IT will be a tale of two keepers at Needham Market on Monday as Danny Gay prepares to face his old team mates for the first time since moving to divisional rivals AFC Sudbury.

But despite losing his number one – and also his top scorer Craig Parker – Needham boss Danny Laws has no regrets. Quite the contrary.

After watching his talented side fall just short in their first season in the Ryman League Division One North, Laws set about making changes – and lots of them.

Seven new players were brought in within weeks of the campaign ending and Laws didn’t stop there before last week’s big kick-off.

But it was his choice of Gay’s replacement that was most crucial. Enter former Ipswich Town trainee Andrew Plummer who has excelled in the first two matches – a fantastic 7-0 opening day triumph against Potters Bar Town and a solid 1-1 draw against Heybridge Swifts.

Laws said: “Danny helped us get out of the Ridgeons League and always had a very professional attitude.

“But I am delighted to have secured Andrew. He is 21 years of age and has been playing in the League of Ireland so he certainly came with a good pedigree.

“We had to get international clearance to sign him and other clubs were looking, so we are delighted he chose us.

“While we don’t want to put too much pressure on the boy, I am very excited about him.”

Laws is expecting a predictably tough test against Sudbury on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm ko) but must first focus on today’s trip to Waltham Forest.

But following his side’s impressive start as they look to go one better than last season’s play-off exit, Laws added: “We had five players making their debut on Saturday and another three coming off the bench.

“So to win 7-0 is all credit to the players who have really taken the information I have given them on board.

“I was delighted with how they gelled as a unit and we are heading in the right direction. It certainly bodes well for the rest of the season.”

Monday’s match against AFC Sudbury has been added to the half price entry for Ipswich Town and Colchester United season-ticket holders deal at Bloomfields this season upon production of their ticket at the turnstiles.

n Needham Market squad for both games: Plummer, Evans, Pemberton, B Barber, Boyland, Johnson, Napier, Fenn, Newson, Bloomfield, Thrower, Foster, D’eath, Chaplin, Wade, Dew, Wright, R Barber.