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FROM THE BOARDROOM

Good afternoon, everyone and welcome back to the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road aswecontinueourleagueprogrammewiththevisitofNeedhamMarket.

We come into the game on the back of two excellent victories at Spalding last Saturday and at home to Banbury United on Monday night. That match against Banbury was televised live on Clubber TV, and I am delighted to say that we welcomethembacktothegroundtodayforthisfixture.

The win against Banbury has moved us up to eighth in the table, and there is a chance if we win today that we could be in the top six come the end of the afternoon. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves as Needham Market are a decent side and in good form, so it will be a tough assignment for us if we are to continueourunbeatenhomeleaguerecordsofarthisseason.

I mentioned in my notes on Monday that there is a lot going on at the club at the moment, and this week the board have been focussing on how we can increase our matchday mascots throughout the season. Why this has become important is that we want to see more youngsters in the ground, and if they all bring a parent(s), then clearly our attendances will grow too. At St Ives Town, we have a number of junior teams, and I am pleased to say that next Saturday when we host Redditch, we will have our under 10 team here as mascots. Then, against Barwell on 20 December, we will have more youngsters here either as guests of the club or as matchday mascots. If this is something that we can build on, then it has all the hallmarkstobeasuccess.

On the theme of attracting more younger supporters to the club, we are actively looking at launching some summer soccer schools at the club. Discussions are takingplaceforthis,andoncewecandoso,wewillannouncefurtherdetails.

As we look to build the profile of the club, I can now confirm that distribution of the club brochure has now finished. This means that it has been sent to 5,000 householdsinandaroundStIves.Ifyouhavereceivedacopy,thenIhopeyoulikeit and the hope is that this will be a regular feature moving forward. I extend my thanks again to the Ludis Group who published the brochure for us as well as the newcommercialpartnersthathavebeenintroducedtotheclubasaresult.

FROM THE BOARDROOM

One aspect at the club where we can improve is with obtaining grants. We have obtained grants for various projects previously, but it has always been left to individuals who have other things to do. So to correct this, we are looking at recruiting a volunteer who will have specific responsibility for obtaining grants. Essentially, a club grant officer. The board feels that this will be incredibly beneficial to the club in the long term and their remit will be to apply for all grants thatareavailable.

The club continues to look for volunteers. Trust me, there is always something to do. So if you have any spare time during the week or on a Saturday for a matchday, then please do not hesitate to come forward. Since Mark and I have become CoChairs of the club, we have tried to instil the idea that this is your club, and we want everyone to feel part of it. There are no barriers it is a completely inclusive environmentwherewewanteveryonetofeelwelcome.

On the subject of welcoming people, today we extend a special greeting to Jon Warren who is visiting the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road this afternoon as part of his mission to visit all 22 clubs in the PitchingIN Southern League Premier Division Central. I look forward to meeting him and having a chat to see how his challengeisgoing!

But I hope Jon and everyone enjoys the afternoon at the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road. There’s a great positive vibe around the club right now and long may it continue!

ComeonyouIves!

AndrewDunn

NEEDHAM MARKET NEEDHAM MARKET

THIS SEASON! THIS SEASON!

LEAGUE CAMPAIGN SO FAR LEAGUE CAMPAIGN SO FAR

Games-15

Wins-7

Draws-4

Losses-4

Points-25

The marketmen will have come into this season hoping to put their previous campaign behind them, with the Suffolk-based outfit having enjoyed a solitary season in National League North before being relegated back to step three, finishing 12 points off safety.

Today’s visitors made an indifferent start to their Southern Premier Division Central campaign, with Tom Rothery’s side managing two wins from their opening five fixtures. However, they have recently picked up some impressive form having won four out of their last six, which included a three game winning run against Stourbridge, Bury Town and Kettering Town.

Today’s opponents treated their fans to a great run in the FA Cup, with the Marketmen making it through to the Fourth Round Qualifying phase, having got past Tilbury, Eynesbury Rovers and Witham Town in the previous rounds. They were knocked out of the competition by step 2 Weston-super-Mare, losing 1-0 at the Optima Stadium in front of 1046 spectators.

Needham’s run in the FA Trophy was unfortunately short and sweet, with Rothery’s men getting knocked out at the 3 Qualifying Round stage by Chatham Town on penalties. rd

NEEDHAM MARKET NEEDHAM MARKET

THIS SEASON! THIS SEASON!

NEEDHAM MARKET-MAN IN FOCUS NEEDHAM MARKET-MAN IN FOCUS

LukeIngram Age:31 Position:Winger

Having made over 500 club appearances, Luke not only holds the record for the most club appearances but is the club's all time joint-record goalscorer, having notably scored the winning goals against Dartford in the FA Trophy to advance to the Quarter-Finals, and Maidstone United to book his side's spot in the FA Cup first round proper in season 2022/23. A winger by trade, Luke has scored at least 15 goals in each season of the last four seasons.

Luke has already netted five times in the league and has claimed some important goals in his side’s cup runs. Most recently, the 31 year-old netted in their 2-2 draw over Stratford Town.

NEEDHAM MARKET-MAN IN FOCUS NEEDHAM MARKET-MAN IN FOCUS

3UP CAMPAIGN! 3UP CAMPAIGN!

ST IVES TOWN FC SUPPORTS

THE 3UP CAMPAIGN! ST IVES TOWN FC SUPPORTS THE 3UP CAMPAIGN!

St Ives Town Football Club are firmly behind the National League’s 3UP campaign and we are asking for your help to amplify this message!

The 3UP campaign is a movement calling for a change in the amount of promotion places given to National League sides, with there currently only being two spots available for those attempting to make the leap into the EFL.

This campaign is aiming to promote the idea of increasing the amount of places to three as this change would bring our game in line with the pyramid principles that underpin English football –rewarding ambition, success, and investment across our divisions.

To signify our support of this campaign, today’s fixture against Needham Market will kick off at 3:03PM, along with other games across step 1-4 of the non-league pyramid.

If you would like to show your support for the National League’s 3UP Campaign, head over to https://www.change.org/VoteFor3UP and sign the petition!

ON CLUBBER TV! ON CLUBBER TV!

This afternoon’s game against Needham Market will be streamed live on Clubber Tv!

It’s all part of an agreement with the Trident Leagues that will see over 100 Southern, Northern Premier and Isthmian leagues games live streamed on ClubberTV this season.

This follows a successful pilot when all of last season’s play-off semis and finals were streamed via ClubberTV.

Ives Interim Co-Chairman Andrew Dunn said:

“We were delighted that Clubber chose our game on Monday evening against Banbury, and we are equally pleased that they will be back again at the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road this Saturday for the home game against Needham Market. It will be another opportunity for us to showcase St Ives Town to a wider audience and everyone at the club is looking forward to it. Needham Market will provide strong opposition as they have found good form of late, and with the Ives still unbeaten at home in the league it has all the makings of a decent contest”.

LAST MACTCH LAST MACTCH REPORT! REPORT!

StIvesTownVBanburyUnited Pitching-InSouthernLeaguePremierCentral10-11-2025

Monday 10th November

Highofftheirimpressive3-2awaywinagainstSpaldingUnitedjustover48hoursearlier, managerRickyMarheineke’smenwould’vebeenhopingtoproduceasimilarlevelof attackingintensityagainstasomewhatstrugglingBanburyUnitedside,whopreviousto their4-1awaywinoverBishop’sStortfordhadlostsixoutofsevenintheleague.However, despiteshowingsignsthattheirweekendvictoryhadtakenabitoutoftheplayersonthe pitch,Marheineke’ssidedidenoughtogetthewin,withgoalsfromLiamCrossand MichaelRichensenoughtosecureallthreepointsonthenight,despitealatefightback fromthevisitors.

TheIvesmanagermadetwochangesfromSaturday’swin,withJiahMedranocominginto thesideforMattyMilesatfullbackandacademygraduateAlfieShepherdcominginfor KellanHickinson,withthe18year-oldearningtheopportunitytomakehisfirststartfor theclubinfrontoftheQuattro-TechWestwoodRoadfaithful.

PuritansmanagerKelvinLangmeadnamedateamthatincludedtwoformerIvesplayers, withPeterAbimbolaandJoshFlanaganmakingtheirreturntoCambridgeshiretoface familiaropponents.Flanagan’sinclusionwastheonlychangemadebyLangmeadfrom hisside’svictoryoverStortford,withKeeganBloommakingway.

Beforethegame,bothsetsofplayers,managementteamsandsupportersjoinedtogether inatwominute’ssilencetohonourArmisticeDay,whichwasperfectlyobservedbyall insidetheQuattro-TechWestwoodRoad.

RefereeAshleyTynegotthegameunderwaywithbothsideshavingearlyhalf-chances. Saturday’sManofTheMatchJahrelMcKoysawhisshotflyoverthebarfromjustoutside theareabeforeConnorFergusonproducedaneffortforthevisitorswhichcalledIves keeperOllieTaylorintoaction,withtheshot-stopperabletogathertheballcomfortably.

Nineminutesintoproceedingsthehomesideproducedanincisivepassageofplaythat should’veresultedinagoal.JordanWilliamsplayedasuperbloftedballdownthelineto findTheoAlexandrouontherightofthepenaltyarea.Ivesnumber17squaredtheballto LiamCrossinsidethearea,buttheforwardsawhiseffortwellblockedbytheBanbury defender.

LAST MACTCH LAST MACTCH REPORT! REPORT!

Monday 10th November

Thevisitorscamebackstronglywithastringofattemptsoftheirown,withChrisWreh cuttinginsideonhisleftfootandunleashingastrikethatflewnarrowlywideofTaylor’s right-handpost,beforeAaronMcCreadiealmostpulledoffwhatwould’vebeenasublime lob,withtheballdroppingjustoverthecrossbarfromalongwayout.

Puritansfanswillfeeltheyshould’vebeenaheadinthe21 minuteasWrehgotontheend ofawell-directedcrossfromAlexProsser,whoswungadeliciouscrosstothebackpost, onlyfortheBanburyforwardtoguidehiscloserangeheaderwideofthegoal.

Eightminuteslateritwasthehomesidethatwillfeeltheyshould’vebrokenthedeadlock asalung-burstingrunfromCrosssawtheIvesnumber10makehiswaytotheby-line beforefloatingaloftedballintotheareaforAlexandrou,whocouldn’tquiteprovidethe acrobaticfinishfromnomorethansixyardsoutfromgoal,withkeeperJackHardingable togathertheballandcalmBanburynerves.

Thelast15orsominutesofthehalfsummedupthephysicalnatureofproceedings,with bothsidesattemptingtotesttheother’sbacklinewithcrossesintothebox,noneofwhich resultedinclear-cutopportunitiesasbothsidesremainedresoluteindefence.

However,whenitlookedliketherewouldbenothingtoseparatethesidesatthebreak,the deadlockwasbrokendeepintostoppagetimeattheendofthehalf.Medranoplayed Alexandrouthroughontheleft,withtheIvesforwardsquaringtheballtoCross,who managedtotuckhisright-footedeffortacrossHardingandintothebottomcornertogive hissidetheleadwiththefirstshotontargetinthematch.

Despitereceivingahugeboostfromthatgoalattheendofthehalf,therewasalingering feelingamongstIvessupportersthatasecondwouldbeneededtoseeofftheirOxfordshire counterparts.Fourminutesaftertherestart,theyweregrantedanopportunitytoextend theirleadasFlanaganwasadjudgedtohaveheldRichensasacornerwasswungintothe area,withrefereeTyneshowingnohesitationinpointingtothespot.TheIvesskipper, freshoffscoringthewinnerattheweekend,steppeduptotakethepenaltywhichhecalmly despatched,sendingHardingthewrongwayanddoublinghisside’slead.

ThefrustrationonthefacesoftheBanburyUnitedplayerswasveryapparent,with Langmead’smenstrugglingtoturntheirpossessionintoclear-cutopportunities.Some greatdefendingbyShepherdatthebackpostpreventedthereturningFlanaganfrom tappinghomefromcloserangeinthe52 minute. nd

LAST MACTCH LAST MACTCH REPORT! REPORT!

Monday 10th November

Itwasn’tlongbeforewesawbothmanagerslookingtotheirbenchesforinspiration,with BanburybringingonJoelAnkerandJonathanLawsonforWrehandBallwhilstIves introducedmidfielderGibouNjieanddefenderAaronSmith,withMcKoyandAlexandrou makingwayforthehomeside.

Thevisitorscontinuedtolookforawaybackintothecontestandfeltaggrievedthatthey didn’tgetalifelineinthe73 astheballfounditswaytoProsseratthebackpost. Banbury’snumber10hitawellstruckefforttowardsTaylor’snearpostthatlookedlikeit mayhavecreptovertheline,butrefereeTynewavedawaytheappealsasTaylorgot enoughoffingertipontheshottokeepIves’twogoaladvantageintact.

Attacksfromthehomesidewerecomingmainlyintheformofcounterattacksatthis stage,withCrosshavingthebestoftheopportunitiestoputthegametobed.Crossnicked theballoftheBanburydefenderjustinsidehisownhalf,withtheIvesforwardglidingpast twodefendersbeforeseeinghisshotsavedbythelegsoftheonrushingHardingtokeep Banbury’sslimhopesalive.

Thevisitorsdidmanagetogetagoalbackinthe87 minuteasEthanCrearywasadjudged tohavefouledLawsoninthepenaltyareaattemptingarecoverytackle.RefereeTyne pointedtothespotandFerguson,whoscoredahat-trickinhisside’s4-1winatthe weekend,showednosignsofnervesashesentTaylorthewrongwaytomakeit2-1,with justoverfourminutesplusinjurytimetogo.

Therewereafewnervymomentsforthehostsastheylookedtoholdonforavitalthree pointsthatwouldtakethemupto8 intheSouthernLeaguePremierDivisionCentral table.YawOfosucameclosesttoanequaliserasthedefenderfoundhimselfthroughon goalbeforeunleashinganeffortthatwasparriedoverthebarbyTaylor.

Itwasn’ttobeforLangmead’smenastherefereebroughtanendtoproceedings,withIves managingtosecurebacktobackwinsintheleagueforthesecondtimethisseason, despitethecontestbeingalittlebitcloserattheendthentheymighthavehoped.The focusforMarheineke’smenwillnowturntothisSaturday,wheretheyhostinform NeedhamMarketinthesecondofthreeconsecutivehomeleaguefixtures.

RESERVES,

RESERVES NEWS

Since our last edition of the matchday programme, the reserves turned their attention to the League Cup, with the challenge of local rivals Godmanchester Rovers Reserves looming for Mark Field’s men. A late change saw the game hosted at the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road rather than Bearscroft Lane in a match which ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Ives progressing through 9-8 on penalties.

In other exciting news, everyone at the club was delighted to see reserve player Alfie Shepherd make his full debut for Ives in their 2-1 over Banbury United on Monday night.

YOUTH TEAM NEWS

The focus returned to league action for our high-flying U18s side who were looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as the made the trip to The Demcom Stadium to face Ely City U18s. Unfortunately it was the home side that ended up coming out victorious on the night, with Ely running out 3-1 winners in front of 81 spectators.

Their next fixture is in the County Cup where the U18s take on St Ives Rangers Blue Sox in a very local affair, before returning to league action three days later as they travel to Wisbech St Mary on the 25 of November. th

WOMENS NEWS

St Ives Town Women are now 7 place in the Alan Boswell Group Cambridgeshire Girls and Women's Football League Division two, having only played five games so far this season in the league. Their next fixture is against Netherton United Reserves on Sunday 16 of November. th th

10 TO TACKLE 10 TO TACKLE

QUIZ! QUIZ!

Wearebackforthenintheditionof‘10totackle’forthe 2025/26season!Thistime,wewillbetestingyouonfootball clubstadiums!Canyougetall10?

GOOD LUCK! GOOD LUCK!

1.Which club plays at Old Trafford?

2.What is the name of the stadium that Brentford call home?

2 What is the name of the stadium that Brentford call home?

3.Who plays at Loftus Road?

4.Where did Manchester City play their home games before the Etihad?

5.Who plays at The Stadium of Light?

5 Who plays at The Stadium of Light?

6.Garden Walk is the home ground of which non-league club?

7.What is the capacity of Wembley Stadium (nearest thousand)?

7 What is the capacity of Wembley Stadium (nearest thousand)?

8.Which Championship side play at ‘The Valley’?

9.What is the name of St Ives Town FC’s home ground?

10.What is the official name of Everton’s new stadium?

10 What is the official name of Everton’s new stadium?

Want to find out how you got on?

After 15 rounds of fixtures, Ives find themselves in... 8TH

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

Management Team:

Tom Rothery - Manager

Previous clubs: Rowhedge, Brightlingsea Regent

Tom took over as Manager following the resignation of Kevin Horlock in early February, after playing an important part as Assistant Manager in the club's recent record runs in the FA Trophy (Quarter-Finals), FA Cup (1st Round Proper), League title win and Suffolk Premier Cup triumphs, since returning to the club in October 2019 Tom's eye for detail is second to none, as well as having in-depth knowledge of the non-league scene

Nathan Munson MBE – Assistant Manager

Previous clubs: Colchester United, Wivenhoe Town, Billericay Town, AFC Sudbury, Leiston, Harwich & Parkeston, Stanway Rovers, Brantham Athletic, Stowmarket Town

‘Munno’ was a professional at Colchester United in the early 90’s before moving into nonleague football, and is no stranger to Needham having previously been at the club between 2013-22, during which time the club won promotion to step 3, before serving as Joint Assistant Manager from 2019

Patrick Brothers – Head Coach

Previous clubs: Colchester United, Leiston, Brantham Athletic

‘Patch’ joined the club in Mid-January 2022 as a midfielder and has since become an invaluable part of the management team, playing a crucial part in last season's league title win, having assisted as First Team Coach while recovering from injuries last season.

Darren Oxbrow - Kit Manager-Darren joined the club in the summer, boosting the management team with his experience as a former professional footballer at clubs such as Ipswich Town and Colchester United and also taking on vital responsibilities behind the scenes as Kit Manager

James Lambert - Physio-James joined the club in February from Woodbridge Town as a qualified physiotherapist with his calm and reassured approach making him a key part of the team

NMFC Playing Squad

James Bradbrook - Goalkeeper

Previous clubs: Bury Town, Stowmarket Town, AFC Sudbury, Brightlingsea Regent Bradders re-joined the Marketmen in the summer, having previously progressed through the Academy, before making a name for himself as one of the best ‘keepers in the area at Stowmarket Town, after working with current manager Tom Rothery at Brightlingsea, helping them to a club historic promotion to step 4 in 2021 Bradders has since played a key part in Sudbury surviving relegation at step 3 in both of the last two seasons

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

Jake Dye - Defence-Jake was one of the first few to progress through the very successful Needham Market Academy, into the First Team, surpassing 400 appearancesLast season, while only being in his mid 20’s A natural defender, Jake works hard to improve his game every season and has added goals to his repertoire and has a very bright future ahead of him, winning three club awards at the end of the 2022/23 season, to demonstrate his continuing growth in the game.

Tommy Smith – Defence-Previous clubs: Ipswich Town, Bury Town Stowmarket Town Tommy was at Ipswich Town from the age of 9 up until 21, signing his first professional contract in February 2020 A full-back with a lot of potential, Tommy is a key figure at both ends of the pitch and has been virtually ever present since signing in summer 2023.

Kyle Hammond – Defence / Midfield Previous clubs: Ipswich Town, Maldon & Tiptree, Leiston Kyle, formerly of Ipswich Town, joined the club in June 2021 and quickly established himself as a key figure in midfield, and has also rarely missed a match since signing. Kyle, who can also play in defence, notably won the club's 'Goal Of The Season Award' for the 2023-24 season and scored the club's first ever goal at step 2 last season

Keiran Morphew – Defence-The first Needham player to progress through the club's Academy, he is currently the club's second longest serving player and club captain. Keiran, who chipped in with a handful of league goals last season - including a brace v South Shields, is rapidly approaching 500 club appearances, and has been a key feature in the Marketmen's defence over the last decade, having been one of three current players who were part of the squad that earned promotion to step 3 in 2015 Into his fifth season as captain, he has also been instrumental in the club's impressive defensive record, which even included having one of the best defensive records in the league over the previous two step 3 seasons, notably making the National League North team of the week last season after scoring twice v South Shields No relation to Dan

Daniel Morphew – Defence/Midfield-Dr. Dan Morphew, having completed his Doctorate, is the club's vice-captain. With over 300 club appearances, Dan is a no nonsense defender, and is elegant on the ball, yet rugged in the tackle Dan is also a threat at set pieces having scored 15 goals in his first two seasons from defence, scoring 7 times in the club's title winning season He is no relation to Keiran, who he has formed a solid partnership in the centre of defence over the last decade.

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

Jake Dye - Defence-Jake was one of the first few to progress through the very successful Needham Market Academy, into the First Team, surpassing 400 appearancesLast season, while only being in his mid 20’s. A natural defender, Jake works hard to improve his game every season and has added goals to his repertoire and has a very bright future ahead of him, winning three club awards at the end of the 2022/23 season, to demonstrate his continuing growth in the game

Luke Ingram – Attacking Midfield/Forward

Previous clubs: AFC Sudbury, Bury Town.

Having made over 500 club appearances, Luke not only holds the record for the most club appearances but is the club's all time joint-record goalscorer, having notably scored the winning goals against Dartford in the FA Trophy to advance to the Quarter-Finals, and Maidstone United to book his side's spot in the FA Cup first round proper in season 2022/23 A winger by trade, Luke has scored at least 15 goals in each season of the last four seasons.

Ollie Saunders – Midfield

Previous Club: Norwich City Academy, Grimsby Town Academy, Braintree Town, Leiston.

Ollie signed in the summer from Leiston with plenty of experience at step 3 and step 2 at Braintree Town, with previous Academy experience at Norwich City and Grimsby Town A very good technical midfielder that reads the game well and has a keen eye for a pass

Seth Chambers – Forward-Seth is one of the latest products of the club's very successful Academy Scheme and was given regular first team opportunities three seasons ago following his impressive and consistent displays in the U18 and Reserve Teams respectively. With over 100 NM appearances, he is developing his game all the time, finishing the 23/24 season as our top goalscorer (20), and has the ability to go far in the game, proven by many professional clubs having given him trials.

Joe Neal – Forward

Previous Clubs: Cambridge United, AFC Sudbury

Joe returned to the club in the summer after being top scorer at AFC Sudbury in both of the last two seasons, after a previous loan spell at Bloomfields in 2019 while at Cambridge United Joe possesses a keen eye for goal and hit the ground running, hitting five goals in his first three pre-season friendlies

Ryan Miles - Forward

Previous Clubs: Brightlingsea Regent, Maldon & Tiptree, FC Clacton

Ryan signed in the summer after scoring 15 goals at step 4 last season, following up on 31 goals at step 5 to help Wroxham to promotion. A direct, quick thinking, winger.

MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS

Jackson Chukwu-Nsofor - Forward

Jackson joined the club in mid September on work experience from Ipswich Town The young pacy forward, who is a regular in the Ipswich Academy starting lineup, has already made a quick impact, scoring twice in three appearances to kick off his senior career

Max Appauh - Forward

Max signed in late October from Witham Town, having impressed in an FA Cup tie against the Marketmen A winger with bags of pace, who has previously played for Hutton, scoring 11 in 18 appearances last season, and Billericay Town

James Coton - Forward

James spent pre-season with the First Team after impressing in the club's Under-18's and Reserves last season, notably picking up a goal and an assist in the Under-18's Suffolk Midweek Cup triumph showcasing his potential

Myles Cowling - Midfield

Previous Clubs: Cambridge United, St Ives Town, AF1C Sudbury

Myles also joined in the summer, having impressed at AFC Sudbury last season picking up 15 goals from attacking midfield. Another who was given a professional contract at Cambridge United with exciting potential

Ben Hunter - Midfield

Previous clubs: AFC Sudbury, Stowmarket Town, Leiston

Having signed last season, Ben has quickly become a fans favourite, like at his previous club AFC Sudbury, where he rapidly accumulated 300 senior appearances A box to box midfielder that can turn defence into attack within seconds and has swiftly made himself a key part of the midfield

Eddie Barker - Midfield

Eddie is another player to have progressed through the club's Academy, who has a keen eye for a pass The young midfielder made the step up into the first team two seasons ago, playing a part in the club's double winning season and featured last season

Reggie Lambe - Midfield

Previous clubs: Ipswich Town, Toronto FC, Mansfield Town, Carlisle United, Cambridge United, Stowmarket Town, Braintree Town

Reggie signed for the Marketmen last September from National League side

Braintree, having won promotion at his last two clubs A skillful midfielder who has plenty of League 2 and MLS experience with just under 300 professional appearances, is also a record making Bermuda international

Olly Reynolds - Defence

Olly earned his maiden First Team call up in February after impressing as captain for the Reserves and Under-18's, skippering the latter to a Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup triumph. A solid centre-back with an eye for a pass, Ollie is certainly one for the future.

HISTORY OF NEEDHAM MARKET

Needham Market FC Club History

Founded in 1919, one of the club's most notable early successes came in the form of Suffolk & Ipswich Football League Senior Division Champions in 1995/96, before earning promotion as runners up from the Eastern Counties First Division in 2004/05. The Marketmen's maiden season in the Eastern Counties Premier Division also proved to be successful, finishing in 6th place. The club then won it's first ever FA Cup tie in a home win over Desborough Town in 2006/07, before going on to finish fourth in the Eastern Counties Premier division and beating Concord Rangers 2-1 to win the East Anglian Cup.

The club then finished runners up in the league the following season, while also making the semi-finals of the FA Vase and bowing out to eventual winners Kirkham & Wesham, and winning the League Challenge Cup in the same season. The club then finished 3rd in the Eastern Counties Premier Division in 2008/09, before reaching the Quarter-Finals of the FA Vase in 2008/09.

The following season saw the club achieve a league and cup double for the first time in the league's previous 15 seasons after being crowned Eastern Counties Premier Division Champions and League Challenge Cup winners. Step 4 football followed in 2010/11, with the club proudly finishing 2nd in their maiden season in the Isthmian League Division One North before losing to Brentwood Town in the semi-finals. The club again achieved a play-off spot in 2011/12, but lost to Enfield Town in the play-off final following a 4th place finish, scoring 104 goals along the way.

The club then reached the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup in 2013/14, which drew the club's record attendance to Bloomfields as 1,784 spectators witnessed a 1-0 defeat to higher league Cambridge United, while the club again reached the play-off semi-finals in the Isthmian North Division after a 5th place finish.

The club then won promotion to step 3 for the first time in 2014/15 as Isthmian League North Division Champions, securing promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division. A 20th placed finish was followed by a 9th placed finish in the club's first two seasons in the division before being moved sideways into the Southern League Central Division in 2018/19 when the club finished 11th.

HISTORY OF NEEDHAM MARKET

Needham Market FC Club History

The club however sat second, and unbeaten after 7 games, in the table when the 2020/21 season was declared null and void, while also reaching the Second Round Proper of the FA Trophy for the first time that same season, losing out 4-2 to National League North leaders Gloucester City.

Kevin Horlock's side then extended their record FA Trophy run to the QuarterFinals in 2021/22, knocking out St Ives Town 2-0 away, Margate 3-2 at home, Welwyn Garden City 3-1 at home, National League Wealdstone 2-1 at home, National League side Yeovil Town away 8-7 on penalties, in arguably one of the most memorable games of the club's history, following a 1-1 draw, and National League South side Dartford 1-0 at home, before bowing out to National League Champions Stockport County 3-0 at home. A 12th place league finish followed, while the 2022/23 season saw the club finish 17th in the league despite reaching the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history following a 1-0 home victory over National League side Maidstone United in the 4th Qualifying Round, with a valiant performance despite a 2-0 defeat at EFL League One side Burton Albion.

The club then became only the second Suffolk Non-League team ever to get promoted to step 2 in the 2023/24 season, as part of a historic double, as Southern League Central Premier Division Champions - going unbeaten at home before sealing the league title, scoring 74 goals across the league campaign, keeping 21 cleans sheets. The Marketmen also went close to matching the previous season's FA Cup run, falling short in the last minute to York City in the 4th Qualifying Round Replay, before retaining the Suffolk Premier Cup for the fourth successive season in April.

Last (2024/25) season however saw the Marketmen relegated (21st) in their inaugural step 2 season, but did however record notable wins over Hereford, Chorley and Alfreton picking up 22 points from 46 games in the Vanarama National League North, with Tom Rothery replacing Kevin Horlock as manager in February 2025.

The Marketmen again went close to reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup in 2025/26, but lost 1-0 at then second placed National League South Weston Super Mare in the fourth qualifying round, though the Under-18’s reached the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup for the second time in the club’s history, setting up a home tie with Erith Town.

MATCHDAY SQUADS

Ollie Taylor (GK)

Ethan Creary

Aaron Smith

Jordan Williams

Jernade Meade

Jahrel McKoy

Ed Hottor

Michael Richens

Claudio Dias

Albie O’Keefe

Johnson Gyamfi

Gibou Njie

Theo Alexandrou

Liam Cross

Jiah Medrano

Alfie Shepherd

Evan Watkins

Neo Dobson

Matty Miles

Duncan Idehen

George Munday

James Bradbrook (GK)

Jake Dye

Tommy Smith

Kyle Hammond

Keiran Morphew (c)

Dan Morphew (vc)

Luke Ingram

Ollie Saunders

Seth Chambers

Joe Neal

Ryan Miles

Jackson Chukwu-Nsofor

Max Appauh

Myles Cowling

Matty Tricker

Ben Hunter

Eddie Barker

Reggie Lambe

Olly Reynolds

James Coton

ManagementTeams

Ricky Marheineke (Manager)

Adam Fisher (Assistant)

Jim Freeman (Assistant)

Frankie Fry (First Team Coach)

Paul Swannell (Goalkeeping Coach)

Jardaine Patel-Joseph (Physio)

Tom Rothery (Manager)

Nathan Munson (Assistant)

Patrick Brothers (Head Coach)

Darren Oxbrow (Kit Man)

James Lamber (Physio)

MATCH INFO

KitColours

Shirts-Black and White Stripe

Shorts-Black

Socks-Black

GoalkeeperKit

All Green Kit

MatchOfficials

Shirts-Red

Shorts-Red

Socks-Red

GoalkeeperKit

All Orange Kit

Referee-Christopher Poole Assistant-Ben Soll Assistant-James Sedley

LocationDetails

Stadium-Quattro-Tech Westwood Road

Pitch Type-3G Surface

Kick Off-3:00 PM