Needham Market manager Mark Morsley hopes last weekend’s defeat at home to Ware was a ‘watershed’ for his team.

The Hertfordshire side’s victory at Bloomfields made it three league home defeats so far this season for the Marketmen, who still sit top of Ryman North thanks to Maldon’s victory over Harlow in midweek.

Today, Needham travel to Cheshunt – a team with a mixed home record.

“We had a good meeting after the game against Ware and much was said,” Morsley said.

“It wasn’t a throwing tea-cups around situation and all that, but there were constructive thoughts on what went wrong.

“We’ve played much of this season as a 3-4-3 and when the pitches have been good, that has worked well. But now they are getting heavy it’s an idea to change the formation.

“We’ve lost three matches at home – teams have ‘parked the bus’ and we have struggled to break them down.

“Away from home we haven’t had that problem because home teams don’t do that.”

Cheshunt were thrashed 5-0 last weekend as Thamesmead took them to task.

Morsley is expecting a reaction from them and admits Needham face a tough December ahead.

“Cheshunt will be up for the game after last Saturday’s defeat,” he said.

“Coming up we play AFC Sudbury, Wroxham and Dereham, all form teams.

“Deep down I know my squad is the best in the division and if we can all get that belief it can create a wave of energy and determination that will take us on the winning run that we need.”

Meanwhile AFC Sudbury will look to keep their fine run of form going ahead of next weekend’s big FA Trophy clash at Braintree, as they entertain Aveley in Ryman North this afternoon.

David Batch’s side have lost five games at home in the league this season – a statistic that is currently keeping them out of the play-off places.

Ware host Maldon, who are still savouring their victory over high-flying Harlow during the week, while managerless Heybridge Swifts, who are just one point above the relegation places, entertain Tilbury – victory for Swifts would leapfrog them above the Dockers.