Needham Market 3 Hendon 3
It took a dramatic late equaliser from Needham Market striker Adam Mills to thwart high-flying Hendon and gain an important – and deserved point – for Richard Wilkins’ side, writes John Campany.
The Marketmen largely dominated this Bostik Premier League clash, particularly in the first half and could easily have been ahead inside the first 10 minutes.
Richard Wilkins made a couple of changes from the side beaten at home to Kingstonian with Jack Simmons replacing the injured Jamie Griffiths whilst Callum Sturgess, on loan from Colchester, was preferred to Daryl Coakley.
It was an adventurous Needham line - up and the London side were hard pressed when Adam Mills surged forward from the half way line before unleashing a terrific strike that Corey Addai pushed away for a corner. Mills again struck a powerful effort that the keeper saved well and then Luke Ingram had a shot blocked.
In the 12th minute the home side took the lead. Ingram was pulled down and Gareth Heath’s well disguised free kick to Jeremiah Kamanzi was driven home.
There was a collective spirit shown by Wilkins’ side and Ingram released John Sands through on goal, but from a good position dragged his shot narrowly wide.
Hendon surprisingly equalised on 33 minutes when Dave Diedhiou played in Josh Walker who prodded home from close in.
It was a pulsating game and Needham were equally as good as there high riding opponents, but fell behind in the 50th minute. Ashley Nathaniel-George displayed some trickery on the left before turning to his right foot and lifting the ball beyond Danny Gay inside the far post.
Four minutes later the visitors went further ahead when following a decisive move down the right Nathaniel-George scored his second stabbing home the resultant cross.
The Marketmen showed commendable spirit and pulled a goal back on the hour when following a Gareth Heath corner the ball was partially cleared, but played back into the penalty area and Mills finished well from close range.
Hendon, hanging on, were adept to slowing the pace of the game and produced a number of physical infringements, but Needham’s ‘never say die’ attitude shocked the visitors. Heath and Kamanzi had fine efforts well saved by Addai, but after considerable sustained pressure the home side deservedly drew level in the 88th minute.
A fine diagonal ball from substitute Brendan Ocran penetrated defenders and the impressive Mills ghosted in to score at the far post much to the delight of the Needham faithful.
Meanwhile, also in the Premier League, both Lowestoft and Leiston’s games were postponed because of waterlogged pitches.
Referee Mr Paul Burnham
Attendance: 239
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