NEEDHAM MARKET WOMEN START SEASON WITH A POINT

It was a thrilling opening to the new campaign for Needham Market as bounced back twice to earn a 3-3 draw against newly promoted Brentwood Town.

Needham started as favourites but with the momentum of last season on the side of the home team this was always going to be a tough test especially as Needham handed debuts to four players in this game.

Anna Sullivan signed on after the summer trials, while Esme Marsh, Faith Whitmore and Libby Mann are the first promotions to senior football from the clubs new JPL pipeline implemented last season.

The team made the perfect start through Kiera Topple, sadly the lead was fleeting as the home side went on to equalise through Bo Payne before Sienna Sherman gave them the lead,but Annie Posnett made sure it was level at the break.

After the break, chances dried up, but Brentwood hit the front again through Sophie Nyiro only for their lead to last several minutes this time as a deflection strike from Jae Lewis-Samuel made sure Needham went home with a point.

Brentwood started the better but found themselves behind thanks to Topple as she finished after Posnett was released down the flanks and crossed for her strike partner.

But the lead lasted only three minutes as Payne tapped home from close range before taking the lead shortly after as a fortuitous ricochet gave Sherman the chance to shoot first time from around 30 yards over the head of Danni Clarke in goal.

Needham hit back on the half hour with Posnett striking one from distance and nestling inside the post before nearly scoring a one-on-one with the keeper to put Needham back in front.

Things tightened up before the break and was the same for a long period after but again the home side pushed ahead with Nyiro’s solo effort.

This time it was Brentwood who were stung after scoring with Needham hitting back virtually straight away as Jae Lewis-Samual shot was deflected in by a home defender.

With the game heading for a stalemate, it was Sullivan who nearly won it on her Needham debut, but she was denied by the keeper making sure the home side went away with a point.

Manager Reaction

Back at the helm for the 25/26 season, Warren Lewis-Claxton said “A point on the road for the opening day is better than none, but disappointed to not get all three.

We’ve been able to retain players, while trusting our player pathway to give opportunities to the young players coming through which is important to show there is progression.

We know that coming down, we will be a team that everyone will want to beat, so that already is added pressures, but nothing that I don’t think we can deal with.

Players are excited and looking forward to the season ahead, so let’s ensure it’s a good one!”