Although it has been a couple of weeks since my last ‘musings’ there has been little to discuss apart from the arctic like conditions.  This has played havoc with the entire Ridgeons League programme, but thanks’ to the sterling work by our excellent fixture sec Paul Collier, we are well up with our fixtures and do not seem to be concerned with the Sat/Tues/Thurs/Sat fixture plan as was so disruptive for Danny’s teams in previous seasons.

Even though the snow had disappeared we were without a fixture a fortnight ago as our game at Histon was called of due to a ‘waterlogged pitch’.  Now I think that I should perhaps not say what I would like to say regarding that decision other than to mention that the game at the Abbey Stadium went ahead only being a couple of miles away.  Mind you they weren’t playing Luton on Wednesday night; we move on.

In stark contrast to this point our FA Vase match against Kirkley & Pakefield is what is really good about non-league football particularly in the Ridgeons League.  East Anglian sports reporter Nick Garnham described it as the best non-league game he has ever seen; high praise indeed.

From my point of view, probably shared by Danny, when you are engrossed in such an end to end, topsy turvy match it is difficult to appreciate the overall game itself.  Having already had a terrific league match with the Royals this game might not have lived up to expectations.

In truth it goes to show how much I know as I was predicting a very tight game that would be won by the odd goal probably coming from a mistake?!?!  That would not be an accurate overview of the game.

Ken and his team of grounds staff had done a remarkable job to get the pitch in great knick, proving what a good move it was to have the drainage sorted throughout the Summer.  Despite heavy rain falling throughout the first half (which probably affected the crowd a bit) the pitch played well and certainly helped the entertainment.
 
We got off to a poor start leaving Nathan Stone in acres of space on their right to round Danny Gay and open the scoring.  This knocked us back a bit and our guests certainly had to upper hand for the opening stages of the match.  We fought our way bad into the game and started to have a run of set pieces.  From one of these, a corner was played to Kev Horlock who shot was knocked home on the line by Damian Hilton.

It was what we deserved but as is often the case Kirkley bounced back and equalised following Stone hitting the Needham crossbar with Scott Manning putting the finishing touch.

The game was really open now and we equalised again when Hilts ‘passed’ the ball into the net following good work from Craig Parker.  We were on top now and with half time approaching (but not welcome) Kev Horlock buried a quite brilliant free lick with his trusty left peg.  Again this proved what rubbish I speak as I commented from the bench that it had to be a right footer as there wasn’t room for a left footed shot.  I am sure you are impressed with my tactical knowledge?!?!?

Onto the second half then; with the rain having eased, but Kirley’s pressure not so.  It had to be that man Stone again who was pushed up front and charged into our box before unleashing a powerful strike to equalise.  The Royals were on the front foot now but you could tell that our lads weren’t beaten, not by a long way and if anything this galvanised us.

We needed a star to finish of the good work and on the day Hilts was that man.  Hobbling like he’d been shot he drew enough energy to sprint (?!?!) down our left side and then swing his left peg at the ball that flew into the net.  Great goal and as we celebrated Hilts was looking for the paramedics!

Kirkley looked like a nearly beaten side and we just needed one more killer blow which was supplied by Darren Bethell.  He used that goal scoring instinct to get to the back post unmarked and head home our fifth and crucial goal.

Last Saturday we managed to get a league game under our belt (despite the weather trying to spoil it again) that being against Dereham Town.  I think that we believed the Magpies would be a top four side this season but their indifferent start has not helped that.  However they are back on track now and gave us a really tough match.

I don’t think anyone can say it was a great spectacle and I suspect that the visiting scout from Daventry didn’t learn a great deal (or did he??).  Lack of match fitness for some and a heavy pitch made going a bit tough.  I felt we were the better side in the first half and deserved to go ahead from a Danny Thrower strike.

The second half was a different story with Dereham giving us a tough time, albeit we still looked dangerous on the break.  We were pushed right to the end and actually Danny Gay pulled of an outstanding save right at the death to preserve the three points, although over the 90 minutes I am sure the right side won.

So this Saturday we welcome the players, management, committee and supporters of Daventry Town for this FA Vase fifth round match.  Our opponents are currently topping the Hereward Teamwear United Counties League Premier Division so come to Bloomfields with quite a pedigree.

Danny, Mr Chairman and myself travelled to Enfield to watch the previous round fixture Daventry played against Brimsdown Rovers.  On the day Brimsdown could and should have been 3-0 up after 15 minutes but that was their only real chance with Daventry going on to achieve a comfortable 4-1 win.  There is no doubt that this will be a great match between two confident and competent sides.

On the day the real winner was the catering staff where Danny had enough food to solve the third world famine crisis and in tandem with Buggsy now has shares in hot Bovril.  It was quite nice to return to the Goldsdown Road ground having had some epic matches there in the Ryman league with Sudbury; lets all hope we are going there in a league fixture next season.

On Saturday we are also holding another event day this time for the Red Balloon Charity.  Thanks must go again to Alan Jopling who has been a real bonus since he became a part of the clubs committee.  You cannot get enough of good people and at Needham we are lucky to have so many, most of whom go about their work in a quite and efficient manner; although I don’t think we could describe Alan as quiet (probably gets it from his son?!?!?).

I would like to finish by saying that I think Saturday’s game will be one of the toughest this season and what would really give us an edge would be the vocal addition of our 12th man.  There is no doubt that gave us all a huge lift at CRC in a previous round so come on guys and gals lets turn this into a real joint effort!

All the best
Mark M