10-day break is just what Needham Market DID NOT want!
Needham's Jake Dye, right. He and his team-mates travel to Staines at the weekend. Photo: BEN POOLEY - Credit: Archant
Plenty of clubs would enjoy a 10-day break at this time of the season.
Needham boss Richard Wilkins - Credit: Archant
Time to let a few injuries heal, time to take stock.
But Needham Market boss Richard Wilkins has been left frustrated with the fact his side have been without a game for that length of time – and all after a crushing 5-1 win over Harlow last time out in the Bostik Premier.
The Marketmen host Staines on Saturday, in what will be a tough test.
Having been without a game last Saturday because Margate were in an re-arranged FA Trophy match, Needham’s league game with Burgess Hill was then called off on Tuesday night because the Sussex side were in County Cup action against East Grinstead, in front of 48 fans!
“To say we’ve been left very disappointed by having no game for 10 days is an understatement,” Wilkins said.
“We had just enjoyed a great win over Harlow, all my players were great. Confidence was high and we just wanted to go again. OK, Margate, away, would have been tough. But at least it was on a Saturday, it will be tougher going down there midweek.
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“Then the Burgess Hill game on Tuesday is also postponed.”
Needham were supposed to play Margate last weekend, but the south coast team ended up playing Egham, who had originally been knocked out by Bowers & Pitsea in the FA Trophy, before the Essex side were thrown out of the competition.
Burgess Hill were in Sussex County Cup action on Tuesday, although their game with Needham had long been on the Bostik Premier fixture list.
“We seem to be getting a few tough calls on and off the pitch,” Wilkins added.
“We could have done with a game after the Harlow match. You know what it’s like. Winning breeds confidence.”
Needham are currently one place above the relegation places in Bostik Premier. However, they are just three points below 13th placed Leatherhead in the 24-strong division.
“Our biggest problem is consistency,” admitted Wilkins.
“Against Harlow I reckon every player was worth eight out of ten. That’s what you need.
“But on too many occasions, one or two players don’t perform and that costs us.”
