Cambridge United v Charlton Athletic | 26.08.2025 | Cledara Abbey Stadium | EFL Carabao Cup Round 2 | Sky Bet League Two V Championship |

Cambridge United reached the third round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 1998 with an excellent performance and 3-1 victory over Championship Charlton.

James Brophy broke the deadlock early on, after a strong start from Neil Harris' side, while Kylian Kouassi doubled their advantage just before the half-hour mark.

Ibby Fullah responded just before the break for Nathan Jones' side, who won the League One Play-Offs in May, to give the Addicks' some hope, although Zak Bradshaw restored the U's two goal lead ten minutes after the restart.

Cambridge started bright from kick off, as James Brophy had a shot blocked from the edge of the box on 19 seconds. 

The Us fed Zak Bradshaw neatly down the left wing ninety seconds in, but Ben Knight's first time low shot from a lay off was well blocked. 

Clever linkup play from the U's saw Elias Kachunga almost thread Ben Knight into a shooting position on the edge of the box inside 9 minutes, but the visiting defence read it well to intercept and clear. 

Tanto Olaofe then headed a deep left wing cross just wide of the top far corner from just inside the box on 11 minutes, 

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu meanwhile jinked smartly past hisan down the left wing on 14 minutes, but saw his dangerous low cross into the six yard box held by the keeper guarding his near post. 

Harris's side were deservedly in front soon after, Ben Knight started a brilliant move, threading Zak Bradshaw who after great linkup play drove down the left flank to pick out Elias Kachunga, who set up James Brophy at close range to turn home low into a gaping bottom far corner. 

James Gibbons, after a quick one-two with Knight from a left wing throw, looked to find Zeno Ibsen Rossi with a great ball hung up to the far post only for goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer to read it well and claim possession just after 20 minutes. 

Charlie Kelman down the other end broke through onto the right-hand side of the box but Ibsen Rossi put his body on the line brilliantly, sliding in to block the near post effort behind on 23 minutes. 

A first minor warning for the U's, who looked the better team against their league opponents last year, who duly doubled their lead on 29 minutes.

After sustaining a bit of pressure, a brilliant through-ball from Zak Bradshaw released Kylian Kouassi past the defence onto the left-hand side to cleverly find the bottom near corner. 

Tanto Olaofe (33') was soon booked for an elbow into Kell Watts' face, as Joe Rankin-Costello's left wing 38th minute corner picked out Kelman at the near post but his close range near post header was deflected over the far post for another corner as the visitors looked to find a way back into the cup-tie.

The Addicks however broke through down the left wing but flashed a dangerous low ball across the face of goal with nobody around to convert, as Kelman's shot from the right-hand side was deflected narrowly wide of the far post seconds later.

Ibby Fullah took advantage, exploiting space on the left-hand edge of the box to hammer home and excellent strike into the bottom far corner to reduce the deficit. 

Charlton skipper Macauley Gillesphey was booked shortly before the break, while Ben Knight's free-kick was brilliantly headed back from the far post to Elias Kachunga whose low strike went just wide of the bottom right-hand corner. 

Charlton then had the first chance after the break on 49 minutes, freely heading a right wing cross just over the far corner.

Jake Eastwood was on hand to comfortably hold onto a low shot across goal from the left-hand edge of the box in the 54th minute, but it was 3-1 a minute later.

Gibbons just couldn't quite meet a dangerous low cross from the left wing with the goal gaping, but the cross back in saw Kouassi denied at point blank range at the far post, with my MOTM Zak Bradshaw on hand to stab home into the net from close range. 

Ollie Hobden was booked for a reckless challenge soon followed, as the U's remained on the front foot as it looked ever likely it would be them who would progress to the third round, and you couldn't say they hadn't earned it. 

The away side meanwhile began to let frustration get the better of them as Karoy Anderson was next into the book for another unnecessary foul on the hour mark, while Harris made a triple change, Dom Ball - who took over captaincy duties from Gibbons; who did remain on the pitch; replacing Mpanzu, Brophy made way for Sullay Kaikai, and Kouassi making way for Louis Appere.

Charlton responded with a quadruple change of their own, as this was the third recent meeting between the two sides at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.

Tyreece Campbell settled a League One clash in April (1-0) in favour of the visitors, while a 1-1 pre-season friendly was sandwiched in the middle, with this cup tie making the recent head to head a win apiece. 

Though while those results sound more closely fought affairs, in truth Cambridge were well deserved winners with the only blemish being conceding shortly before the break.

Ben Knight departed to a standing ovation, as Glenn McConnell entered the fray, while Charlton glanced a right wing cross narrowly over the top far corner from the centre on 75 minutes.

Zeno Ibsen Rossi towered highest to connect onto Gibbons' right wing long throw on 77 minutes, although his header went narrowly wide of the near post. 

Charlton then had a low 25-yard strike comfortably held by the diving Eastwood, down to his right-hand side on 78 minutes, who then glanced a dangerous left wing cross wide at the far post sixty seconds later.

Kachunga was withdrawn for Liam Bennett with just under 10 minutes remaining, while Watts picked out Ibsen Rossi with a peach of a cross-field ball onto the left-hand byline with the latter's determined effort turned just wide by the keeper in the 86th minute. 

Gibbons saw a far post shot well blocked from the following corner, with Dom Ball heading an 87th minute right wing cross narrowly wide of the far post after the hosts smartly recycled play.

Karoy Anderson was sent off 12 minutes into eight minutes of stoppage time for a violent elbow on Ibsen Rossi.

Cambridge return to League Two action on Saturday, when Newport County visit the 13th placed side after 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats since relegation (3pm).

Charlton however will travel to QPR on Saturday having not won any of their last three games in all competitions, after a home defeat to Leicester on Saturday and a goalless draw at Bristol City beforehand (3pm). 

Cambridge United:- 1 Jake Eastwood, 6 Kell Watts, 7 James Brophy (62' Kaikai), 10 Elias Kachunga (82' Bennett), 14 Ben Knight (72' McConnell), 16 Zeno Ibsen Rossi, 17 Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (62' Ball), 20 Kylian Kouassi (62' Appere), 21 Shane McLoughlin, 22 Zak Bradshaw, 26 James Gibbons (c). Subs: 25 Ben Hughes, 2 Liam Bennett, 3 Matt Purrington, 4 Dom Ball, 9 Louis Appere, 11 Sullay Kaikai, 18 Ryan Loft, 27 Glenn McConnell, 38 George Hoddle.

Charlton Athletic:- 21 Ashley Maynard-Brewer, 3 Macauley Gillesphey (c) (75' Gough), 18 Karoy Anderson, 20 Zach Mitchell, 22 Tanto Olaofe, 23 Charlie Kelman (63' Rylah), 26 Joe Rankin-Costello (65' Mwamba), 37 Ibby Fullah, 38 Josh Laqeretabua, 41 Harvey Knibbs (65' Enslin), 42 Ollie Hobden (65' Mbick). Subs: 25 Will Mannion, 33 Micah Mbick, 34 Kai Kobashi Enslin, 35 Alan Mwamba, 36 Keenan Gough, 39 Henry Rylah, 43 Paris Lock, 45 Ty Ewens-Findlay, 46 Reuben Reid.

Booked: Tanto Olaofe (33'), Macauley Gillesphey (45'+2'), Ollie Hobden (57'), Karoy Anderson (60', 90'+12').

Sent Off: Karoy Anderson (90'+12').

Goals: James Brophy (15'), Kylian Kouassi (29'), Zak Bradshaw (55'); Ibby Fullah (44'). 

Att: 3,231 (736 CAFC).

Bury United v Moreton Hall Ferals | 24.08.2025 | Pre-Season Friendly | Hardwick Heath |

A evenly fought pre-season friendly between fellow Bury Sunday Division One sides Bury United and Moreton Hall Ferals saw the defending Champions strike once in each half in an attempt to take momentum into the league campaign.

Sam Waterson (16') broke the deadlock with a clever finish, while United did probe for an equaliser but found goalkeepers Charlie Larter and Mitch Bryant unbeatable.

Ferals however were denied twice by the crossbar after the restart before a neat move was capped by a fantastic finish from Jake Peasgood (88') to double the visitors' lead.

In truth, the game could've went either way, though as the second half progressed it was arguably the Ferals who had the better chances - twice hitting the crossbar, though as mentioned both Larter and Bryant were required to preserve the Ferals' clean sheet.

Ferals had the first chance in 2 minutes, Callum Dongray threaded Charlie Glover through down the left wing but his header was off target and well collected by Steve Fenner. 

At the other end, Jack Yallop was fed free onto the left-hand edge of the box but saw his good strike deflected just wide of the bottom far corner by Kieran Waller.

Glover then weaved through two defenders down the right wing a minute later but Mitchell Bryant's left wing byline effort was held well by Fenner.

United then saw a shot turned just wide of the right-hand post for a corner, while Andrea Downey shot just wide of the bottom right-hand corner with the outside of his right foot on the edge of the box on 5 minutes. 

Declan Walsh then fired just wide of the bottom right-hand corner on 9 minutes for the hosts, while Mitchell Bryant's surging 14th minute run down the left wing saw his cross well claimed by Fenner. 

Ferals broke the deadlock smartly two minutes later, a low left wing cross found Sam Waterson at close range to turn home a cultured finish at the far post. 

Ferals went close again on 27 minutes, great football saw Charlie Glover drive forward before threading Mitchell Bryant through outside the box only to fire low just wide of the bottom far, left-hand, corner.

Charlie Larter then read play well to advance off his line to edge of his area on 33 minutes to deny a lobbed effort over him, while Glover fired narrowly over from distance on the edge of the box. 

Downey however shot narrowly wide of the bottom right-hand corner on 37 minutes.

Scott McGavin saw a great low ferocious 25-yard free-kick parried away by Fenner down low smartly to his left on 44 minutes, while Glover fired a low shot from distance straight at the stopper.

Larter at the other end was forced into a great diving save a minute later, at the expense of a corner as Ferals led an entertaining, closely fought, game at the break. 

Waller however broke through one on one on 50 minutes but Fenner dived low well to his left to turn it wide, before punching the corner out for a throw guarding his six yard box well. 

Yallop broke down the other end a minute later but saw his dangerous low right-hand squared ball across the six yard box well palmed away by Larter.

Glover then went agonisingly close on 53 minutes, the winger broke into space from distance before lobbing Fenner but seeing his thunderous strike cannon off the underside of the crossbar, bounce on the line but back into play.

Josh Allen fired narrowly wide of the left-hand post from 35-yards a minute later, as Ferals went close twice on 58 minutes.

First Newdick rattled the underside of the crossbar from 30-yards before Dongray saw an effort from the left-hand byline denied well by Fenner at point blank range. 

Bryant then switched with Larter in between the sticks just after the hour mark, with the former forced into a smart saves on 73 minutes.

United broke smartly down the right-hand side to square a great ball into the six yard box, after a brilliant pinpoint cross-field long ball from Ehran Steele, which Josh Allen - at the far post - saw his effort superbly held by Bryant, diving across his line.

Ferals though went close three minutes later as Charlie Goodchild headed a long free-kick across goal and just wide of the bottom far corner from 12-yards out.

Allen again went close, but was once more denied by a good save from Bryant in the 78th minute, this time diving across to his near right-hand post to deny the United man's close range good strike from a tight angle.

A great team move from Ferals did however see the Blues double their lead late on, Kieran Waller was released smartly down the left wing from a great through-ball, in turn slipping Scott McGavin through, who unselfishly and expertly nutmegged the defender to slide Jake Peasgood through clear on goal down the right-hand side to run onto the ball and finish the move in style, first time brilliantly find the near corner.

Tom Halliday, returning after a long time out injured, saw a late shot well blocked, as Ferals finished pre-season with a 2-0 victory.

Ferals host Bury Bowl on the opening weekend of the Premier Logos Bury Sunday Division One, while newly promoted United host Godolphin on 31st August (both KOs 10:30am).

United:- 1 Steve Fenner, 8 Charlie Steedman, 16 Ehran Steele, 27 Josh Allen, 15 Declan Walsh, 19 Joe Phillips, 2 Harvey Francis, 11 Jack Yallop, 7 Sam Goddard (c), 4 Jim Clayton, 14 Andrea Downey. Subs: 18 Tom Halliday, 3 George Lines, 12 Tom Fenner.

Ferals: 1/4 Charlie Larter, 28 Ben Newdick (24' Crowe), 20 Callum Dongray (75' Peasgood), 5 (c) Sam Waterson, 19 JK, 8 Scott McGavin, 99 Kieran Waller (35' Newdick), 10/1 Mitchell Bryant (HT' Waller), 6 Charlie Goodchild, 11 Jake Peasgood (63' Bryant), 15 Charlie Glover. Sub: 88 George Crowe.

Goals: Sam Waterson (16'), Jake Peasgood (88').

Ipswich Town v Charlton Athletic | 29.07.2025 | Jobserve Community Stadium, Colchester United |

Ipswich Town continued their 100% pre-season record with a 2-1 win over fellow Sky Bet Championship side Charlton Athletic.

After a goalless first half, Kieran McKenna's side broke the deadlock through a great finish from Jack Clarke, with Ali Al-Hamadi finishing smartly one on one to decide the game after a quick Charlton equaliser.

Both sides exchanged fairly good attacks each, but both failed to really trouble the opposition defence inside the first ten minutes with Conor Chaplin being the first to have a shot on 12 minutes. 

The stand in skipper was fed around the 18-yard line whose shot was blocked. Cedric Kipre, who brilliantly headed away a 9th minute corner, then read the play well to thwart a dangerous run into the box on 13 minutes as Town arguably had more of the possession. 

Town though looked the more dangerous side, as a 15th minute quick counter attack saw Chiedozie Ogbene drive forward in possession before slipping Ben Johnson free down the right wing whose cross was turned behind at the near post for a corner. 

The resulting corner picked out Conor Chaplin at the far post whose looping header looked certain to find the bottom far corner but for a well placed defender to hack clear.

Townsend's next corner on 18 minutes was smartly taken low but just evaded Ben Johnson, while Cam Humphreys' left wing diagonal cross towards the left-back at the far post was well read and claimed by the Addicks' keeper. 

Kieran McKenna's side maintained the pressure a minute later, Christian Walton picked out Ogbene with a brilliant pinpoint long ball as the midfielder held up possession well but to see a defender stop Ali Al-Hamadi from getting to the cross. 

Conor Chaplin was then fed in space the following minute but again saw his shot blocked. 

Chaplin then teed up Jack Clarke from a 28th minute dangerous free-kick, only for the latter's fierce strike to be deflected through to Ali Al-Hamadi at the far post who couldn't turn the ball goalwards. 

Town forced a big save from the visiting keeper on the half-hour mark, Al-Hamadi was found inside the box to smartly tee up Humphreys in a shooting position whose first time low shot was crucially smothered away by the stopper. 

The Blues continued to be on the front foot as Jack Clarke found Fin Barbrook free on the edge of the box whose strike was deflected narrowly over for a corner on 32 minutes. 

Al-Hamadi was then beaten to the ball close to goal by the keeper on 37 minutes after a good run from Ogbene was halted by a defender who passed a risky ball back to his keeper.

The Blues' striker was then through on goal a minute later but failed to get a real connection on his shot as the keeper made a comfortable save.

Charlton however looped a diving header from a right wing cross comfortably wide of Christian Walton's near upright on 44 minutes, in a first half McKenna you'd suspect would be pleased with other than not making the opportunities and possession count. 

Town started the restart bright - the only side to make a change at the break switching Walton for Aro Muric, with a succession of corners, roughly four in a row, before Jack Clarke broke through on 51 minutes onto the right-hand side of the box before expertly firing home into the bottom far corner to deservedly break the deadlock. 

Ben Johnson meanwhile saw a 55th minute shot from outside the the box well blocked, while Charlton equalised moments later.

A corner was ricoshaded off the crossbar at close range with Aro Muric unable to keep out the rebound at point blank range. 

Town responded on 57 minutes though, Ali Al-Hamadi latched onto Ben Johnson's great long ball over the top to drive onto goal and lash home low past the onrushing keeper into the bottom left-hand corner. 

The hosts thought they should've been awarded a penalty on the hour mark when Jack Clarke was upended after jinking through into the box, before Conor Chaplin curled a free-kick on the right-hand edge of the box just wide of the top near corner on 63 minutes. 

Ashley Young and Omari Hutchinson, fresh off the bench, then linked up nicely with the latter sliding Fin Barbrook free down the right-hand side on 65 minutes but saw his shot deflected behind, followed by Town seeing a shot a minute later go narrowly wide. 

Hutchinson then broke through down the right-hand side on 72 minutes but saw his shot deflected behind for a corner, while a superb stop from Aro Muric saw the Town stopper react quickly at his top right-hand corner to strongly keep out Lloyd Jones' header from Tyreece Campbell's 79th minute cross.

Conor Coventry then released Charlie Kelman through albeit his 85th minute shot went wide into the side-netting.

Sammie Szmodics went close to adding a late goal for Town on 89 minutes, only to see his shot deflected by Zack Mitchell onto the crossbar. 

A great performance from Town who made it 3 out of 3 victories for pre-season.

Town:- 28 Christian Walton (HT' Muric), 18 Ben Johnson (62' Young), 6 Luke Woolfenden (74' Elkan Baggott), 4 Cedric Kipre, 22 Conor Townsend, 25 Fin Bradbrook (74' Taylor), 30 Cameron Humphreys, 21 Chiedozie Ogbene (62' Hutchinson), 10 Conor Chaplin (capt) (74' Szmodics), 47 Jack Clarke, 16 Ali Al-Hamadi (74' Hirst). Subs: 1 Aro Muric, David Button, 15 Young, O'Shea, 12 Baggott, 3 Davis, 14 Taylor, 20 Hutchinson, 23 Szmodics, 29 Philogene, 9 Hirst. 

Charlton:- Kaminski (63' Maynard-Brewer), Ramsay (HT' Z Mitchell), A Mitchell (72' Jones), Gillesphey (72' Bell), Lembikisa (72' Coventry), Rankin-Costello (HT' Fullah), Anderson (72' Docherty), Carey (72' Apter), Bennett (63' Edwards), Kanu (72' Campbell), Olaofe (72' Kelman). Unused Subs: Ahadme, Mbick, Leaburn.

Booked: Docherty (82').

Goals: Jack Clarke (51'), Al Al-Hamadi (57'); Tankto Oloafe (55').

Colchester United v Peterborough United | 25.07.2025 | Colchester Community Stadium |

An entertaining 2-2 draw saw Sky Bet League Two side Colchester United respond from 2 goals behind against League One Peterborough United. 

Sam Hughes (20') from a corner and Declan Firth's (28') strike from outside the box gave Posh a quickfire 2-0 lead just before the half-hour mark, though an excellent finish from Jaden Williams (29') kept Colchester firmly in the game at the break, ahead of substitute Samson Tovide (67') heading home a pinpoint cross to arguably deservedly draw the home side back on level terms. 

Harry Anderson broke through onto to the right-hand byline inside 30 seconds but saw his dangerous cutback put behind for a corner, with the resulting shot held by Bilokapic.

Owura Edwards continued Colchester's very strong start to the opening 6 minutes, winning a dangerous free-kick on the left wing just outside the box not allowing the League One side much of the possession. 

Matt Macey however commanded his area to come off his line and punch an eighth minute right wing corner away, before Harry Anderson broke down the right wing before threading through Will Goodwin whose shot from out wide comfortably held by Bilokapic two minutes later. 

Posh however met Harley Mills' dangerous right wing corner to the far post five minutes later, but captain Sam Hughes' header was from too an acute angle and went wide of the top left-hand corner. 

It was Posh's turn to enjoy more of the possession as Carl Johnston was slipped down the right-hand byline after a great surging run by Abraham Odoh to earn a corner on 20 minutes.

Posh made it count, with the U's not reacting to the warning, breaking the deadlock from the set-piece Mills' right wing set-piece was met by again at the far post by Sam Hughes, whose free close range header nestled into the top right-hand corner.

A mazy run onto the left-hand edge of the box saw Odoh fire wide of the top far corner three minutes later, as Darren Ferguson's side were galvanised by the goal.

The visitors remained on top as Donay? was slipped in down the left wing before cutting in onto the edge of the box but saw his fierce shot well held by Matt Macey at head height on 27 minutes. 

Danny Cowley's hosts however did feed Oscar Thorn free down the left wing whose superb cross across the face of goal flashed by with nobody in Blue around to capitalise.

Seconds later, Posh doubled their lead as Bradley Ihionvien fed Declan Firth into space before smashing home a stunning strike into the top far, left-hand, corner from 18-yards out. 

Colchester struck right back though a minute later, Jaden Williams broke into space on the left-hand edge of the box before expertly wrapping past Bilokapic into the bottom far corner.

Ten minutes before the break, the hosts saw Jaden Williams drive through over half of the visitors' half before slipping Thorn through down the left-hand side whose near post shot was kicked away by Bilokapic guarding his near post while the follow up strike destined for the top right-hand corner was deflected crucially just wide for a corner. 

Donay O'Brien-Brady then thundered a shot high and over on 38 minutes, who then saw an effort deflected crucially behind the near post three minutes later.

A slightly quieter start to the second half saw Odoh's right wing cross glanced wide of the far post by the unmarked Bradley Ihionvien on 49 minutes, before looping a header from a left wing cross wide two minutes later.

Williams at the other end exploited space before threading Anderson down the right-hand byline whose effort was held by Bilokapic at his near post on 55 minutes.

Colchester then made a quadruple change, Vincent-Youh, Lisbie, Tovide and JK Gordon all on soon after, with a long ball towards the latter well read and held by Bilokapic on 62 minutes. 

In truth there was very little between the two sides, with Teddy Bishop's left wing free-kick lofted into a dangerous area at the far post but just evaded the Blue shirt lurking. 

JK Gordon then jinked into the box before seeing a 67th minute shot cannoned behind as Samson Tovide rose like a salmon at the far post to equalise from Kane Vincent-Young's exquisite on-point resulting right wing corner. 

The hosts were rather deserving to be level in a very competitive pre-season friendly, which did see tensions boil over on a few occasions. 

The hosts nearly took the lead on 76 minutes, a brilliant right wing free-kick was turned goalwards at the far post but was hacked off the line, before Cowley's side saw Kyreece Lisbie flash a shot just wide of the bottom far, right-hand, corner. 

Kyreece Lisbie then deflected a clearance narrowly wide of the far post for a goal-kick on 83 minutes as Colchester looked the more likely to find a winning goal since equalising. 

The away side though did flash an 87th minute right wing free-kick through the danger area but safely behind for a goal-kick, as both sides shared two goals apiece. 

Colchester arguably tested Nicholas Bilokapic slightly more, with manager Danny Cowley more animated throughout than his opposite number Darren Ferguson. 

Colchester United:- Matt Macey, Rob Hunt, Tom Flanagan (c), Jack Tucker, Oscar Thorn (56' Kyreece Lisbie), Teddy Bishop (68' Arthur Read), Ben Perry (75' Ronnie Harvey), Owura Edwards (83' Kurai Musanhi), Harry Anderson (56' JK Gordon), Jaden Williams (56' Tovide), Will Goodwin (56' Kane Vincent Young). Unused Subs: Tom Smith (GK), Frankie Terry, Samuel Kuffour Jr. 

 

Peterborough United:- Nicholas Bilokapic, Carl Johnston, Sam Hughes (c) (72' Lucca Mendonca), David Okagbue, Harley Mills, Brandon Khela, Archie Collins, Abraham Odoh, Donay O'Brien-Brady, Declan Frith, Brad Ihionvien (78' Andre Changunda). Unused Subs: Smith, Fox. 

Booked: Brad Ihionvien (42'), Tom Flanagan (42') 

Goals: Jaden Williams (29'), Samson Tovide (67'); Sam Hughes (20'), Declan Firth (28')

MONTH RECAPS | FEBRUARY MARCH 2025 |

After a busy few months, I've finally had time to go back and recap every game I went to in both February and March. 

With the new season on the horizon, I've looked back at two football packed months as part of a year long series to document 2025 in a fun way, while also incorporating all levels of football that I watch on a fairly regular basis. 

 Well, what a month February was! Went to 15 games at 10 different grounds, witnessing 49 goals all the way from the Premier League down to the Bury Sunday League. 

Starting at the Ecologic Stadium Bloomfields, February began with a Vanarama National League North clash between Needham Market and Warrington Town. 

The Marketmen recorded their first step 2 victory in the reverse fixture at the end of August with a 2-1 win, and repeated the feat in Suffolk. A dangerous sliding challenge from Peter Clarke on Jake Dye gave Luke Ingram (43'pen) the opportunity to find the bottom corner from the penalty spot, while Elliot Morris (54') converted goalkeeper Atherton's long ball in the visitors' search for a valuable point. Needham had other ideas however, Tevan Allen's 92nd minute goal-bound shot was blocked by a hand, with Seth Chambers on hand to dispatch the spot-kick for an important home win. 

Up next, I travelled to play-off chasing Brackley with the Marketmen on the Tuesday, which served up a well fought encounter for Tom Rothery's first game in charge. Tevan Allen's 44th minute deflected free kick beat Jonny Maxted for power to give the visitors a half-time lead, only for a handball to lead to a Brackley penalty, which Connor Hall (48'pen) marginally squeezed in, while Miracle Okafor (75') salvaged all three points for the hosts after turning home a right wing cross. 

After my first visit in January, I travelled back to Peterborough for what proved to be another thoroughly Vertu EFL Trophy contest (full report on my blog), with the victor 90 minutes from Wembley. Posh notably became the first ever side to retain the EFL Trophy on Sunday (April 13th), which I could see being likely albeit having seen them dispatch two League Two sides. Darren Ferguson's side might have had an underwhelming season in Sky Bet League One this season but look a different animal in the Trophy. After watching a 6 goal thrilling tie on my birthday, this Quarter-Final served up arguably an even more entertaining five goal thriller. United captain, and my pick as MOTM, Hector Kyprianou (24') was first to the rebound after Day had denied Emmanuel Fernandez's header from a corner to open the scoring Cheltenham did turn the game on its head, equalising ten minutes later. Jordan Thomas exploited space to curl home into the top far corner. Thomas was also involved in the visitors' second goal (45'+2'), releasing George Miller through to dink Jed Steer to find the far corner. Abraham Odoh (52') restored parity, turning home the loose ball after Malik Mothersille was thwarted by Day, before Gustav Lindgren fed Ricky-Jade Jones (69') to slot home cleverly to set up a last four visit to Wrexham. 

The week continued to serve up goals galore, as a second visit to the Silverlands Stadium pitted Farsley Celtic against Needham Market. Ten minutes had been played when Iffy Allen tapped home Jacob Lay's low cross after a surging run for his first Needham goal, before Josh Blunkell's long kick forward was flicked onto Iffy Allen to send Seth Chambers (20') baring down on goal to fire home into the bottom far corner to double their lead. Farsley struck against the run of play on 41 minutes as Robbie Fox smashed home into the top right-hand corner from distance, although Iffy Allen's stunning second goal (53') restored the Reds' 2 goal advantage - exploiting space to curl home into the top corner. 

Iffy Allen made it two goals and two assists for Needham's fourth (59'), as Reggie Lambe effortlessly headed home the winter's right wing cross, while Seth Chambers (62') also netted a brace rifling home into the bottom far corner after Keiran Morphew's through-ball. Liam Cross rounded off the scoring for the seventh (77'), heading home Tevan Allen's sumptuous cross. 

Up next, was an all-Premier Logos Bury Sunday Division One Best Badges Suffolk Sunday Cup Quarter-Final clash between Bury Town Bisons and Bedfield. Both sides had good chances in a goalless first half, with Bedfield (55') breaking the deadlock through Joe Mills' deflected 35-yard shot whichooped into the top right-hand corner. Harvey Mills (87') wrapped up their passage to the last four, finishing a low cross smartly into the bottom right-hand corner despite Bisons going close to equalising prior to the second. 

Back to the Vanarama National League North, Needham hosted play-off chasing Hereford Live on DAZN, which saw a great performance from the Marketmen result in defeat after Robinson's (49') low shot was blocked off the line back to the same man to rifle into the bottom corner, with Needham Academy graduate Charlie Wood finding the bottom corner but for a controversial foul to rule out a 77th minute equaliser. Hereford then doubled their lead to take home the points (82'), with Jaiden White converting the rebound after Garnham headed away a long ball. 

Saturday meanwhile saw Needham record an important 4-0 home league win over Oxford City at the Ecologic Stadium Bloomfields, starting with Iffy Allen (16') latching onto Kyle Hammond's exquisite cross-field ball before lobbing McKenzie-Lyle to find the far corner. Jacob Lay (43') turned home Kyle Hammond's free-kick at the far post to double their advantage at the break, with Lay turning provider for Jamie McGrath (63'), who headed home the former's cross. Substitute Charlie Wood (90'+2') then rounded off the scoring netting a well deserved maiden first team goal, leaping like a salmon to head home the fourth goal. 

A first trip to Felixstowe since the turn of the year saw Ipswich Town Women's Women's National League Southern Premier Division title hunt continue gather pace with a 2-1 home win over Exeter City at the Martello Ground. The fourth placed visitors defied the script in the 12th minute, Sophie Gillies drove into space before smashing a ferocious strike into the top corner off the underside of the crossbar. Top scorer Sophie Peskett (30') restored parity for the Blues in a well worked move which saw Kyra Robertson and Maisy Barker link up smartly whose low cross was held up by Natasha Thomas to tee up Peskett to lash home into the bottom corner. Ella Rutherford (86') then ensured Town would not be held to a draw against a very strong Exeter side in dramatic fashion, Leah Mitchell's throw fed the forward whose clever control and drive towards goal saw Peskett and Angela Addison involved, as Rutherford thundered home the winner. 

A new ground followed on Tuesday (18th), in what was a rather drap Sky Bet EFL League One encounter at Stevenage's Lamex Stadium. Burton Albion travelled to East Anglia sitting 23rd in the table but left having moved up to 21st, now lying 20th - leaving no doubt that the victory proved to be a catalyst to their improved form. 

Stevenage however went into the game virtually safe, currently sitting 14th (at the time of writing on April 16th), with only four shots on target contributing to an underwhelming encounter. Charlie Webster (45') received Romarn Burrell's defence splitting pass to fire home what would prove to be the match-winner into the bottom corner. Stevenage did however let a couple of big moments pass them by, Jamie Reid fired over from the penalty spot, while a red card for Burton's Terence Vancooten (57') proved indecisive in the end result. 

Next up in a busy week, I watched Needham's U18s take on Stowmarket Town at home in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Youth League Central Division, albeit as the away team with Stowmarket's pitch unfit. A topsy-turvy seven goal thriller ensued with the 'home side' Stow winning 4-3. After slotting home the opening through Porter (47'), Filip Zadlo (55') drove into space to smash home the equaliser into the bottom corner, before James Coton (62') was first to a low save by the 'keeper to head home at point blank range. Stow then fired home a 70th minute equaliser, before squeezing home a corner six minutes later. Zadlo then netted a brace (83') from Charlie Wood's through ball to round the keeper and slot home a second equaliser. A towering header from a corner meanwhile saw Stow return home with all three points. 

Another new ground followed on Saturday, with a trip to South Shields for the longest trip of the season with Needham in the National League North. A game of two halves went the way of the hosts after Paul Blackett (24') broke through to find the bottom corner. Teddy Collis appeared onside when breaking through to find the bottom corner for an equaliser, albeit ruled out by an offside flag in a game of fine margins. 

Staying with the National League North, a return to the Ecologic Stadium Bloomfields saw Needham pick up a point at home to Leamington after a 1-1 draw. 

The Marketmen remained unbeaten after 3 wins and now a draw against the Brakes, and almost made it 4 wins from 4 meetings in 2 seasons when Reggie Lambe (68') rifled home following Kyle Hammond's free-kick. The visitors snatched an arguably harsh equaliser as Henry Landers (83') lashed home into the bottom corner. 

A trip to Manchester followed on Wednesday as Manchester United hosted Ipswich Town in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years. 

A thoroughly entertaining five goal thriller, with a rather controversial - mainly because of an arguably worse challenge in a game that followed that didn't receive the same punishment - VAR decision thrown in for good measure. Town took an early lead when a defensive error, one of many from Andre Onana who misjudged Patrick Dorgu's back pass, presented Jaden Philogene (4') with an empty net to slot into. 

United however levelled on 22 minutes as Town captain Sam Morsy headed home United captain Bruno Fernandes' brilliant free-kick into his own net. In quickfire fashion, Ruben Amorim's side turned the game on it's head four minutes later. Again from a Fernandes set-piece, this time a corner, saw Harry Maguire's header excellently saved by Palmer who quickly got up to cleverly deny Dalot's strike on the follow up, but couldn't stop Matthijs De Ligt from meeting the loose ball to thump home into the top near corner. 

Another twist followed on 44 minutes, as Patrick Dorgu was given his marching orders after a VAR review prompted Darren England to go to the pitch side monitor, after high dangerous challenge on Omari Hutchinson (a decision I could see both sides to).

Ipswich took advantage of the sending off, grabbing an equaliser two minutes into a fairly lengthy stoppage time, Axel Tuanzebe fed goalscorer Philogene on edge of the box who found a pocket of space to drive a low cross looking for Liam Delap at the far post that evaded him and wrapped round the diving Andre Onana into the bottom far corner. 

On balance, a draw potentially seemed fair, albeit United will feel they could have been further ahead had it not been for Palmer. United started the second half in the perfect fashion despite the man disadvantage, Bruno Fernandes' 47th minute right wing corner found Harry Maguire free at the far post to bullet head home into the bottom left hand corner. Town pushed for a equaliser but to no avail as United held firm for a confidence boosting victory. 

February concluded the next day, as Needham Market U18's set up a Suffolk Boys U18 Midweek Cup Semi-Final against Haverhill Rovers in search of their 2nd final in three seasons. The young Marketmen however ensured they'd reach the last four with a dominant 4-0 win over Lowestoft Town at the Ruby Homes Bloomfields 3G Arena. 

Needham hit the front early as Luca Savill's (4') shot couldn't be kept out by the visiting keeper. Filip Zadlo saw a great low shot palmed away only as far as James Coton (15') to turn home the rebound to establish breathing space early on. 

Filip Zadlo then secured the young Marketmen's passage to the last four, netting another brace with two well taken finishes in the space of two minutes, firstly poking home a defence splitting pass (65'), before lashing home into the bottom far corner (67') for a big win for the young Reds. 

Twelve matches followed in March, starting with a trip to the Welsh border as Needham travelled to Chester in the National League North. The clash at the Deva Stadium produced up a rather deserved point for the Marketmen.

The then second placed Seals took a early lead, captain Rawlinson headed Declan Weeks' free-kick back across goal for debutant O'Kane (4') to tap home, although the Marketmen held firm and belied their position in the table and got their reward when Tevan Allen's left wing corner found Teddy Collis (21') at clsoe range to slot home the rebound after his initial shot was well saved by Storer for his maiden Needham goal. 

Tuesday then saw a return to the Cledara Abbey Stadium for the first time since 2018 as Neil Harris' Amber Army hosted Alex Revell's Stevenage looking to ignite their Sky Bet League One survival hopes. However, like the previous time I'd watched Stevenage the game was ultimately a bore fest, with Stevenage having the only four shots on target despite Cambridge looking bright going forward but unable to pose much of a threat in the final third. Like my trip to Stevenage a few weeks before the game was decided by a single goal, once again by the visiting side. Eli King found Jamie Reid (64') who weaved smartly onto the right-hand edge of the box to curl a venomous strike into the corner - for a deserved victory, especially if solely focusing on major chances created. 

The following night saw Needham face Felixstowe and Walton United in a Suffolk Premier Cup Semi-Final, which provided much more drama and action. The Isthmian North side broke the deadlock through Josh Hitter's 61st minute header from a free-kick, while Tom Warren (66') quickly added a second, glancing home a corner. Substitute Seth Chambers however refused to give up, netting a brace (75', 90'+3') with time running out to send the tie to a penalty shootout. First the young striker took advantage of a mix-up seeing Harry Wright charge out off his box and miss a long ball to tap into the empty net, before Reggie Lambe and Jamie McGrath both saw shots blocked with the striker on hand to drill home the equaliser. The shootout however saw Ingram, Lambe and Dye all denied by Wright with Hitter, Willie Clemons and Ford sending Felixstowe to a second straight final. 

Back to the League for Needham, a gut wrenching home defeat to Marine saw Chris Doyle (46') poke home the decisive goal from a corner in the visitors' only major chance of the afternoon. 

Back on the road, we made the long trek to Scarborough Athletic on the coast only to return home at around 4am after a 5-0 defeat which still didn't break the Marketmen's resolve. Harry Green (17') broke the deadlock finding the bottom corner, while Sam Reed (23') doubled their lead, diverting home Colville's cross in a clinical first half for Jonathan Greening's side which saw Green (35') net the third similarly to his first. Reed (50') blocked Garnham's clearance for the fourth, with Tom Walker (86') rounding off proceedings. 

The Marketmen showed their metal on the Saturday, responding from Kole Hall (25')'s opener, heading home after a flick on from a corner to, defeat play-off chasing Chorley 2-1 at home following a pulsating finish. Captain Keiran Morphew (74') unleashed his inner Robin Van Persie to equalise, latching onto Jamie McGrath's through-ball to thunder home on the volley into the bottom corner. The skipper was involved again as Needham pushed for a winner, after Mark Ellis was sent off for headbutting the centre-back for a late penalty for Needham. Luke Ingram duly punished the visitors, lashing home the spot-kick to move Needham out of the relegation zone for the time being. 

The next day, it was back to the Premier Logos Bury Sunday League Division One as leaders Moreton Hall Ferals looked to finish their league season with a win to help their chances of regaining their league title, that they lost last season having won the previous 3, against title contenders Bedfield. Both sides produced a half decent contest despite both being short of a full 16, with the hosts fielding a bare 11. Ferals created the majority of the better chances, scoring a goal on each half to pick up an important win. Jack Brame (20') acrobatically turned home Mitchell Bryant's long throw, before hitting a free-kick into the keeper's chest on 33 minutes. While Ferals headed just wide a minute later, Bryant's header from Charlie Glover's cross - after a great long ball from Brame - was well held by the stopper on 39 minutes. 

Bryant then saw a shot held by the keeper, before Glover curled a sumptuous strike just wide of the top corner from distance on 42 minutes. Bedfield's major chance of note arrived on 45+1 minutes, firing just wide from long range. 

Ferals remained on the front foot as Bryant's 48th minute low half-volley went narrowly wide, before Ben Newddixk fired a well struck low volleyed shot straight at the keeper 2 minutes later. 

Aston Fallows was well alert to shovel a low shot behind on 51 minutes, with Sam Waterson's towering effort, at point blank range, from Newdick's cross a minute later being saved. 

The former meanwhile shot narrowly wide from close range six minutes later, although Ferals did double their lead on 66 minutes. Charlie Glover capped a great personal performance to smartly finish past the keeper after latching onto a great ball through the defence. Although Charlie Goodchild lashed a shot just over two minutes later, Aston Fallows preserved his clean sheet on 93 minutes diving down well to deny a low shot. 

Ferals have since been without a game, ahead of two cup finals in May. 

Tuesday once again meant a lunchtime departure for a Needham away game, this time away to Spennymoor Town in a rearranged fixture due to their FA Trophy run. There didn't appear to be much between the two teams in a game that could've gone either way, with the fine margins settled by Corey McKeown (30') latching onto a long ball before wrapping a low shot into the far corner. 

Once again on the road, a trip to promotion chasing Kidderminster Harriers followed, who I believe to be the best side in the league I've watched this season. Ashley Hemmings added to his brace in the reverse fixture in October, netting a hat-trick - wrapping home the first from close range to give Phil Brown's side a lead at the break. 

The forward grasped home a shot from outside the box for the second, while Kouhyar smashed home the third. Seth Chambers however pulled back a consolation, quickly making an impact off the bench to receive a great ball through to smash home past the onrushing Dribble into the bottom far corner. Hemmings though had the final say, finding the bottom corner in stoppage time. 

A tournament followed as March drew to a close, in which five clean sheets and a few wins and draws and a solitary defeat to the reigning Champions (after beating them earlier in the tournament), leaving one more to play in April. 

The final week of the month saw more semi-final action as Needham U18s travelled to Bury Town to face Haverhill Rovers in the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup. In a very lively and open clash, Needham broke the deadlock through Filip Zadlo (41'), who took advantage of miscommunication to round the committed keeper and smash into the vacant net. 

Rovers though ensured the tie would remain level at the break, smashing home a low cross in stoppage time. Neither team could find a winner after the break though, as the match went to penalties. With a trip to Colchester United on the line, as well as a spot in the final, three saves from Needham stopper Charlie Skinner proved pivotal in Needham progressing, with Zadlo, Brad Smith, Charlie Smy and Harry Hopkins all converting in a 4-3 victory. 

March drew to a close with two games over the weekend, one ending in a rather harsh 2-1 defeat for Needham and the second ended in a crucial 2-0 victory as Ipswich Town Women moved closer to a historic promotion to the second tier of English Women's Football. 

Needham however faced play-off searching Buxton, and were arguably unfortunate to lose by a fine margin. Luke Ingram had a 21st minute strike crucially blocked, while Oli Ewing smashed home the opener for the visitors six minutes later. 

Needham however equalised two minutes before the break, Tevan Allen's looping shot was smothered by Cooper as far as Jamie McGrath who found the top corner with a stunning looping strike. 

Tevan Allen then flashed an angled effort just wide on the stroke of the interval, though Tommy Elliott scored the decisive goal on 48 minutes, who was then denied expertly by Garnham on 54 minutes. 

The Sunday then saw another trip to Felixstowe as Town Women took on Gwalia United. The Blues broke the deadlock, in rather deserving fashion, on 33 minutes - Grace Garrad's brilliant right wing free-kick from 35-yards out was whipped to the far post, picking out the unmarked Natasha Thomas to simply head home into the bottom near corner from 4-yards out. 

Another Garrad well taken right wing set-piece saw Town go close to a quick fire second goal on 39 minutes, only for Megan Wearing to chest the ball just wide at the far post. 

Ella Rutherford then threaded Lucy O'Brien through, albeit offside, with a brilliant through-ball only for the latter to sidefoot her shot over the top far corner anyway a minute into first half stoppage time. 

Town though doubled their lead 14 minutes after the restart, again created by a well taken Grace Garrad right wing free-kick, as Summer Hughes' far post free header at goal was smothered away well by Laura O'Sullivan-Jones as far as Natasha Thomas to head home from point blank range. 

LIST OF GAMES, FEBRUARY 2025:

Sat 01.02: Needham Market 2-1 Warrington Town, Goals: Luke Ingram (43'pen), Seth Chambers (90'+2'pen); Elliot Morris (54'). 

Tue 04.02: Brackley Town 2-1 Needham Market, Goals: Connor Hall (48'pen), Miracle Okafor (75'); Tevan Allen (44'). 

Wed 05.02: Peterborough United 3-2 Cheltenham Town, Goals: Hector Kyprianou (24'), Abraham Odoh (52'), Ricky-Jade Jones (69'); Jordan Thomas (34'), George Miller (45'+3').

Sat 08.02: Farsley Celtic 1-6 Needham Market, Goals: Robbie Fox (41'),

Iffy Allen (10', 53'), Seth Chambers (20', 62'), Reggie Lambe (59'), Liam Cross (77'). 

Sun 09.02: Bury Town Bisons 0-2 Bedfield, Goals: Joe Mills (55'), Harvey Mills (87').

Tue 11.02: Needham Market 0-2 Hereford, Goals: Sammy Robinson (49'), Jaiden White (82'). 

Sat 15.02: Needham Market 4-0 Oxford City, Goals Iffy Allen (16'), Jacob Lay (43'), Jamie McGrath (63'), Charlie Wood (90'+2'). 

Sun 16.02: Ipswich Town Women 2-1 Exeter City Women, Goals: Sophie Peskett (30'), Ella Rutherford (86'); Sophie Gillies (12').

Tues 18.02: Stevenage 0-1 Burton Albion, Goal: Charlie Webster (45'). Sent Off: Terence Vancooten (57'). 

Thurs 20.02: Stowmarket Town U18 4-3 Needham Market U18, Goals: Filip Zadlo (55', 83'), James Coton (62'); (47'), (70'), (76'), (90').

Sat 22.02: South Shields 1-0 Needham Market, Goal: Paul Blackett (24').

Tues 25.02: Needham Market 1-1 Leamington, Goals: Reggie Lambe (68'); Henry Landers (83'). 

Weds 26.02: Manchester United 3-2 Ipswich Town, Goals: Sam Morsy OG (22'), Matthijs De Ligt (26'), Harry Maguire (47'), Jaden Philogene (4', 45'+2'). Sent Off Patrick Dorgu (44'). 

Thu 27.02: Needham U18 4-0 Lowestoft Town U18, Goals Luca Savill (4'), James Coton (15'), Filip Zadlo (65', 67').

MARCH 2025 MATCHES:

Sat 1: Chester 1-1 Needham Market, Goals: O'Kane (4'); Teddy Collis (21').

Tue 4: Cambridge United 0-1 Stevenage, Goal: Jamie Reid (64')

Weds 5: NM 2-2 (0-3p) Felixstowe + Walton United SPC SF @ Wanderers, Goals: Seth Chambers (75', 90'+3'); Josh Hitter (61'), Tom Warren (63').

Sat 8: Needham Market 0-1 Marine, Goal: Chris Doyle (46'). 

Tue 11: Scarborough Athletic 5-0 Needham Market, Goals: Harry Green (17', 36'), Sam Reed (23',50'), Tom Walker (86').

Sat 15: Needham Market 2-1 Chorley, Goals: Keiran Morphew (74'), Luke Ingram (90'+4'pen); Kole Hall (25'). 

Sun 16: Moreton Hall Ferals 2-0 Bedfield, Goals: Jack Brame (20'), Charlie Glover (66').

Tue 18: Spennymoor Town 1-0 Needham Market, Goal: Corey McKeown (30').

Sat 22: Kidderminster Harriers 4-1 Needham Market, Goals: Ashley Hemmings (33', 63', 90'+5'), Max Kouhyar (71'); Seth Chambers (77').

Sun 23: BTD Tournament - W3, D3, L1, GS 5, CS 5, GA 2

Tue 25: Haverhill Rovers 1-1 (3-4p) NM U18 @ Bury. Goals: H9 (45'+4'); Filip Zadlo (41'). Pens scored: Filip Zadlo, Brad Smith, Charlie Smy, Harry Hopkins. 

Sat 29: Needham Market 1-2 Buxton Goals: McGrath (43'); Ewing (27'), Taylor (48')

Sun 30: Ipswich Town Women 2-0 Gwalia United WFC, Goals: Natasha Thomas (33', 59').  

Bury St Edmunds CC v Frinton On Sea CC | 21.06.2025 | EAPCL Premier | Victory Ground BSE |

Saturday pitted Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club against Frinton On Sea CC in the Thurlow Nunn East Anglian Premier Cricket League at the Victory Ground. 

Seventh entertained sixth as visiting skipper Michael Combs winning the toss and electing to bat on a very flat batter friendly wicket. 

Frinton accumulated 356-2 from 62 overs despite some good bowling from Bury in the shorching summer heat. All four Frinton batsmen passed 50 - Goodwin hitting 121, crunching 17 fours and 1 six, as well as combining for a 175 unbeaten stand until the 42nd over - after a rapid scoring spree to finish before declaring, having batted smartly without risk for most of the innings. 

Fellow opener Hamad Arshad hit 93, while Ronnie McKenna smashed 79 and Kyran Young 58, as Alex Cruickshank (1-51 from 9 overs) and Alistair Allchin (1-55 from 10 overs) took a wicket each, while former Essex and England Over 40s International Justin Bishop was the most economical conceding 32 runs from 7 overs. 

Bury, skippered by Tom Rash in the absence of captain Josh Cantrell due to work commitments, in reply recorded 256-8 from their 58 overs to record an arguably well deserved draw, with the additional bowling points for taking 8 wickets (2 per wicket) taking Frinton up to fifth. 

Routledge hit 32 at the top of the order for Bury, while Justin Bishop (2) was dismissed by a superb bumper from former Essex bowler Charlie Bennett. 

Will Jarman, who was involved in two 50+ run partnerships - the first 53 runs with Alex Maynard, anchored the Bury innings at number 3, top scoring with 75 despite being starved of the strike for some time as wickets fell at the other end - as Harry Gallian (17), Tom Rash (12), Ben Harris (0), Alex Maynard (30) and Alex Cruickshank (3) mostly hit a few boundaries before being dismissed with the wicket continuing to favour batsmen should they hang around. 

Ben Whittaker though hit a rapid fire 63 from 39 balls towards the end - in a 83 run partnership with Jarman - to guide the hosts' to 250 and a bonus point - recording 9 total points, with Allchin (3) and Jarman securing a hard fought draw for Bury. 

Charlie Bennett, who is an ex-Essex bowler, and Jayden Goodwin both took 3-58, while Jilal Pervez (1-41) and Hamad Arshad (1-51) took a wicket each for Frinton. 

Whittaker, who also bowled in the first innings said, "yeah (we) batted alright considering wickets rarely fell and long stint out in the field to start with, so not too bad. Could have been a lot worse. We tried to get some bonus points towards the end, so just kind of ticked over towards the end, but you know, fronted the ball pretty well and batted well to start with all day really, so can't complain."

On the conditions, he said, "Pitch was fantastic all day really, can't fault it. Probably 350 is probably light on that pitch, but you know, we did well to stick out it, that's it, and to get 250 after a slower start, not too bad." 

When asked if the draw was a fair outcome he replied, "Yeah, I think with the pitch being that flat, it's quite hard to take 20 wickets in a day. I mean, we only took a couple wickets early doors and not even early, so I think taking 20 wickets or 10 wickets would have won the match quite easily, but the pitch was too good for everyone."

When asked about the team's mentality to field for 5 hours and accumulate a fair amount of the runs required, Whittaker said, "we're still a way off, but to kind of have guys stick out at it for, I don't know, 50 (64) odd overs to show that grit and determination, they deserve a pat on the back really." 

On his own rapid fire half-century, he said, "I mean, a draw is a draw, they had fields that probably wouldn't have set if we were trying to win the game. So runs are runs at the end of the day, but not really a big 50 as it were." 

When asked about the season so far he replied, "it's okay. I mean, we (had) a couple of good wins early on and then dropped off towards the end of the pink ball season, but the red ball is hard to win games, so I think get as many draws and as many wins as you can and limit the losses and you'll do all right. So not too bad. We're sitting okay."

Frinton Batting:- Hamad Arshad 93 Ct Riddick b Cruickshank (144 b, 14 4s), Jayden Goodwin 121 ct Maynard b Allchin (137 b, 17 4s, 1 6s), Ronnie McKenna (wk) 79 (55 b, 8 4s, 2 6s), Kyran Young 58 (38 b, 7 4s, 1 6s). Did Not Bat: George Sorrell, Michael Comber (capt), Charlie Bennett, Jilal Pervez, William Farrance, Fraser Waller, Sadie Oriakhial. Extras: 1 lb, 4 nb). Fall Of Wickets: 1-175 (Arshad, 41.5 ov), 2-246 (Jayden Goodwin, 51.4 ov). 

Bury Bowling (overs, maidens, runs, wickets):- Alastair Allchin 10-1-55-1, Tom Rash 9-2-48-0, Ben Whittaker 11-0-72-0, Alex Cruickshank 9-0-51-1, Justin Bishop 7-1-32-0, Benjamin Harris 11-0-69-0, Oliver Riddick 5-0-28-0. 

Bury Batting:- Will Routledge 32 ct Bennett b Pervez (47 b, 5 4s), Justin Bishop 2 ct McKenna b Bennett (14 b), Will Jarman 75 (152 b, 11 4s), Harry Gallian 17 b Goodwin (21 b, 2 4s), Tom Rash (capt) 12 ct Bennett b Goodwin (19 b, 2 4s), Ben Harris 0 ct Young b Goodwin (3 b), Alex Maynard (wk) 30 lbw Bennett (42 b, 6 4s), Alex Cruickshank 3 ct McKenna b Bennett (15 b), Ben Whittaker 63 lbw Arshad (39 b, 12 4s, 1 6s), Alastair Allchin 3 (5 b), Did Not Bat: Ollie Riddick. Extras: 19 (lb 1, nb 18). Fall Of Wickets: 1-11 (Bishop, 4.3 ov), 2-55 (Routledge, 13.2), 3-83 (Gallian, 21.1), 4-97 (Rash, 25.2), 5-97 (Harris, 25.5), 6-150 (Maynard, 40.4), 7-156 (Cruickshank, 44.2), 8-239 (Whittaker, 55.2).

Frinton Bowling:- C.Bennett 10-0-58-3, J.Goodwin 18-4-58-3, J.Pervez 8-1-41-1, S.Oriakhial 7-2-13-0, H.Arshad 11-1-51-1, G.Sorrell 4-0-34-0.

Braintree Town V Rochdale | 05.05.2025 | Cressing Road Stadium | Vanarama National League 46/46 |

LISBIE FIRES IRON TO SAFETY

Braintree Town secured their Vanarama National League status with a brilliant all round team performance in a 2-0 home win over top 4 side Rochdale. 

Rochdale, who have already confirmed their fourth place finish in the play-offs found Bird with a left wing clipped cross in the fourth minute but looped his header just over via the top of the crossbar. 

The Iron meanwhile went into the game knowing that they were effectively safe unless a 12 goal swing between them and Wealdstone occured. 

Dale went close in the 10th minute, Ryan East's right wing corner was met by captain Ethan Ebanks-Landell at the near post but glanced his free header just wide of the far post. 

Alan Judge however skewed a powerful low strike wide of the bottom left-hand corner for the hosts in the 16th minute, before Rochdale keeper Barrett was well placed at his near post to block Lisbie's close range near post shot behind on 25 minutes, with the resulting corner deflected over onto the roof of the net for another set-piece. 

The Iron went close again three minutes later, the third of the successive corners from Chay Cooper saw his right wing delivery headed goal-wards by the hosts before Aidan Francis-Clarke looped a dangerous header towards goal that was headed off the line. 

Braintree created another good chance on the 40th minute, Lisbie drove through space before breaking into the penalty area where the ball broke for Matt Robinson whose shot went well wide of the top left-hand corner. 

Just as the clock struck 45, Kyrell Lisbie latched onto a dangerous squared ball from Ryan Clampin to poke the ball home from point blank range at the second attempt to break the deadlock for the hosts. 

Around a minute after the restart, Tom Blackwell saw a close range shot crucially blocked after a great left wing cutback. 

A few minutes later, Rochdale saw strong appeals for a penalty dismissed for a corner, before Chay Cooper fired over from 30-yards out. 

Kyrell Lisbie doubled his and the Iron's lead on 55 minutes, rubber stamping their survival in the process, after exploiting space to latch onto Chay Cooper's great defence splitting pass clear on goal to sit the keeper down and find the bottom left-hand corner. 

With 71 minutes on the clock, Chay Cooper raced down the right wing before picking out Louie Annesley 12 yards from goal whose towering bullet header was well held by visiting keeper Barrett.

At the other end, Rochdale whipped a dangerous left wing free-kick narrowly over the top far corner on 81 minutes, while Cooper curled a shot over as Braintree finished the season on a high. 

Braintree Town:- 13 Henry Gray, 20 Aidan Francis-Clarke, 4 George Langston (c), 12 Jamal Fyfield, 3 Ryan Clampin (82' Amartey), 5 Louie Annesley, 18 Matt Robinson, 11 Chay Cooper, 10 Alan Judge (90+1' McPherson), 16 Kyrell Lisbie (74' Pinnington), 7 Tom Blackwell. Subs: 1 Philip Haxthausen-Nielsen, 21 Jacob Pinnington, 23 Cameron McPherson, 24 Francis Amartey. 

Rochdale:- 1 Killian Barrett, 4 Ryan East (61' Weston), 6 Ethan Ebanks-Landell (c), 10 Devante Rodney (61' Barlow), 11 Michael Adu-Poku, 24 Corey Edwards, 27 Ryan Bird (61' Mitchell), 28 Jack Kingdon, 30 Jili Buyabu, 33 Sam Beckwith (HT' Logan), 40 Ian Henderson (61' Allarakhia). Subs: 3 Finlay Armstrong, 7 Tarryn Allarakhia, 9 Kairo Mitchell, 16 Kyle Ferguson, 18 Aidan Barlow, 26 Liam Hogan, 31 Charlie Weston. 

Goals: Kyrell Lisbie (45', 55'). 

Att: 1427. 

My MOTM: Kyrell Lisbie.