VITAL THREE POINTS FOR NEEDHAM MARKET WOMEN

Millie Baggott was the hero as she scored the only goal in Needham’s narrow 1-0 victory over fellow relegation threatened Watford Development to give them a huge chance to avoid the drop.

They had started the day four points adrift of safety, but the win now puts them one point adrift and only an extra point behind today’s opponents as the battle to avoid the drop goes down to the wire.

It was a tight and cagey first half with very few chances for either team, but the second half saw Needham take advantage through Baggott and could have seen them make life a bit more comfortable.

Needham started the better and held onto a lot of possession in the early stages without creating to many clear-cut chances.

Watford, who were only promoted this season are looking to make sure they don’t go straight back down, and they had the best chance of the half, but Amber Locker was more than a match with an excellent block.

With so much riding on the game it was not a surprise it was so cagey, but Needham came out with more purpose after the break and almost scored through Charlotte McGrath.

But the save off her shot was to lead to the pivotal moment as the resulting corner was cleared straight to Annie Posnett and her ball across the face was tapped in by Baggott.

Needham looked more likely to add than see their advantage disappear with Posnett denied from close range before returning ex-captain Nicola Henderson - out of retirement – was denied from a long-range effort.

But in the end Needham held on to a vital victory and gave them much needed life in this tight relegation battle that will go all the way to the final game with three now remaining for the club to avoid a return to tier 6.