Radcliffe travel south to Needham Market for matchday 23 of our 2024/25 National League North campaign. The Boro have only played one full league match since Christmas, a 3-0 victory over Farsley Celtic on New Year’s Day, however the squad did play more recently in the Isuzu FA Trophy, exiting the competition in a humbling defeat at Woking.
A victory on Saturday could see Radcliffe leapfrog both Farsley Celtic and Warrington Town depending on other result, taking Bernard and Jonno’s side up to 19th if maximum points are gained.
The Opposition
Needham Market currently sit bottom of the table, with just one win in the last 14 league matches. Saturday’s hosts have picked up a full complement of points just once so far in 12 attempts at home, a 3-0 win against South Shields.
Unlike ourselves, Needham Market have played just once in 2025 which was a 2-1 defeat to Peterborough Sports, recording their tenth home loss of the season after two first-half goals sucker punched the Suffolk-based side.
Kevin Horlock’s side have the league’s second lowest scoring squad, having only found the net 17 times in 24 games, though once more than Marine. Needham Market also have the 20th worst defensive record in the league, conceding 39 goals so far this campaign.
A win at the weekend could move Needham Market within three points of safety, while a defeat could leave them nine points adrift at the foot of the table.
Ones to Watch
Needham Market captain Kieran Morphew has been with the club since he was in the academy, and is one of the longest serving players currently in the squad. The centre back won the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards last season and is going to be key in his side’s defensive efforts on Saturday.
Needham Market’s Ben Hunter is also one to watch, the midfielder has played the most minutes for the hosts this campaign across several positions. Hunter has been primarily deployed at right midfield, but has also turned out in the centre of the park when required. The 24-year-old has one goal to his name, the equaliser at the Neuven Stadium back in August, as well as one recorded assist last time out against Peterborough Sports.
Stat Pack
24th – League Position – 21st
24 – Games Played – 22
18 – Points – 21
4 – Wins – 5
6 – Draws – 6
14 – Losses – 11
17 – Goals For – 27
39 – Goals Against – 41
Five players (2) – Top Goalscorer – Hancock, Hulme (6)
Last Time Out
The two sides previously met on matchday four of the current campaign at the Neuven Stadium, where the points were shared with the match ending 1-1.
Radcliffe took the lead midway through the second half as Josh Hancock met Brad Jackson’s teasing cross. The attacking midfielder’s header nestled in the top right corner of the Needham Market goal.
Less than 15 minutes after the Boro had taken the lead, the visitors had the score level through Ben Hunter. The box-to-box midfielder arrived at the back post to tap the ball into the Radcliffe net after a dangerous ball was played into the area from the left wing.
Radcliffe went close to scoring a second in the final minutes of the game, but great defending from the visiting side prevented both Matt Sargent and Luca Navarro from finding the back of the net.
Matchday Information
Date: 18/01/25
Time: 3pm kick-off
Location: Ecologic Stadium
Adults – £15
Concessions (Over 60) – £10
Children 12-16 – £5
Accompanied U12 – Free
Saturday’s game will not be segregated, therefore Needham Market and Radcliffe fans will be mixed and are free to enjoy the match from wherever they’d like to watch from inside the ground.
Tickets are available via cash or card at the turnstiles on arrival, or online via the link below.
Tickets can be purchased online here.
Read our away information article here.
Can’t Attend The Game?
Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:45pm.
Around The Grounds
Buxton v Peterborough Sports
Chester v Alfreton Town
Chorley v Scunthorpe United
Curzon Ashton v Brackley Town
Hereford v Southport
Kidderminster Harriers v Warrington Town
King’s Lynn Town v Marine
Leamington v Darlington
South Shields v Oxford City
Spennymoor Town v Rushall Olympic