Needham Market 1-0 Waltham Forest

Needham Market entertained Waltham Forest looking to gain revenge for the 3-1 defeat back in August which put Forest in the top three. Interestingly from that game Needham had 12 of that squad on show today and Forest just 2 which highlights the importance of a consistent line up as Needham now sit third in the league and Forest 17th.

The match got underway on a very warm late March afternoon on a Bloomfield’s surface looking in fine fettle after it’s early morning watering and Needham started as bright as the weather and were ahead after 5 minutes when DUANE WRIGHT rose high to head B.Barber’s free kick home.Needham continued on top and a fluent move involving B.Barber and Harrop gave Napier a chance after 10 minutes with Newson putting Wright’s cross over two minutes later.Harrop drew Waltham keeper Barratt in to action after 14 minutes as Needham continued on top before Clifton should have done better 10 minutes later as the visitors started to take hold of the game. Newson and Wright combined but failed to test Barratt after 32 minutes and Waltham continued to press forward as Dagher shot straight at Jones after 39 minutes before R. Barber headed an Arian Retkoceri shot off his line to bring the half to a close with Needham ahead by the early goal.

HALF TIME NEEDHAM MARKET 1 WALTHAM FOREST 0

Waltham were straight out of the traps with Dagher going close after 53 minutes and Taylor shooting straight at Jones three minutes later.Newson had a gilt edged chance to double Needham’s lead from Wright’s cross after 59 minutes but failed to make a good contact from close range. Moore drew Jones in to action twice just after the hour as Waltham’s momentum continued to grow and with Needham showing little threat to Barratt’s goal they introduced Mcglone and Thrower for Newson and Napier after 66 minutes. Dagher fired over after 72 minutes before Wright had two good chances to test Barratt after 74 and 76 minutes. It was Waltham who looked likely to score with Dagher giving Evans plenty to think about and Jones had to deny Dagher in the 82nd and 89th to help Needham to earn a hard fought three points.

FULL TIME NEEDHAM MARKET 1 WALTHAM FOREST 0

Report thanks to www.needhammarketfc.co.uk