Needham Market boss, Richard Wilkins, heralded Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay win over Royston Town as “a great result for the club.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Dan Morphew, who is playing well in the heart of defence for Needham Market. He helped to keep a clean-sheet against Royston Town. Picture: BEN POOLEYDan Morphew, who is playing well in the heart of defence for Needham Market. He helped to keep a clean-sheet against Royston Town. Picture: BEN POOLEY (Image: Archant)

The Marketmen booked their place in the first round proper of the competition, thanks to first-half goals by James Baker and Adam Mills in a 2-0 success over the Crows at a very wet and windy Bloomfields, following a goalless draw at Garden Walk last weekend.

“The conditions were very difficult. In fact, they were treacherous for both teams,” admitted Wilkins.

“But credit to both teams for playing some really good football, in what was another very tight game, just like last Saturday.

“We managed to pounce on a couple of defensive errors, and it’s great to get through to the next round.

“It’s great for the club, especially for all the volunteers who put so much work into the club. They work a lot of hours, especially with regards some of the new structures at the place. This win, and getting through to the first round proper of the FA Trophy, will put smiles on a late of faces.

“It’s good for the club, and although Weymouth away (December 15) is one of the furthest away trips we could get, we will be going there full of confidence, and they do get good gates,” added Wilkins.

Former Bury Town and Leiston boss Wilkins admitted that his side did have a couple of close decisions go in their favour, on Tuesday night, but he was also full of praise for his stoic defence.

“One or two decisions went for us, but then again we have had a few decisions go against us in previous weeks. So it’s important to realise that, and not just moan when things go against you,” said Wilkins.

“Royston might have had a penalty in the first half, and the ball might have been over the line with a minute to go, though they wouldn’t have had enough time to get back into it.

“It was a great effort from the boys. They had to really scrap for it, 100%.

“The thing that pleased me most was our defence, and being able to keep a clean-sheet. The defence has become tighter, and they did well against what was a very powerful attacking force in Royston.

“We put bodies on the line. You know what you get with the Morphews (Keiran and Dan), while Joe Marsden showed his versatility at left-back.”

Ironically, Needham are away at Royston in the league this Saturday, their third meeting in eight days.