Second-placed Needham Market have done nothing in half-measures this season, which is why they remain in a good position to win promotion.

Last season, the Marketmen drew 12 of their 46 league games, the most of any of the top eight clubs, which resulted in them just scraping into the play-offs, where they lost to Witham Town.

By contrast, Mark Morsley’s men have not drawn any of their first 19 league games this season.

Instead, they have won 15 from 19 and lost the other four, the latest at promotion rivals Harlow Town last Saturday.

Tonight, Needham will hope to return to winning ways, at home to fourth-bottom Redbridge.

“No trophy is given out in November. It was disappointing to lose at Harlow, but you would rather have a win and a defeat than two draws,” said Morsley.

“That’s something we have changed from last season. We drew too many games.

“This season we are far more bullish and more adventurous, and that’s what got us back in the game at Harlow.

“We’ve got to carry on, and believe we can beat teams. Promotion is still a realistic goal for us.”

The Marketmen sat on top of the Ryman One North table, before Saturday’s showdown.

But although Danny Cunningham drilled home a 53rd minute equaliser, substitute Shane Stamp headed home the winner just 10 minutes later.

As a result, Harlow leapfrogged Needham into top spot, one point clear with a game in hand.

“I was disappointed with the reaction in that game, but Harlow are not a millions miles away from us, unlike last season, when VCD Athletic (last season’s champions) were by far the best team,” explained Morsley.

“We look forward to getting them back to our place, and having another crack at them.

“If we had been well beaten (at Harlow), then you’d think – ‘It’s back to the drawing board’ – but there’s just some fine tuning to be done.

He added: “We must take Saturday’s defeat on the chin, and realise Harlow are going to drop points during the season. I’ve seen enough to think that we can go on and win the league.

“Often, a team nestling in second place at this stage of the season, who hits their run at the right time, goes on to win the league.”

“I hope that happens to us.”