First Team
National League North Sat 18 January Bloomfields
Needham Market
  • Ingram (48')
1
Radcliffe
  • Walker (57')
1
1-1

A goal each for the two teams after the break saw Radcliffe record their seventh draw of the campaign on the road at the Ecologic Stadium, as Needham Market denied Bernard and Jonno’s side a place in the safety spots.

Two changes were made to the eleven that exited the Isuzu FA Trophy against Woking, Olly Thornley and Tom Walker regained their places amongst the starters, with the latter going on to score Radcliffe’s only goal of the game with an immediate impact on his return.

Needham Market came out of the traps with a quick intent as they dominated possession in the opening exchanges, but Mateusz Hewelt still had little to do with the home side’s threat in the final third not being good enough to test the polish goalkeeper.

Radcliffe’s first effort on goal was created by Thornley following a positive phase of play down the right-hand side, the defender clipped an inviting ball into the box but Matt Sargent couldn’t guide his header on target after 18 minutes.

Thornley was then forced off with an injury inside his own half, allowing Luca Navarro to enter the fray in a change of shape for the Boro, making his 12th appearance of the season in the process.

Moments later, the best chance of the half for either side went begging for the hosts. Adam Mills’ trivela cross looked to be a simple one for the Boro defence to deal with but a miscommunication at the back meant the ball bounced right the way through, hitting the inside of the post and Smith was fortunately on hand to clear away from the goal line.

Three minutes after the restart, Needham Market took the lead after a flying start to the half once again. A cross from the right wing found Luke Ingram in acres of space at the far post, before timing his first-time volley to perfection with a deflection helping the ball nestle into the bottom corner of the net.

Radcliffe didn’t feel sorry for themselves however, as parity was restored on the 57-minute mark to level the terms once again. Luca Navarro’s floated cross couldn’t be dealt with by Josh Blunkell inside his own six-yard area, instead ricocheting possession straight into the path of Tom Walker who helped himself to a simple tap in.

Just after Tunde Owolabi was introduced to the field, Radcliffe could’ve taken the lead had Brad Roscoe generated the accuracy on his shot after 65 minutes. Navarro’s switch to the feet of Walker on the right flank allowed the former Salford City man to set himself before delivering a dangerous ball, Roscoe rose highest to nod across goal but his shot couldn’t trouble Blunkell as it bounced out for a goal kick.

A real lack of chances for both teams followed with a large spell of possession alternating across the pitch, but it was Needham Market who had the best opportunity of snatching all three points in the dying embers.

Tevan Allen’s set piece delivery was expertly set up for Dan Morphew to potentially win the game for his side, the defender nodded goalwards from close range but Hewelt made a low, clawing save to keep the ball out before Danny Greenfield thumped away to relieve any further pressure.

After five minutes of additional time, the referee blew the full-time whistle to add a point to Radcliffe’s tally and maintains our unbeaten league status in 2025 heading into Lancashire Trophy action at Bacup Borough on Tuesday night, before we return to home soil against Hereford on Saturday.