Ollie Keable Interview | Tuddenham Rovers | 22.05.2024 |

New Tuddenham Rovers manager Ollie Keable talks about his previous roles in Non-League football, and what inspired him to become a manager. 

DK: To start, can you tell us a bit about your previous roles in football?

OK: I've held many roles in multiple football roles up and down the leagues, one of my first roles was groundsman at Peterborough United whilst I was at University, and I've held multiple media manager and Head Of Media roles at clubs up and down the country going from Northumbria to Dorset, I've been a Commercial Director, a scout for a while, (to the point I'm sure the only report I did on a player is the reason the manager I gave it too signed him at his new club, well that's what I tell myself to boost my ego) I've been a matchday programme editor too. I think that's about it I guess you could say everything but the tea lady

DK: Can you tell us what you enjoy most about non-league football?

OK: I think it is the sense of community, don't get me wrong I know that's a big part of the football league too, but you meet so many wonderful people who care about their local non-league club and are so grateful for the opportunity to come and watch and meet up with friends and family all for the love of the game, the people who give up their time for free to help push the club in the direction they want to go. You also get to go to some historical grounds that you don't get to see on TV or in the football league, and I think it just adds to the game's beauty.

DK: What inspired you to switch from media to become a Manager?

OK: Management has always been something I wanted to do later in my life but to get into this role before I'm 30 has been amazing for me, nothing made me want to switch from I guess behind the camera to in front of it, it just something I've always envisioned myself doing and to get the opportunity at a club so early on has been great.

DK: What attracted you to become manager of Tuddenham Rovers, and how did it come about?

OK: It came about after I saw an advert for the club requiring more volunteers to help the club, I wanted to join a club closer to home having been at Weymouth that season and decided to go from there really, found out they were also looking for a manager a yeah decided to get in contact.

The first phone call with Rich, and then the first time meeting the committee and the chairmen, you got a real sense of a family feel to it and everyone was there for the love of the club and to support everyone there. It connected with me and all the roles I've held in non-league to pursue it, I put my name forward as manager, I didn't expect to get it to be honest but I think having met with the club and speaking to them we just really hit the ground running so I was surprised when I was offered the job on the spot, but have been grateful ever since.

DK: No doubt early days in your new role, but can you give us an insight into the club's background (including current league etc) and how it feels to be a manager, so far?

OK: Yeah, the club is only 2 years old, just finished their second season of grassroots football and their first season in Cambridgeshire County League Divison 1A, having completed a very successful first season getting promoted and coming runners up in the William Coad League Cup.

So far it's been great, I'm unbeaten so that's a start. But coming into a club in that grey area of the season finished and everyone's on the rest period before pre-season has been a challenge, I've not met many of the players yet but the ones I have met have been very welcoming. But I'm loving every day of it, there's a lot to do but I've always liked a challenge, I've finished Pre-season friendlies, and I'm almost finished with my training session plans, for in my assistant and assistant coach in so it's just a case of counting the days down to the start of pre-season

DK: Do you have any aims for the season ahead, if so what are they?

OK: Every manager has aims of course but for me, I'm not looking too much into it, I just want to take it game by game and whatever the outcome is at the end of the season improving on it, obviously I have my target I want to hit but I'll probably come out at the end of the season and say it if we achieve it.

If anyone reading this is interested in doing an interview, please message me by CLICKING HERE. 

Thanks to Ollie for kindly participating in the series, and wish him and Tuddenham all the best for the season ahead - watch this space for a potential update piece during the season. 

SUFFOLK TEAM OF THE SEASON 2023/24

With the season concluded, I came up with the fun idea of picking a team of the season for all Suffolk non-league teams watched throughout the campaign, however one stipulation is that I can only pick no more than a handful from each team/division in the starting eleven and a further few on the bench (which could've been much longer than those listed, so apologies if I've missed out certain names - tried to provide as much variety as possible, including players/teams seen play multiple times (more consistent that way). Note - some exclusions are due to trying to limit selections by team).

Goalkeeper: Marcus Garnham (Needham Market)

Arguably the best goalkeeper in the area, Marcus kept around 21 clean sheets in the league this season in his side's historic league title winning season in the Southern Central Premier Division. The goalkeeper, who is known for saving penalties as well as some outrageous saves, also kept 5 clean sheets in 6 Emirates FA Cup matches, including 2 against National League North side Peterborough Sports and one at National League outfit York City - also minutes away from another at home against the same team in the replay. 

RB: Lewis Kemp (Moreton Hall Ferals)

A very experienced defender who puts in consistent regular performances, helping his side onto a Bury Sunday League double, as well as two other cup finals. Also my player of the season for the club this season, Lewis is constantly bombing up and down the right-hand side, having an impact at both ends. 

CB: Keiran Morphew (Needham Market)

Captain fantastic, club legend, the list goes on. Keiran is always at the heart of the Marketmen's defence, heading, kicking and deflecting any ball possible that was directed towards his team's goal, marshalling his defence to the league title and the best defensive record in the division (discounting the last 3 games when the title was already sealed). 

CB: Jack Stone (Bury Town Bisons) 

Jack wears his heart on his chest, unfazed by any challenge - in fact loves every second of it! A brave defender, who likes to try and get forward now and again and doesn't mind going in goal if the need requires. A proper team player. 

LB: Jordan Asker (Bury Town Bisons)

Can play at either left-back or centre-midfield, Jordi is not only good at defending and attacking but also leads by example as the team's captain. Again, another that gives his all and always gives at minimum an 8/10 performance.

CM: Harry Whiting-Noakes (Moreton Hall Ferals/Long Melford)

An influential midfielder for both of his teams, regularly either involved in creating goals or preventing opposition from doing so, always giving his all. Another unafraid of a challenge, and also known for covering plenty of miles up and down the pitch. 

CM: Sam Goddard (Bury United)

Another team captain that can pick a deadly pass, and led his team to promotion this season in Bury Sunday Division Three. 

RW: George Corrie (Bury United)

Runs himself into the ground and can score some superb goals. Known to injure himself by putting the team before himself. 

LW: Cemal Ramadan (Bury Town)

Can play anywhere across the forward line, and a regular name on the scoresheet for the Blues. Joint top scorer in the league this season. 

CAM: Tevan Allen (Needham Market)

Known for his consistent performances wherever he's been, a key player in the heart of midfield that can play anywhere across the midfield as well as right-back. Deadly from a set-piece, or open play, and yet another leader despite not having the captain's armband.

ST: Seth Chambers (NM)

Young forward that established himself in the squad with 20 goals in all competitions for Kevin Horlock's side. A player with a lot of potential, Seth has relished pitting himself against defenders much stronger than him and will no doubt go far in the game.

Subs:

GK: Aston Fallows (Ferals)

Incredible keeper, when not suffering from 'asparagus poisoning,' known for making excellent saves and saving numerous penalties. Reads the game well, and patrols his box well.

GK: James BRADBROOK (AFC Sudbury)

Quality goalkeeper, who is no doubt the second best in the area, who played a big part in keeping his team up. Known for a bit of effective shenanigans.

RB: Jake Dye (NMFC)

In the words of Marcus Garnham, 'Jakey Dye is just Jakey Dye.' In other words, he just does everything, and does what he does best. Bombs up and down the right-hand side - unless filling in at the heart of the defence, cutting out attacks he has no right to, while also playing a big part in his own side's attacks. Also, deservedly, added some goals to his game in the last few seasons.

CB: Owen Walton-Ross (Bisons)

Loves a outrageous challenge, a team player who has been known to play despite being injured. No stranger to a booking, but can also play up front and can score a decent set-piece. 

LB: Tommy Smith (NM)

Ex-pro left-back that always puts in a 9/10 performance, Tommy played almost every minute of the Marketmen's title winning campaign, occasionally filling in at centre-back.

Lewis O'Malley (Bury Town)

Solidifies Cole Skuse's side defensively with an eye for starting an attack. Played a big role in his team reaching the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. 

CM: Finley Barbrook (Ipswich Town U21)

A defensive midfielder who can play in central midfield, or out on the right, another young player with potential to go far in the game. 

CM: Charlie Cook (Bury Town Bisons)

Arguably one of the best in the Bury Sunday from a set-piece. Clinical in front of goal, but also known for a tough challenge. 

LW: Nico Valentine (Ipswich Town U21/Needham Market)

A speedy young winger who will no doubt go far in the game, deadly with crosses or shooting, played his part in Needham's promotion while also arguably being the standout in Town's U21s. 

MF: Osman Foyo (Ipswich Town U21)

A dangerous attacking midfielder who can turn defence into attack in seconds, able to pick out a brilliant pass or break through and score himself. 

CM/LW: George Talbot (Moreton Hall Ferals)

Young midfielder that again has potential to play higher, runs himself into the ground and connects defence and attack superbly. 

FW: Max Maughn (Bury Town)

Tricky young winger that has broken through the club's U23s and into the first team, terrorising defences as the club reached the playoffs. 

ST: Jamie McGrath (Needham Market)

Deadly forward who has also dropped into midfield this season but still notched plenty of goals, including a hat-trick to seal the league title for the Marketmen. Reads the game well and very unselfish unless a clear shot at goal arises. 

ST: Kieran Twinn (Moreton Hall Ferals)

A striker that's no stranger to a league title, more than capable of scoring at various levels and can also play out on the wing. 

Harry Brown (Long Melford/Bury United)

Pacey winger that terrorises opposition defenders, confident in front of goal. Can also pick out a great defence splitting pass. 

Noteable mentions to Byron Lawrence, Eddie Barker, Roan Tucker, Callum Dongray, Oli Selfe (and his washing machine), Dan Stobbart, Will Stobbart, Conor Lewis, Kalum Benham with probably the most dangerous long throw that exists, Ollie Ward, Charlie Larter, Dylan Williams, Dan Morphew, Ethan Doward, Jack Phillips and the only player to ever instruct me exactly what to write about their involvement in the game (I'll let you all guess who that means). 

Thetford Wanderers V Bury Town Bisons | 10.05.2024 | Premier Logos Bury District Sunday Football League Floodlit Cup Final | OCS Ram Meadow Stadium |

Last night's penalty shootout (well except 1st pen, sorry Dan).

Thetford Wanderers complete the treble after a penalty shootout win over fellow Bury Sunday League Division Two side Bury Town Bisons.

Both sides had spells of possession throughout the Floodlit Cup Final, therefore a penalty shootout seemed a fair outcome, albeit harsh on whoever lost. 

Wanderers started quickly, seeing a low right wing cross in space find a man free in the six yard box, but for the offside flag to deny him a shot at goal after 30 seconds. 

Bisons then saw Owen Walton-Ross' 30-yard free-kick, from the left-hand side, hit fiercely towards goal but straight into the keeper's chest at his near post on 10 minutes. 

Bisons then had a seven minute spell of possession, before Thetford went on to enjoy a couple of minutes on the ball themselves. 

Wanderers' left wing long throw picked out Halen Smith free at close range, but the forward flicked his header with his back to goal, over the bar in the 19th minute. 

At the other end, Bisons looked to pick out Oli Selfe with a long ball forward, but goalkeeper Jamie Humphrey was quick off his line, racing outside his box to clear, as the scoreline remained goalless after 20 minutes. 

Walton-Ross then swung in a 50-yard free-kick, on the right-hand side just inside Wanderers' half, which was swung towards the far post which Humphrey caught level with his post before being clattered by Kalum Benham, with a free kick the end result on 23 minutes. 

A firm stop from Humphrey however thwarted Bisons from breaking the deadlock a minute later, a long ball found a man free inside the box, who in turn threaded Selfe through onto the right-hand side of the box, whose close range, tight angled, shot was beaten behind by the keeper guarding his near post. 

The resulting corner found Harry Moore, whose far post close range header went narrowly wide. 

Bisons had another great chance on 25 minutes, Selfe latched onto a great through-ball one on one with Humphrey, on the left-hand side of the box, who poked his shot over the onrushing shot-stopper but over the crossbar. 

At that point Bisons had arguably had the better chances, but it was Wanderers who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. A great strike from Elliot Gibson curled into the bottom left-hand corner to give his side the advantage. 

Wanderers quickly doubled their lead three minutes later, a right wing cross towards the far post saw Dan Stobbart rush off his line but beaten to it as the header across goal found Jake's Dean in acres of space from 2 yards out at the right-hand post to cushion a simple sidefooted volley into the top near corner, 2-0.

A half-chance at both ends saw Oli Selfe almost cap off a good passing move from Bisons - which saw Dan Stobbart's drop kick find Selfe, he then found Will Stobbart who found Owen Walton-Ross, though the keeper advanced to beat him to the dangerous through-ball, while Jack Stone and Dan Stobbart did enough to prevent a clear shot at goal for Thetford as half-time approached. 

Kalum Benham then swung a great right wing cross into the box, creeping just under the crossbar for Joe Bentley arriving, but the keeper claimed it well on his line just ahead of the Bisons number 4. 

Trailing at the break, Bisons started the second half looking to get a foothold back into the game with an early goal. Kalum Benham almost provided that, after being fed free onto the left-hand side of the box but saw his shot blocked while Humphrey prevented it from going behind for a corner on 47 minutes.

Owen Walton-Ross fired a ferocious 54th minute free-kick, from 25-yards out, under the wall but just wide of the bottom far, left-hand, corner on 54 minutes, while Smith looped his header over from a long Wanderers' throw two minutes later.

Bisons meanwhile forced a decent save from Humphrey on 59 minutes, Joe Hogg's great cross-field ball, from the half-way line, released Oli Selfe one on one with the keeper on the right-hand side of the box, the forward then expertly sidefooted a great volleyed effort across goal, but the shot-stooper dived across to his right to hold onto the effort. 

Smith then arrived onto a partially cleared long ball to volley towards goal, but got underneath the ball, smashing over on 62 minutes, before a fierce, low driven Thetford shot from distance was cleared off the line two minutes later. 

As the sunlight began to dwindle into darkness, Thetford began to a decent spell of possession, weaving into space onto the left-hand side of the box but shot just wide of the bottom near corner on 70 minutes. 

Thetford then saw a good left wing cross flicked on by Smith to James Dean at the far post, but the latter was unable to get on the end of it a minute later. Luke Lampon then tested Dan Stobbart on 78 minutes, bending a long range low shot towards the bottom left-hand, far, corner - but was well held by the diving 'keeper. 

Bisons substitute Liam Mills meanwhile was just beaten to a good ball forward by Humphrey on 82 minutes, while Owen Walton-Ross was fed into space by a good long ball onto the left-hand side, but his thunderous 30-yard volley went narrowly wide of the bottom near corner a minute later. 

Elliot Gibson was soon cautioned for a late tackle on Kalum Benham, no more then 15-yards into his own half, from which Bisons were awarded a penalty. The free-kick was swung into the box towards Harry Moore, who was pushed from behind. Up-stepped captain Owen Walton-Ross - although Joe Hogg now sported the armband - to, ice cold, smash low underneath Humphrey into the bottom left-hand corner, 2-1 Wanderers after 87 minutes. 

With 3 minutes of stoppage time signalled, Bisons looked for a late equaliser to send the final to penalties, with two late Kalum Benham long throws causing problems for the Thetford defence. 

The first saw Jack Wass see a shot blocked from ten yards in the 2nd minute of added time, before the Bisons did find an arguably well deserved equaliser a minute later. Benham's long throw in, which came after the loose ball from Wass' shot being cleared out of play, was flicked onto Wass standing right next to the far post to head back across goal. The midfielder's header found Joe Hogg leap like a salmon at the right-hand post, from 3-yards out, to head home into the top near corner. 

Thetford took first in the resulting penalty shootout, with Harry Hutt taking first for Thetford, but was denied by a superb stop from Dan Stobbart - diving low to his right-hand side to beat it away. 

Joe Hogg then stepped up, sending Humphrey the wrong way to find the top left-hand corner, 1-0 Bisons after one apiece. 

Bradley Sandell got Thetford on the board for the shootout, sending Stobbart the wrong way to smash home into the bottom left-hand corner. 

Harry Moore however was denied by an excellent save from Humphrey to keep the shootout level. Moore's spot-kick looked destined to find the bottom left-hand corner until the keeper dived across to beat it onto the inside of the post as the ball rolled across the line and out off the inside of the far post. 

Ian Fancett converted for Wanderers, in what would soon become a theme for the treble winners, sending Stobbart the wrong way and cooly slotting into the bottom left-hand corner.

Dan Stobbart stepped up himself, smashing a rocket of a spot-kick into the top left-hand corner with some acrobatics to accompany his empathic strike, 2-2 from 3 apiece. 

Tom McDonald, like his teammates sent Stobbart the wrong way, but found the top left-hand corner confidently. 

Kalum Benham replied with an unfazed penalty of his own, sending Humphrey the wrong way to thunder home into the top left-hand corner, 3-3 after 4 each. 

James Dean sent Stobbart the wrong way before finding the bottom left-hand corner cooly, while the polar opposites of a pressure penalty - given that it was sudden death - from Owen Walton-Ross sent the shootout into another round. The versatile player sent Humphrey the wrong way before oozing confidence to chip home, Panenka style, into the top right-hand corner. 

James Sillett replied, just beating Stobbart for placement, finding the bottom left-hand corner, before Humphrey provided the save to win the cup for Wanderers. 

Liam Mills stepped up, but saw his penalty denied superbly by the 'keeper, diving down to his bottom left-hand corner, winning the shootout 5-4.

Thetford Wanderers: 1 Jamie Humphrey, 5 Jordan Piggott, 12 Kehan Whitby, 6 James Sillett, 7 Steven Davies (c), 11 Bradley Sandell, 4 Elliot Gibson, 10 Harry Hutt, 15 Liam Levy-Toomey, 17 James Dean, 9 Halen Smith. Subs: 16 Luke Lampon, 14 Joshua Underwood, 2 Tom McDonald, 19 Jamie Smith, 8 Ian Fancett. 

Goals: Elliot Gibson (26'), James Dean (29'); Owen Walton-Ross (87'), Joe Hogg (90'+3').

Pens: TW ✖️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️: Harry Hutt ✖️, Bradley Sandell ✔️, Ian Fancett ✔️, Tom McDonald ✔️, James Dean ✔️, James Sillett ✔️.

Bisons 1 Dan Stobbart, 3 Dan Williams, 7 Harry Moore, 6 Joe Hogg, 5 Jack Stone, 15 Owen Walton-Ross (c) (76' Newdick), 4 Joe Bentley, 11 Harry Bentley (56' Wass), 8 Will Stobbart (80' Walton-Ross), 10 Oli Selfe (80' Mills), 9 Kalum Benham. Subs: 17 Liam Mills, 16 Reece Newdick, Kyle Tranter, 12 Jack Wass, Miles Holt. 

BTB ✔️✖️✔️✔️✔️✖️

Joe Hogg ✔️, Harry Moore ✖️, Dan Stobbart ✔️,

Kalum Benham ✔️, Owen Walton-Ross ✔️, Liam Mills ✖️.

Booked: Elliot Gibson (85').

NEEDHAM MARKET LEAGUE CHAMPIONS SEASON REVIEW 2023-24

As some of you will know, I wrote a season review piece on Needham Market's 2023-24 Southern League Central Premier Division title winning campaign, focusing solely on the sensational league campaign - which is incredible on it's own, before you add in that the Marketmen were seconds away from the FA Cup 1st Round Proper for a second consecutive season. Not to forget that the Marketmen also retained the Suffolk Premier Cup for a fourth time as well. This piece misses out the final two league games however, as it was written in time to be published in the club's souvenir printed programme V Mickleover - the day of the trophy presentation. For those of you who couldn't be there to get a programme, here's the article. 

Marketmen Season Review 2023-24

This current Needham Market squad will forever go down, not just in the club's history, but in Suffolk Non-League history, as arguably the best ever, after becoming the first Suffolk side to win a step 3 league title - the Pitching In Southern League Central Premier Division title.

While the Marketmen went agonisingly close to eclipsing last season's club record run to the First Round Proper of the Emirates FA Cup, ending in heartbreak at the final hurdle in a 1-0 late defeat to National League side York City at Bloomfields in a Fourth Qualifying Round Replay, the Marketmen - at the time of writing - are on the verge of a historic League and Cup double. 

The Marketmen, who face Felixstowe & Walton United in the Suffolk Premier Cup Final at Bury Town on Tuesday 16th, will be, looking to become the first team to win the competition for a record fourth straight season. However, the main focus of this review is to highlight the team's league success.

The campaign began in August, with that horrific opening day at Stratford Town which saw just over a dozen yellow cards brandished between the two teams and 3 late goals condemn us to a 6-1 defeat, the only positive that day coming in the form of summer signing Reece Harris' first Needham goal.

After surviving relegation last season, outlookers will have expected a similar season to unfold for Kevin Horlock's side. However they would be proved very wrong with the Marketmen then going on a long unbeaten run in the league (discounting the voided loss to Nuneaton Borough in November) and not losing a game until New Years Day.

A goalless draw at home to newly promoted Halesowen Town was followed by a 2-0 win over Hitchin Town - with Callum Page and Harris on target in our first league win of the campaign.

That sparked a 3 game winning streak, as a five goal second half spree recorded a 6-1 demolition of Coalville Town on the road, thanks to a Dan Morphew first half penalty, Page's brace, and strikes from Jamie McGrath, Jacob Lay and Seth Chambers, closely followed by a 2-0 win over Alvechurch in torrential rain - which saw Jake Dye and summer signing Tevan Allen on target.

August concluded with a trip to Leiston, which saw a hard fought all-Suffolk affair end goalless, before a Dan Morphew penalty saw off Stourbridge at home to kick off September with a 1-0 win.

Three further league games took place before the Autumn rolled round, with Jacob Lay netting in a 1-1 draw at Kettering Town, before Luke Ingram struck four goals in two games to first see off Telford United in a memorable 2-0 away success, before putting two past St Ives Town, alongside Kyle Hammond, plus goals from Keiran Morphew and Allen to hammer the Cambridgeshire side 6-1 at home.

If conceding just two league goals in 4 league games in September was impressive, October's league record made for even better reading. Albeit, only two league games were played, with the Marketmen playing 5 Cup games that month - four of which were in the FA Cup - but nonetheless back to back away wins at Stamford in a rampant second half (3-0, Allen, McGrath and Ollie Fraser's maiden first team goal on target) and Royston Town (2-0, McGrath with a brace) are not to be sniffed at.

Three league games - that officially count - followed in November, starting with a 3-0 home win over Berkhamsted, after goals from Dylan Williams, an own goal and Chambers. A trip to Mickleover followed, who at the time looked like being favourites for the division, with an important late Ingram penalty earning Horlock's side a 1-1 draw. Next, was the visit of Bromsgrove Sporting, which saw Dye and Chambers again on the scoresheet to continue the Marketmen's impressive start to the campaign with a 2-1 victory. 

In the style of Champions, the Marketmen recorded two further 2-1 victories - featuring a win after coming from behind at Barwell, courtesy of Chambers' angled strike just before the break and an outrageous lobbed header from Ingram midway through the second half. Ingram was again in on the act to help the Marketmen to a 2-1 home success over Leamington, with Tevan Allen also on the scoresheet.

A goalless draw at home to Coalville was then coupled with a 3-0 early Christmas win at Alvechurch. Chambers again struck twice, once in each half, with Ingram ending 2023 in style.

The New Year, however, began with a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Suffolk rivals AFC Sudbury, albeit quickly remedied by a 4-0 rout of Kettering Town with Ingram once more on target, alongside a brace from our current league top scorer McGrath and a goal from Ipswich Town loanee Nico Valentine. Arguably one of the most crucial away wins of the season saw Dan Morphew earn Needham a massive late 1-0 win at Halesowen Town, albeit the month would end in a crash after a 3-2 loss at St Ives Town - despite Hammond and McGrath twice bringing the Suffolk side back level.

A remarkable February followed, with 6 wins out of 6 league games played, and a goal difference of 14-3, in the month culminating in the club winning the Team of the Month for the division.

Dan Morphew and Chambers kicked off the ruthless month with a 2-1 home win over AFC Telford United, followed by a dramatic late comeback at Berkhamsted seeing a 2-1 deficit turned round for a 3-2 win with two late goals (Valentine, Ingram and Dan Morphew on target).

Leiston then travelled to Bloomfields, but were swept aside in a comprehensive 5-0 victory, thanks to strikes from Dye, Williams, Chambers and a brace from Allen. A 2-1 win over Long Eaton United was next, again with Dan Morphew and McGrath scoring, before the latter went on to make it three goals in as many games - neatly defeating Leamington with a back-heel in a 1-0 win and stylishly finding the descive goal at home to Stratford Town, just as injuries began to cause havoc at the worst possible time. 

A Tuesday night at Stourbridge opened March, with Chambers' header earning his side a 1-1 draw, before a patched up squad endured a frustrating 0-0 draw at Long Eaton United. 

Back to back home wins over Barwell (2-1, thanks to goals from Ingram and McGrath) and then play-off contenders Redditch United (3-0, an own goal, McGrath and Ingram again) saw Needham open up an 8 point lead at the top. 

The Marketmen were firmly in the driver's seat from that point on, despite a 3-0 defeat at Bromsgrove Sporting, though this was soon put right with a 2-0 win at Hitchin Town with Adam Mills' first goal since returning and Ingram putting the Marketmen 8 points away from history. 

Mills then struck again to kickstart the historic week, opening the scoring in a 3-0 win over AFC Sudbury (Chambers' awkward effort and Williams' thunderous volley sealing the points), leaving Needham needing 5 points or a win and Mickleover dropping points to seal the title. 

As if scripted, the stars aligned with 2 late goals from hat-trick hero McGrath clinching the title over Royston Town (3-1), with Mickleover losing by the same scoreline. 

We did however lose our home unbeaten record to Stamford last night (3-0), but that's just a minor blemish in an incredible season, having recorded 21 clean sheets in 38 league games, conceding just 26 goals in 37 games - excluding the Stamford game - and scoring 74. More impressively, the Marketmen's solid home record was a key factor, with 16 wins and 2 draws from 18 games - again prior to the Stamford game - with 43 goals scored and only 6 conceded. 

Moreton Hall Ferals V Godolphin | 05.05.2024 | Great Barton Playing Fields | Premier Logos Bury Sunday League Division One |

MORETON HALL FERALS RECLAIM THEIR DIVISION ONE LEAGUE TITLE

                        

Moreton Hall Ferals win their 3rd Premier Logos Bury + District Sunday Football League Division One league title in the last four seasons, after a 5-1 win at home to Godolphin. 

After Kieran Twinn's double away to the same opposition on Thursday evening, Adrian Crowe's side needed a point to reclaim the league title and did so in style. 

A good team performance from the hosts, wearing their iconic Red and Black kit, started with Charlie Glover finding space to shoot six yards out, on the right-hand side of the box, whose shot was blocked at the near post in the 3rd minute. 

Six minutes later, good play from the Ferals saw George Crowe play a great long cross-field ball to Ollie Ward, through on the right wing, whose low cutback found George Talbot free on the edge of the box, who after beating the defender skewed his shot wide of the bottom left-hand corner. 

Godolphin however had their first attempt towards goal in the 13th minute, although the striker's right angled shot was sliced narrowly wide of the top near, left-hand, corner. 

Ferals though broke the deadlock three minutes later, George Talbot threaded Charlie Glover into space, the winger then engineered space to shoot, which took a deflection, nestling into the bottom right-hand corner. 

Godolphin meanwhile saw a free header a point blank range loop narrowly over on 18 minutes, while Harry Whiting-Noakes' free-kick on the literal right-hand edge of the box was palmed away the goalkeeper at his top far corner two minutes later. 

A good save from the visiting goalkeeper thwarted Kieran Twinn from doubling Ferals' lead five minutes later. The forward was threaded through, past the defence - one on one with the keeper, onto the left-hand side of the box whose fierce shot was tipped over well by the flying goalkeeper. 

Another good stop from Godolphin's 'keeper denied Ferals a second in the 25th minute, James Buckmaster found Charlie Glover with a great cross-field ball out onto the left wing, the latter's cross picked out Ward - free at the far post - whose close range strike was palmed behind by the goalkeeper at his near post. 

At the other end, a good - albeit comfortable - stop from Charlie Larter preserved his side's lead three minutes later. A cross-field ball released a man through, one on one, down the left-hand side of the box whose point blank range effort was well held by Larter, diving low to his left-hand side at his near post. 

Talbot meanwhile held up possession nicely for Ferals out on the right wing, the midfielder then found Ward who in turn found Glover with a brilliant pass with the outside of his foot, albeit Talbot's shot from the resulting low delivery was off target of the bottom left-hand corner on 32 minutes. 

Great play, once more, from Ferals saw Ward fed into space on the right wing whose low cross found Harry Whiting-Noakes whose shot was deflected through comfortably for the goalkeeper after 35 minutes. 

Ferals doubled their lead a minute later, Whiting-Noakes threaded Twinn free onto the right-hand side of the box, the striker then expertly found the far corner. 

Godolphin then saw a fierce shot towards the bottom left-hand corner well held by Larter on 39 minutes, while Glover's fierce shot from distance was fired straight into the keeper's chest at his near post a minute later. 

Whiting-Noakes was next to test the visiting 'keeper on 43 minutes, the midfielder was fed onto the edge of the box before curling a great strike towards the bottom left-hand corner, though the keeper dived down well to tip it behind. 

Ferals soon added a third goal on the stroke of half-time, a great long cross-field ball released Twinn through, in space, down the left wing to race down the line and cross in low for Ollie Ward arriving at the back post to sweep home into the bottom far corner. 

Exactly a minute after the restart, Talbot picked out substitute Kieran Waller with a great low right wing cross, but the latter couldn't quite connect to it. 

Ferals added a fourth goal six minutes after the restart, Kieran Waller drove down the right wing before crossing in low for Kieran Twinn to register a second brace in 3 days, toe-poking home into the bottom far corner, from close range. 

Jake Peasgood then scuffed a shot wide, before a partially cleared free-kick saw a Godolphin effort deflected off a Ferals' defender comfortably into Larter's chest on 58 minutes. 

Ferals added a fifth goal a minute later, to wrap up the title in style, Jake Peasgood ran down the left wing onto the byline before cutting back a great ball to Keiran Waller to find the bottom near corner from close range. 

On the hour mark, Larter held onto a fierce low shot, before the visitors scuffed a shot well held five minutes later. 

Talbot then fired a 30-yard shot over on 71 minutes, before George Crowe deflected a long range strike comfortably through to Larter for a routine catch nine minutes later. 

Godolphin though did net a consolation goal on 81 minutes, as the striker was threaded through onto the left-hand side of the box to smash home well into the top near corner. 

Both sides will meet again next Sunday (12th May), in the Snap On Tools Open Cup Final at Bury Town's OCS Ram Meadow Stadium (2pm).

Ferals:- 13 Charlie Larter, 2 James Buckmaster, 10 Sam Waterson (HT' Newdick) (c), 4 Taylor Waterson, 88 George Crowe, 12 Lewis Kemp (59' Stewart-Hogg), 16 George Talbot, 6 Harry Whiting-Noakes (73' Kemp), 14 Kieran Twinn, 5 Ollie Ward (HT' Waller), 15 Charlie Glover (HT' Peasgood). Subs: 3 Ben Newdick, 9 Jake Peasgood, 11 Kieran Waller, 7 Fred Stewart-Hogg, 50 Adrian Crowe (GK).

Booked: G7 (28'), G11 (39'), T.Waterson (57').

Goals: Charlie Glover (16'), Kieran Twinn (36', 51'), Ollie Ward (45'), Kieran Waller (59'); G9 (81').

MOTM: 16 George Talbot. 

Bury Town V Brentwood Town | 30.04.2024 | Pitching In Isthmian League Division North Playoff SF | OCS Ram Meadow Stadium |

BRENTWOOD ADVANCE TO ISTHMIAN NORTH PLAY OFF FINAL AFTER EXTRA TIME 

Brentwood Town strike twice in the second half of extra time to inflict heartbreak on Bury Town, setting up a trip to Bowers & Pitsea in the Pitching In Isthmian North Division Play Off Final. 

Bury, managed by ex-Ipswich Town, Colchester United and Bristol City midfielder Cole Skuse and the popular Paul Musgrove, however can take pride in having reached the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, since losing at the same stage of the Isthmian Premier Division Playoffs, and started brighter of the two teams at the OCS Ram Meadow Stadium.

Bury got the action underway, taking just 27 seconds to get a shot at goal. The Blues slid Cemal Ramadan free onto the right-hand side of the box, whose shot was saved by visiting goalkeeper Melvin Minter, down low towards his bottom far corner. 

The hosts continued their bright start on 4 minutes, Luke Brown found ex-pro Ed Upson who cleverly returned the favour, threading the former one on one with the goalkeeper with a delightful ball round the defence, the striker raced onto it, into the box, but Minter was off his line smartly to dive down and seemingly get a touch to turn it behind - albeit a goal-kick was given. 

Brentwood had their first chance in the 8th minute, Freeman's left wing ross saw Sykes' header deflected behind the near post for a corner. The resulting set-piece saw the ball across crossed back in on the far side with Bury 'keeper Charlie Beckwith diving down bravely on his line to get there before the attacker and put the ball behind for a corner, despite taking an accidental hit for his efforts. Following the corner, Stephen's right wing cross was headed over by Sykes. 

Bury continued to have more of the possession in the first half, in a rather lively forty-five minutes. Ramadan was next to test Minter on 16 minutes. The forward was threaded through down the right wing before sending his man to the shops before cutting into the box and trying his luck from a tight angle, albeit his low shot lacked power, with Minter diving down just to his right-hand side, guarding his near post, for a comfortable catch. 

Beckwith then raced off his line well to Manuel Neuer esque gather a through ball onto the right-hand side of his penalty area on 24 minutes, before Bury went up the other end a minute later and almost tested Minter again. 

Romel Aarons Royal misjudged the ball bouncing towards the edge of the penalty area as Brown looked to sneak in, in an attempt to lob the onrushing keeper, although Royal recovered to clear the ball away with an important touch at the crucial moment. 

Brown though couldn't be stopped from getting a shot at goal a minute later, in space 20-yards from goal, but sidefooted his shot over. 

At the other end, Brentwood saw McKenzie's right wing cross directed towards the top near corner by Freeman only for Beckwith to be well placed to leap up while making himself big to tip the ball crucially over for a corner on 27 minutes. 

However, Brentwood began to look the more likely to find the breakthrough, having the better chances. Another arrived a minute later as a low right wing corner caused chaos in the Bury box, although McKenzie shot on target at the bottom far corner was cleared off the line. 

Sykes meanwhile latched onto a cross in from the left-hand side of the box, but saw his 10-yard semi-acrobatic effort towards the top right-hand corner deflected just wide for a corner on 29 minutes. 

The visitors then saw a shot well blocked from a dangerous right wing corner two minutes later, while Freeman was fed free on the left-hand side of the box, but fired just over the bar from close range at a tight angle, with Beckwith charging down the angle on 34 minutes. 

Agyakwa then saw his dangerous ball towards the near left-hand post cleared away from goal, before Beckwith raced off his goal line to tip away a dangerous ball, before chasing after the loose ball and gathering possession on 36 minutes. 

 

Freeman as then fed in space to shoot from distance, albeit his shot deflected off the top of McKenzie and over the top left-hand corner. 

At the other end though, an incredible passage of play unfolded with the ball somehow staying out of the Brentwood net in the 40th minute. First Brown intercepted possession on the left wing before weaving into the near edge of the box, his fierce bending effort towards the bottom far corner was shovelled away by Minter. Max Maughn was perfectly positioned to latch onto the loose ball, albeit his first time shot smacked the front base of the near, right-hand, post. The ball then fell to Ed Upson whose ferocious 12-yard shot was brilliantly cleared off the line at the bottom left-hand corner - despite handball appeals. Cemal Ramadan was then alert to the rebound, four yards out, but his shot rattled the face of the crossbar and crashed back into play.

In the first minute of stoppage time meanwhile, Nzengo fired a powerful shot just wide, before Brentwood would go onto start the restart the brighter side. 

McKenzie curled a shot narrowly wide five minutes after the interval, while Stephen's right wing corner found Aarons Royal free at the far post, whose close range header was again cleared off the line on 53 minutes. 

The Blues then grew into the half slightly, feeding Ramadan free into the box but for a defender to track back and clear behind for a corner in the 58th minute. 

The resulting right wing corner found captain Josh Curry at the near post, whose header towards goal was cleared on 59 minutes. 

Agyakwa shot wide for the away side, before Sykes' shot on the turn went wide of the bottom near corner. 

Bury then saw a great cross field ball finds Max Maughn free on the right wing, the winger weaved inside onto the central edge of the area, but saw his shot go narrowly wide of the bottom near corner. 

The half, much like the first, ended in end to end chances, Bury found captain Curry with a far post, looping header - following a 72nd minute right wing corner - though Minter was well placed at his top right-hand corner to claim the ball. 

The attendance was soon announced as being a mammoth 1,122 as Cripps wrapped a great cross creeping into the bottom far, right-hand, corner - forcing Beckwith down smartly to palm it away. 

An 81st minute Brentwood left wing corner saw McKenzie glance his free header just over the top near corner, before Ed Upson smartly fed Ramadan free onto the left-hand side of the box whose cross into the 6-yard box was well claimed by Minter on 84 minutes. 

The game going to extra time was arguably fair, with both teams giving everything to get themselves through to Saturday's playoff final, with a dangerous low Brentwood right wing cross flashing across the face of goal, evading orange shirts as regulation time drew to a close. 

Despite neither team being able to find the breakthrough in normal time, just five minutes into the first half of extra time Brentwood found the breakthrough. Mekhi McKenzie was fed into space, by Andrew Freeman, onto the right-hand side of the box whose shot deflected off the O'Malley's boot, looping over Beckwith and into the roof of the net. 

Ngandu then whipped in a dangerous right wing free-kick, finding Aarons Royal 2-yards out in the centre, his header cannoned off another head on the line, dropping underneath the crossbar straight to Beckwith to claim on 99 minutes.

Ram Meadow exploded into joy a minute later, as Ryan Jolland found space on the left-hand edge of the box to fire a shot at goal, that nestled into the bottom near corner via a big deflection - wrong footing Minter. 

Brentwood then saw a great left wing cross in on the 105th+1st minute find Tom Stephen sliding in six yards out but couldn't quite get in the end of the cross. 

Five minutes after the short break, Brentwood retook the lead through a stunning curling strike from Daniel Ogunleye into the top right-hand corner, from outside the area. 

Bury looked for an instant reply, a shot on the right-hand side of the box found Ramadan 3 yards out at the far post, whose shot was smothered behind well by Minter at his near post on 112 minutes.

Curry then got on the end of a left wing corner, a minute later, but couldn't quite get his shot off, before substitute Joe Carroll's right wing long through found Ramadan free at the back post, whose acrobatic volley went just over the bar after 115 minutes. 

 

Canfer saw a shot on the edge of the box charged down in the 124th minute, before Brentwood sealed their playoff final spot a minute later, with the last touch of the game. 

A right wing long throw saw Bury send everyone up, in search of an equaliser, but fell to a defender free at the back post to whack the ball long down field with Shad Ngandu racing forward before the defender to find the empty net. 

Bury Town:- 1 Charlie Beckwith, 2 Ollie Yun, 3 Lewis O'Malley, 4 Ryan Horne (113' Arnold), 5 Josh Curry (c), 6 Ed Upson (86' Mayhew), 7 Max Maughn (101' Carroll), 8 Ollie Canfer, 9 Cemal Ramadan, 10 Luke Brown, 11 Ryan Jolland. Subs: 12 Joe Carroll, 14 Louie Arnold, 15 Ethan Mayhew, 16 Ben Curtis, 17 Ryan Dunne (GK).

Brentwood Town:- 1 Melvin Minter, 2 Jonathan Nzengo, 3 Tom Stephen, 4 James Love, 5 Matt Cripps, 6 Romel Aarons Royal, 7 8 Shad Ngandu, 9 Mekhi McKenzie, 11 Andrew Freeman (114' Witherspoon), 18 George Sykes (86' Ogunleye), 19 Marlon Agyakwa (82' Jeremiah). Subs: 12 Daniel Ogunleye, 14 Alex Akrofi, 15 Jesse Olukolu, 16 Connor Witherspoon, 17 Samuel Jeremiah.

Booked: Curry (77'), Jolland (85'), Minter (120'), Ogunleye (121').

MOTM - UPSON.