NEEDHAM Market have signed Capel St Mary-raised Ben Chenery from Blue Square League Braintree Town. The 31-year-old central defender will make his debut tomorrow at Wisbech Town after signing a 12- month contract with the Ridgeons League Premier Division side.

Elvin King

NEEDHAM Market have signed Capel St Mary-raised Ben Chenery from Blue Square League Braintree Town.

The 31-year-old central defender will make his debut tomorrow at Wisbech Town after signing a 12- month contract with the Ridgeons League Premier Division side.

Chenery's previous clubs include Luton Town, Cambridge United, Canvey Island and Chelmsford City, and he netted the winning goal for Canvey Island in an FA Trophy final.

Needham manager Danny Laws has been tracking Chenery for some time, and he said: “I tried to sign Ben last season and during the closed season, but he still wanted to play Blue Square football.

“However, Ben has now signed for us after offers from several other clubs.”

Chenery has already played in the same team as Needham assistant manager Kevin Horlock this season in two pre-season friendlies for Braintree Town.

Laws added: “Ben is a strong defender and a good leader. Although he has dropped three levels to join us, he has been more than impressed with the set up here at Bloomfields.”

Apart from long-term injuries, Laws takes a full squad to Fenland Park tomorrow.

Free-scoring midfielder Craig Parker missed the latter end of last season with injury and he underwent a cruciate knee operation in May.

He is recovering well, but is not expected to be playing again until November or December.

Woodbridge Town, managed by Glenn Read, travel to Ely City with news that long-serving chairman Keith Dixon has stood down.

John Beecroft has taken over from Dixon, who is still treasurer and spends time at Notcutts Park and watches home games.

Felixstowe and Walton United face a long trip to King's Lynn Reserves, with Walsham-le-Willows at home to FA Vase finalists Lowestoft Town.

Wroxham and Leiston are both being tipped to be in the hunt for the title along with Needham, and the outcome of their battle at Trafford Park could have a big bearing when medals are handed out next May.

In the First Division, new boys Brantham Athletic are at home Newmarket looking to build on their good 5-1 win over Downham last Saturday, and Hadleigh United will be looking to get over the disappointment of their FA Cup exit to Great Yarmouth when they entertain Thetford.

Manager Steve Jay has a full squad available with former Stowmarket Town captain Chris Leys having signed this week and with Chris Dennett available against after suspension.

Ipswich Wanderers and Stowmarket are also at home tomorrow with Debenham Leisure Centre travelling to Saffron Walden.