratt

Stowupland Falcons:-

Maisie Johnson (GK)

Evie Bloom

Laura Brame

Ebonie Calvert

Hannah Cobbold

Abby Durrant

Ella Edwards

Milly Grant

Darcey Graham

Amelia Skeggs

Anya Williams (capt)

Sub:

Jade Faiers

Goals: Gwilliam (33'), Locker (59'); Skeggs (26').

Hardwick v Moreton Hall Ferals 25.10.2020

Sunday 25 October 2020, 10:30am, Whelnetham Community Centre (Stanningfields, Bury St. Edmunds), Premier Logos Bury & District Sunday League Division One, Hardwick v Moreton Hall Ferals

Moreton Hall Ferals maintained their unbeaten run in the Bury & District Sunday League Division One with a tight 3-2 away win at Hardwick.

The encounter was the second between the two sides at Whelnetham in as many weeks, with the previous meeting ending up much more one sided, as Ferals rampaged to a six-nil win in the League Cup.

After that game, Ferals signed Hardwick winger Brandon Salisbury, who made his Ferals debut against his former team and drew a good save out off the hosts' shot-stopper inside 20 seconds, who palmed the shot over the crossbar from outside the box - albeit ruled offside anyway.

However, an offside flag at the other end prevented Hardwick from breaking the deadlock in the second minute. Releasing a man through on goal inside the box, who finished well into the bottom right-hand corner but was offside.

Meanwhile, Ferals went agonisingly close to opening the scoring themselves two minutes later, after Brandon Salisbury crashed a low strike from outside the post back into play off the woodwork from just outside the penalty area, the ball fll to Bradley Peasgood who's swerving ferocious strike drew good reaction save out off Beaumont, who got to down well to his bottom left-hand corner to beat it away.

Hardwick on the other end delivered a low dangerous ball across the face of goal in the tenth minute, but Ferals goalkeeper Aston Fallows was able to watch it go an inch wide of the bottom far corner.

However, Ferals broke the deadlock six minutes later, Jack Brame's dangerous free-kick into the box from the left wing found its way into the top right-hand corner.

Straight from kick-off meanwhile, Hardwick looked to catch Aston Fallows out off his line, but the shot-stopper responded brilliantly to tip the lobbed long range strike onto the crossbar before catching the rebound.

Ferals meanwhile went close to doubling their lead in the eighteenth minute, keeper Beaumont denying a deflected strike reacting well to take a great diving catch down to his right-hand side.

Ferals' Callum Dove then drew another good save out of the Hardwick goalkeeper on 21 minutes, before Callum Dongray doubled the visitor's lead a minute later.

Callum Dongray was on hand to tap home the rebound from close range after Brandon Salisbury's corner had crashed back into play off the post.

Ferals then hit the woodwork once more on 28 minutes, Aston Fallows' pinpoint drop-kick down field found Jack Brame on the edge of the box who cleverly teed up Callum Dove with a first time pass, who in turn hit a fierce strike instinctively towards goal, which beat the goalkeeper but rattled back into play off the crossbar.

The visitors meanwhile had another great chance to add to their advantage ten minutes before the interval, George Crowe's dangerous left-wing cross narrowly evading both Brandon Salisbury and Jack Brame lurking close to goal, as the ball went just wide of the top far corner.

The home side however reduced the deficit a minute later, the hosts set Robbie Priddle through free inside the penalty area who then curled an audacious strike home into the top right-hand corner to half the deficit to 1-2.

In response, Ferals then forced Beaumont into a great save on 39 minutes, George Crowe's cross into the danger area fell kindly for Brandon Salisbury lurking close to goal, the winger made space to shoot but was denied by a brilliant reaction save from the goalkeeper, diving across well to parry the ball over for a corner. 

The visitors then looked to break through into a dangerous position just outside the penalty area as Salisbury weaved through before slotting Callum Dove throw, although the latter got taken out by a bad sliding challenge for a dangerous free-kick just before the interval. 

Jack Brame's set-piece however curled narrowly over the top right-hand corner for a goal-kick, whilst seconds later Dove was released through by a dangerous long ball down field, but could only guide the ball just wide of the target as the half drew to a close.

Into the second half, Ferals had numerous opportunities to restore their two goal lead inside the first fifteen minutes following the restart.

After Jack Brame's dangerous 20-yard free-kick was deflected just wide for a corner, Brandon Salisbury's resulting corner was headed back into the danger zone by Brame at the back post finding Callum Dove who couldn't quite get enough on his header, as the ball went agonisingly just over the crossbar on 50 minutes.

The visitors were awarded a penalty though two minutes later after Jack Brame had kept the ball well before progressing through inside the box but was brought down by a defender. The striker however, was unable to convert the spot-kick as Beaumont made a great save down to his right-hand side to beat the ball away.

Meanwhile, another golden opportunity went begging for Ferals on 56 minutes as George Crowe could only head just over the crossbar from 6-yards out from Brandon Salisbury's pinpoint corner. 

Ferals though went mere centrimetres from restoring their two goal lead on the hour mark, some great team play from Ferals saw Dongray head the ball onto Crowe, who in turn found Salisbury before receiving the ball back on the overlap down the left-wing and then delivering an audacious ball across the six-yard box towards Cameron Nicholls running in but the ball was just too far ahead of the striker, who would've otherwise have had a tap in.

Both sides however went marginally close to scoring within moments of each other in the sixty-second minute. After Callum Dove was denied numerous times by the goalkeeper and defence in quick succession from a frantic close range scramble, Hardwick broke on the counter before missing guilt-edged chance of their own, instead shooting just wide from close range.

Salisbury then had a great opportunity to regain Ferals' 2 goal advantage on 64 minutes, although his 25-yard strike never really threatened Beaumont as it curled narrowly wide of the top right-hand corner.

The former Hardwick man however set up Ferals' third goal two minutes later, as the visitors' pressure paid off. After Salisbury ran through down the left-hand side, he then cut inside to the edge of the box where Callum Dove took over to sweep home an instinctive first time finish into the bottom right-hand corner to make it 3-1 to Ferals.

Ferals however could've been further ahead on 72 minutes as Callum Dongray rose well to head George Crowe's header towards goal from 10-yards out, but could only guide it just over the crossbar.

A vital save from Ferals keeper Aston Fallows though preserved Ferals' two goal lead seven minutes later, after the visitors set a man through inside the box Fallows made himself big to narrow down the angle and smother the shot behind for a corner.

Priddle however, once again reduced Ferals' lead from two to just one with nine minutes remaining, simply heading home his own and his team's second of the morning from point blank range, at the back post following a corner.

The goal then set up a grandstand finish as Hardwick searched for an equaliser late on, but were thwarted by Aston Fallows on both occasions. 

The first came after a throw-in was headed onto a man free dangerously inside the box, but the low shot was straight at Fallows who got across to make the save on 89 minutes. Hardwick then arguably wasted the final chance of the game, after a lapse in the Ferals defence allowed a through-ball to find a man free past the backline 30-yards from goal, though the Hardwick man rushed his shot straight into Fallows' midrift.

In the end an improved Hardwick performance wasn't enough to pick up a point against a Ferals side who still created plenty of chances but were not as clinical as the previous meeting between the sides, which was arguably reflected fairly in the result.

Ferals travel to Rattlesden in the Open Cup next week.

Hardwick:-

Oliver Beaumont (GK)

Brett Codd

Charlie French

Elliott Chaplin

Calum Clipstone

Liam Grant

Ashley Hayhoe

Curtis Karolak

Robbie Priddle

Callum Smith

Ryan McLees

Subs:

Lee Buckle

Luke Donelly

Jordan Stannard

Liam French (unused)

Moreton Hall Ferals:-

1 Aston Fallows

33 Bradley Peasgood

20 Callum Dongray

10 Sam Waterson

88 George Crowe

12 Brandon Salisbury

8 Charlie Larter (capt)

28 Ben Newdick 

11 Callum Dove

27 Jack Brame

5 Craig Defew

Subs:

14 Billy Peck (unused)

99 Cameron Nicholls

23 Elliott Frost-Palmer (unused)

7 Fred Stewart-Hogg

50 Adrian Crowe (unused)

Booked: H4 (44'), Codd (47'), H10 (86'), Nicholls (90'+3')

Goals: Priddle (36', 81'); Hardwick No.18 og/Jack Brame (16'), Dongray (22'), Dove (66'),