Four goals by ex-Ipswich Town forward Tori Campbell helped high flying Haringey Borough to a convincing 6-0 winover a struggling Needham Market.
Most of the damage was done in the first 20 minutes with Campbell scoring a hat-trick to put the hosts three up with Molly Hall squandering the best chance for Needham.
It was a poor start to the second with a goal within the first minute from Chloe Ions and that was added too by Saoirse Hourigan before Campbell added her fourth.
It was an even first 10 minutes with signs of the away side growing into the game but like much of this season they shot themselves in the foot by giving away a soft opener with another defensive mix up as Campbell took advantage.
And from there it got worse as Campbell ran in after a heavy touch from a Needham defender fell into her path to round Locker before grabbing the hat-trick as she ghosted into the centre of the box after a quick counterattack.
Needham almost had one back as half time approached but failed to get a clear connection in and the keeper managed to smoother from close range.
After ending the first half strongly Needham were looking for quick start but found themselves four down as Ions drove in from range as panicky defending saw the ball given away cheaply.
Then two goals in a matter of minutes as first Houriganknocked home a rebound after brilliant work from Rimini Lowe before Campbell knocked home her fourth of the game at the back post.
Needham did have late chances to register as first Leilah Gooding showed great footwork to get into a position to cut the ball back but a deflection took it away from the waiting Lucy Loomes in the box.
Lottie Barker came on and showed her talent with a 1-on-1 being smothered as she looked to open her Needham account and she was joined in praise by the efforts of Keira Topple who worked tirelessly throughout the game.
Three young players standing tall as they give hope to a bright future as we enter spring after what has felt a very long winter on and off the pitch.
After the game Warren Lewis-Claxton said “A difficult game against a really clinical side, they took the chances they had well, albeit we aided some of that. I still think there were good spells for us, specially in the second half, but it’s clear when things aren’t quite going your way, the chances we have done drop the way we want. What is great to see though is the younger players really coming into the game and striving with the opportunities given, something we’re always keen to do”.
With the success of Ipswich Town and the Large crowd yesterday (Know that you and lots of members of the club were in attendance) just how inspirational it is for us in our development as a club.
“It’s great for women’s football within the area, and we great to be part of a brilliant day for Ipswich. It shows the growth, and you hope what it also does it inspire the young girls in attendance to really push on. Those things will of course aid us too in seeing the uptake of players, and hope we can also inspire girls too”.