MARKETMEN FINISH 2025 WITH DERBY WIN

Needham Market recorded their first league away victory at Leiston since 2004, with a 1-0 win to jump back up to fourth.

Ipswich Town loanee Jamie Mauge started on his debut for the Marketmen, as Reggie Lambe (5') shot over.

While Wyatt Hill (13') shot well wide, Needham (15') went close to an opener.

Myles Cowling's exquisite left wing cross was met by Mauge, only for the debutant to shoot wide.

At the other end (26'), Needham keeper James Bradbrook thwarted Seb Dunbar from the penalty spot, after Reggie Lambe was adjudged to have fouled Ben Fowkes.

The chances kept coming, as Cowling's (28') close range strike earned a corner from goalkeeper Billy Johnson, with the resulting corner tipped over by the keeper.

Crucial defending meanwhile from captain Keiran Morphew (38') cleared Adam Mills' corner off the line, keeping it goalless at the break.

The Marketmen had the first opportunity after the break, as neat passing saw Lambe shoot wide (60'), prior to James Bradbrook (73') excellently denying Mills.

Needham broke the deadlock soon after, through super substitute Seth Chambers. Fresh off the bench, the forward broke through on goal to slot home past Johnson for the winner (76').

Manager Tom Rothery reflects on the win at Leiston.

DK: A brilliant win on the road, you must be delighted?

TR: I said to the players in the pre match talk that as a club I’d seen a stat that we hadn’t won in the league here since 2004. Obviously during that time there has been times where we weren’t at the same level but we needed to change that stat and thankfully we have. We have played better and lost this season but sometimes you have to find a way and today we have.

DK: How'd you describe today's performance?

TR: Conditions were tough for both sides so it was scrappy and a battle at times but I felt we tried to play but overall pleased with our desire and application throughout.

DK: After losing the home fixture, how good does it feel to have put that right today?

TR: Losing any derby game is never nice home or away but after the recent defeats at home it was vitally important that we got three points today so that was more of my thinking than anything else.

DK: Super sub Seth with the winner, a well taken goal?

TR: I thought all the subs came on and impacted the game, when we added Max into the game we changed the shape and him and Seth combined so that’s pleasing that both players have come on and impacted the game as I felt Ryan and Ed did also and Seth stayed calm and look as I’ve always said Seth is a goal scorer so I fully expected him to finish that opportunity.

DK: What's pleased you most today, and how pleasing is it to finish 2025 with a win?

TR: Clean sheet is important, putting that stat to bed and just getting three points after a couple of tough results. All wins are important but after a defeat they add more significance.

DK: Back at home to start 2026 against Sudbury, what are your thoughts?

TR: It’ll be tough they’ve been on a really good run since Tommy took over permanently and they have a few players that I’ve worked with and know well. I know they’ve lost today but look it’ll be down to us to make sure that we prepare properly and are ready for another tough game.