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.