Evo-Stik Southern Premier Central Needham Market 1 Alvechurch 0 Needham Market finished the season as Suffolk’s top non league club following a 1-0 victory over Alvechurch, writes Drew Kendall.

East Anglian Daily Times: Needham Market players applaud their fans after beating Alvechurch. Picture: BEN POOLEYNeedham Market players applaud their fans after beating Alvechurch. Picture: BEN POOLEY (Image: Archant)

The goal came on the stroke of half-time, after Sturgess’ corner wasn’t dealt with on-loan Colchester United striker Decarrey Sheriff smashed into the net from close range.

Needham could have made it 2-0 on 53 minutes, as Sheriff’s shot was blocked with Jake Dye putting the rebound over the unguarded net. Alvechurch’s best chance came on 63 minutes as the play-off contestants glanced a header wide of the far post.

Seven minutes later meanwhile, Needham went close again after Adam Mills ran through into the box to square across to Joe Marsden with an open goal, but he couldn’t get it on target.

Mills was involved again a minute later, the winger’s chipped shot was palmed superbly by the Alvechurch keeper onto the top of the bar for a corner.

Mills then smashed just wide of far post soon after, before the winger’s shot drew a great diving save from the keeper across to his right with three minutes left.

The win sees Needham finish 11th in the table.

East Anglian Daily Times: Needham's Adam Mills looks to play a cross into the box. Picture: BEN POOLEYNeedham's Adam Mills looks to play a cross into the box. Picture: BEN POOLEY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Needham go close to adding a second against Alvechurch. Picture: BEN POOLEYNeedham go close to adding a second against Alvechurch. Picture: BEN POOLEY (Image: Archant)