With just one point from the opening three games of the campaign, Radcliffe have failed to score in consecutive matches for the first time since April 2023, as both Kidderminster Harriers and Chester prevented the Boro from finding the net. Both sides head into the match without a win and in the bottom four, so will want to pick up three points on Saturday to move up the table.

The Opposition

Last season, Needham Market finished top of the Southern League Premier Central, three points clear of AFC Telford to earn promotion to the National League North for the first-ever time. With a combination of not only one of the best attacks but also one of the best defences, the Suffolk outfit had a +40 goal difference as they won 26 of their 40 league matches, aided by Jamie McGrath’s 18-goal campaign, and Marcus Garnham inbetween the sticks as he kept over 20 clean sheets throughout the season.

Kevin Horlock’s side has a lot of experience, with the club’s record appearance maker Luke Ingram still amongst the Needham Market squad for his 14th season. On top of that, club captain Kieran Morphew is also over the 400-appearance mark, just two parts of an experienced team for the season ahead.

Needham Market have yet to pick up a single point in their inaugural National League North campaign having endured losses against Curzon Ashton, Scunthorpe United and Southport, scoring only one goal in their opening three games against the latter after taking the lead in the 43rd minute, before conceding two second-half goals to end in defeat. 

Stat Pack

21st – League Position – 24th
3 – Played – 3
1 – Points – 0
0 – Wins – 0
1 – Draws – 0
2 – Losses – 3
3 – Goals For – 1
8 – Goals Against – 6
Tom Walker, Josh Hancock, Anthony Dudley (1) – Top Scorer – Kyle Hammond (1)

Last Time Out

On Tuesday night, Needham Market faced off against Scunthorpe United at the Ecologic Stadium. Last season’s runner up, The Iron, defeated The Marketmen 1-0 as they continued their perfect start to the season. In a self-described ‘harsh’ defeat, it took until the 83rd minute for the deadlock to be broken, as Danny Whitehall tucked his penalty into the bottom left corner of Marcus Garnham’s goal.

Through resilient defending, the home side were able to prevent Scunthorpe’s powerful attack which allowed Kevin Horlock’s side to threaten in the final five minutes, as Tevan Allen’s corners almost produced a late equaliser, but the headed efforts at goal went narrowly over the bar.

Ones To Watch

Needham Markert’s 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 this season. On Tuesday night, he was awarded man of the match against early season favourites Scunthorpe United.

28-year-old midfielder Kyle Hammond provides a threat from set pieces, which he will want to put to use to help his side collect their first points of the season. Against Southport, the former Ipswich Town youngster scored Needham Market’s first goal at Step Two as his free kick from 20 yards found the back of the net. Whilst they were unable to hold onto the lead, having a danger from free kicks could be important for The Marketmen’s attack.

Matchday Information

Date: 24/08/24
Time: 3pm kick-off

Location: Neuven Stadium

Adult: £15
Concession: £10
U16: Free

Buy your tickets online here!

Can’t Attend the Game?

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Around the Grounds

Alfreton Town vs Chester
Brackley Town vs Curzon Ashton
Darlington vs Leamington
Marine vs Kings Lynn Town
Oxford City vs South Shields
Peterborough Sports vs Buxton
Rushall Olympic vs Spennymoor Town
Scarborough Athletic vs Farsley Celtic
Scunthorpe United vs Chorley
Southport vs Hereford
Warrington Town vs Kidderminster Harriers