Needham Market beat Royston to win promotion to National League North

There were unprecedented scenes at the final whistle as the Marketmen caused a major shock in non-league football circles by winning the league, in front of more than 500 celebrating fans.

Supporters flooded onto the pitch in jubilation to congratulate their heroes and boss Kevin Horlock, who masterminded this incredible feat with assistant Tom Rothery.

They received a little help from their closest rival Mickleover, who were beaten by Stourbridge. But to lose just four games in 37 thus far, and remain unbeaten at Bloomfields is remarkable by any standards, particularly having lost their opening game in August 6-1 at Stratford Town!

Needham Market players hoist manager Kevin Horlock aloft after winning the league and promotion (Image: Paul Voller)
The match appeared to be drifting into a stalemate, but in the closing minutes Jamie McGrath added to his first half goal by scoring two more clinical strikes, completing a fine hat trick, to put the result beyond doubt.

Indeed McGrath’s transition from East Bergholt in the Suffolk & Ipswich League two seasons ago to this much higher level has in itself been a fitting tribute, and triumph of his player’s dedication and rapid progress he has made under the management team.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The whole squad has played its part, under inspirational captain Kieran Morphew, to achieve a goal that seemed impossible in August after that dreadful start.

The game itself was a slow burner, probably due to the communications network filtering in news from the West Midlands, as spectators kept in touch with developments at Stourbridge.

On the half hour mark Kyle Hammond’s diagonal ball was controlled by McGrath on the edge of the box before he rifled home beyond keeper Rylee Mitchell.

Jamie McGrath completes his hat-trick to secure the win for Needham (Image: Paul Voller)
The same player had previously struck the woodwork, and a Hammond shot was pushed onto the post by Mitchell as the Marketmen looked increasingly menacing.

However, the Hertfordshire side had not read the script and equalised after the break when Kian Harness scored a fine header following a cross from Edward Asafu-Adjaye.

Adam Mills was duly introduced from the bench and provided an inch-perfect cross for the super McGrath to force home at the far post, and moments later he completed his hat-trick in fine style sending a fierce shot into the net on the run to set off wild scenes of celebrations.

Needham players celebrate their promotion (Image: Paul Voller)
- Elsewhere AFC Sudbury produced a fine 2-1 win at home to Coalville Town in front of a crowd of 231as they fight relegation.

With three games remaining they are four points behind Hitchin Town with an almost impossible task, but hope springs eternal.

Leiston helped Sudbury in beating Hitchin 2-0 at Victory Road.

In the Isthmian League North Division, Bury Town narrowly beat Maldon & Tiptree 1-0 at Ram Meadow with an 84th minute goal from by Louie Arnold which puts them a point behind second-place Felixstowe & Walton, who had a free weekend, with three games each to play.

Meanwhile, leaders Lowestoft Town gained an important 2-1 win at Witham Town to increase their lead to seven points. One more win will see them win the title.

There was no good fortune for Ipswich Wanderers, who were beaten at The Doucy 7-0 by visiting Brightlingsea & Regent, whilst gallant Stowmarket Town lost 3-0 to Walthamstow.