DEFEAT FOR NEEDHAM MARKET WOMEN

Needham Market have been relegated from the Eastern Regional Premiership after a 5-3 defeat to Stevenage in the final game of the league campaign at Bloomfields.

The visitors took an early lead through Amy Makewell but Needham responded well and turned the game round thanks to a brace from Annie Posnett and had further chances to increase the half time lead.

It was a great start to the second period with Keira Topple tapping home from close range but a double by Makewell to complete her hat trick and goals from Eva Delaney and Frankie Tilbury turned it around.

Sadly, the result was not going to change relegation with goal difference always going to be a mountain too far to climb but it was important to try go out with some respectability and fight.

That looked unlikely when Stevenage took a fourth minute lead thanks to Makewell as she was given too much time and space to slot into the near corner.

But Needham did fight and were level thanks to Posnett as she finished off a fine move with a brilliantly composed finish back across the keeper.

Stevenage missed a one-on-one opportunity, but it was Needham who were looking the more dangerous and Posnett was on hand again to give the home side the lead with a volleyed finish after Stevenage failed to clear the cross.

After that the lead should have increased with Becca Stephenson hitting the post before Cierra Flatt missed a sitter from close range as the half time whistle came at the wrong time.

Needham kept the momentum going though and scored within a minute of the restart with Posnett again involved but turning provider this time with a pinpoint cross for an unmarked Topple to score on a special day for her as she donned the armband as captain for the day.

But the extended lead only lasted five minutes as Makewell bent in a free kick and from then on Stevenage took charge and were soon level thanks to a Penalty from Makewell to complete her hat trick.

It didn’t take long for them to turn it around with Delaney scoring from a tight angle as a mix up in the Needham defence left her to take advantage.

Needham struggled to get back into the game after that and Stevenage made sure of victory in the final minutes when Tilbury knocked the ball over the line after a deep bending free kick came back off the post and across the line.

It has been a tough season that has finished in ultimate disappointment but like many games this season Needham were able to blood more young players including a debut to attacking midfielder Paige Pugh to make the future look brighter in this darker moment.