Bostik Premier Needham Market 0 Harrow Borough 1 This was the final home game of the season for the Marketmen and the public relations initiative to reduce admission prices by 50% proved a succes, with 302 spectators in attendance at Bloomfields, writes John Campany.
Unfortunately the result was less generous as the visitors’ early goal proved decisive despite the considerable efforts of Richard Wilkins’ side, who were often thwarted by an excellent display from visiting custodian Melvin Minter as he pulled off a string of fine saves.
Heavily beaten in mid-week by champions elect Billericay Town, the home side were without the inspirational Kieran Morphew, and this was evidenced when the visitors made a storming start against an uncertain defence with Ryan Moss volleying just over.
However, not to be denied he made no mistake in the eighth minute when he struck home a powerful volley from George Moore’s cross to give the North London side the lead.
It was a sluggish opening from the Marketmen and they were nearly punished moments later when Charles Banya cut inside and unleashed a terrific shot that crashed against the bar.
Needham’s first shot on target, in the 37th minute, came from Callum Sturgess whose surging run concluded shooting with venom forcing Minter to a fully extended save.
Nevertheless, it was the visitors who ended the half strongly and the impressive Daniel Morphew made two fine tackles to keep the home side in touch.
After the break Harrow went close when Kurtis Cumberbatch forced Daniel Gay into a fingertip save.
But at the other end a Charlie Edge free kick forced Minter into a good stop and then the best home move of the match, involving Jamie Griffiths, Callum Sturgess and Gareth Heath, resulted in Jeremiah Kamanzi striking a rasping shot that Minter brilliantly saved low down.
Heath then set up Ryan Gibbs, but again Minter excelled and then the inspired keeper produced another great save from Heath’s header.
Harrow almost extended their lead when Chinua Cole, made a strong run through the defence, but Gay, not to be outdone by his counterpart, made a brilliant double save.
Needham’s next assignment will see them travel to Leiston on Tuesday evening.
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