Luke Ingram | Needham Market

Needham Market have recently gone through a much needed change of fortunes in recent weeks, which has seen the side suffer just one defeat in five

📸 Needham Market FC

The Suffolk side suffered a damming relegation just months ago, but in a league they won 18 months ago, Tom Rothery's side currently sit 7th in the table. Luke Ingram is a highly influential figure at the club, not just as a club legend, but also their current highest league scorer. The 31 year old has been at the club since 2013, and almost a year ago to the day reached the landmark of 500 club appearances.

The midfielder featured in his first ever season at step 2 last season in the National League North made 37 league appearances, scoring seven goals. This season, Ingram is one of five of the Marketmen's players who have featured in all 14 of their league games this season (alongside James Bradbrook, Dan Morphew, Tom Smith, and Joe Neal).

I spoke with Luke after their recent success on the pitch to get his thoughts on the club's current situation in the league, how much the derby win meant, as well as the club's ambitions for the season.

"I was really happy to get back on the scoresheet against Stourbridge the other week. I had gone a couple of games without scoring, and it started to get on my mind and become an issue, but since then I have been happy with my goal output of five so far this season. I always try to hit the 20 goal mark, so fingers crossed I can reach my ambition and help the side achieve something special.

"Having played just a few days before and won, it was amazing to get the result we did against Bury in the local derby. Due to our geographical location, we are not blessed with many local derbies in this league, especially after we were moved to the midland league again, so it is always important to get those kind of wins when we can for the fans.

"Local derbies are always amazing and bring extra energy and an edge to people and a squad. We were very happy to get one over on Bury, our first league game against them for as long as I or anyone else can remember, and now hope in the coming weeks we can get one over on Leiston for their smash and grab at our place.

"Not to forget the two games too come against Sudbury as well, which we will relish as well. We missed these three games when we were at step 2 last season. To add to the good mood in camp, it was extremely necessary to get probably the biggest win of the season away at Kettering the other week, so besides the Halesowen game last weekend, our confidence is sky high at the moment.

"There is no reason why we can't be in the play-off spots come the end of the season in my opinion. A chance at winning the league will be tough, very tough with the way Harborough and Spalding are playing and the budgets some clubs have in this league. But there is no reason we can't bring more unheard of success to the club and Suffolk. We pulled off a minor miracle last time and had slid under the radar then, so who knows."

Needham's Season In Numbers

4️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ | Needham Market - have been ahead for 434 minutes (289) of which at home this season in the Southern Premier Central, more than anyone else in the division in both statistics.

1️⃣3️⃣ | Needham Market - have scored 13 first half goals in the Southern Premier Central, and only Quorn (15) have scored more.

9️⃣ | Needham Market - have scored nine first half goals at home this season in the Southern Premier Central, more than anyone else in the division.

6️⃣ | Needham Market have scored six goals in the 15 minute plus stoppage time period before half-time this season in the Southern Premier Central, and only Spalding United (7) have scored more.

5️⃣ | Needham Market - have scored five goals through defenders this season in the Southern Premier Central, more than anyone else in the division.