Needham Market winger Adam Mills is expected to be out three months after tearing a ligament in his shoulder in his side’s 2-0 victory at AFC Sudbury in the second round of this season’s Omni Freight Services Suffolk Premier Cup, writes Nick Garnham.

Mills, who started the season with AFC Sudbury before returning to Bloomfields, fell heavily on his shoulder as he was fouled by AFC Sudbury defender Sam Mills just before half-time during Tuesday night’s tie at the King’s Marsh Stadium and took no further part in the match.

The holders were worthy winners on the night against their youthful opponents in front of a crowd of 222 as they progressed to the quarter-finals of this season’s competition.

The visitors led after just four minutes courtesy Ryan Gibbs, who pounced to shoot into the roof of the net from close range after Paul Walker had parried Gareth Heath’s shot.

Needham doubled their advantage five minutes after the interval through influential skipper Heath, who scored at the second attempt after Walker had saved his initial shot. AFC Sudbury had good spells of possession but failed to trouble goalkeeper Danny Gay in the second period.

Needham Market Manager Richard Wilkins, whose side bowed out of the FA Trophy following a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Brentwood Town at the weekend, said afterwards: “We didn’t do ourselves justice on Saturday, when we produced our poorest first half of the season, so we showed great character tonight.

“It was quite an entertaining game with several chances in the first half and a few good blocks. At 2-0 if the opposition score it is squeaky bum time for the last ten minutes, but they didn’t create a clear-cut chance in the second half and we are pleased to keep a clean sheet.

“It is pleasing to win after Saturday, otherwise you can get in a rut; we have been up and down like a yo-yo.

“It is good to get through, but Millsy is likely to be out for three months with a torn ligament in his shoulder and the injury has overshadowed the result as he has been very good for us.”