We’re back at Latimer Park after a long and arduous tour with a series of four away matches and looking forward to a bumper crowd to get behind the returning Poppies.

Our erstwhile opponents, Needham Market FC, are in mid table mediocrity residing in eleventh place in the league amassing eighteen points from eleven games. Following defeat at the hands of Chatham 1-0 in the FA Trophy, and Weston-super-Mare away in the Emirates FA Cup by the same margin, Needham Market are out of both cup competitions. Despite ‘The Marketmen’s’ disappointing cup runs, their league form is impressive as over the past five games they have scored twelve goals achieving three wins (4-2 vs Bury Town; 3-0 vs Stourbridge and 4-1 vs Stamford all home fixtures) one draw (1-1 away at Royston Town) and one loss (0-4 to Bishop’s Stortford at home). Manager Tom Rothery has recently signed Max Appauh, ‘a lightning quick winger’ from Tilbury and the club have seen their veteran midfielder Jamie McGrath leave the club for Bury Town. After five games, Needham Market are in fourth place in the form guide with ten points just behind Harborough Town, Spalding United and in form Real Bedford.

Kettering Town are only two places and two points ahead of Saturday’s visitors. Having experienced a torrid time with the revolving door of players and first team management over recent weeks, the Poppies, with a skeleton squad and an interim coach, achieved a well deserved 0-2 win away at Banbury following a resounding display of teamwork, grit and clinical finishing. Whilst the managerial search continues, seeking to improve their form building on Tuesday’s performance, KTFC have only won once in their last five matches and suffered three defeats (4-0 at Redditch United; 2-0 at Alvechurch; 1-0 at St Ives in the FA Trophy) and one draw (1-1 at home to Stamford). However, despite five losses in their past ten games and being twelfth in the form table with seven points after five league games, the Poppies go into Saturday’s fixture with renewed optimism and momentum.

Only seven points separate the top ten league teams and of the top five teams in playoff places, new league leaders Spalding United are in FA Trophy action at home to Corby Town, The Bees play Diamonds at home in the same competition, third placed Quorn are in league action away to Bishop’s Stortford, whilst Redditch, in fourth have a difficult tie against Gainsborough Trinity at home and Real Bedford entertain Ashford United, both ties are in the FA Trophy.

There have only been four previous matches between the teams. However, given The Marketmen’s playoff form and with other rivals in cup action, it’s a chance for Poppies to get into the playoff places prior to the appointment of their new manager next week. It’s great to be back home so let’s get behind the Poppies.

Enjoy the game.

UTP!

NEEDHAM MARKET

Most goals in a game for the Poppies v Needham Market (2)

Lindon Meikle (2018-19), Aaron O’Connor (2018-19)

Most career goals v Needham Market (3)

Linon Meikle, Aaron O’Connor.

Played for both clubs (3)

Sam Banya, Jamie Griffiths, Decarrey Sheriff.

NEEDHAM MARKET

Manager                                Tim Rothery

Ground                                   Bloomfields

Nickname                               The Marketmen

Position in League                11^th – 18pys from 11 games

Top League scorer                4 – Joe Neal

League Form last 5               DWLWW       10ts

THE MARKETMEN SO FAR……