Tom Rothery | Needham Market

Needham Market have struck form at the perfect time, and achieved a fourth win on the spin last night in their win at Stourbridge. A Kieran Morphew header was enough to complete the quadruple of wins against Bromsgrove, Sudbury, Barwell & the Glassboys.

📸 Needham Market

The Marketmen sat 9th and four points from the play-offs after a 95th minute 1-0 defeat at Sixways against Worcester City on March 28th. After the win last night in Amblecote, the Suffolk side sit 4th in the table, and three points clear of 6th.

Courtesy of Football Web Pages

I spoke with manager Tom Rothery last night, following the crucial win after a long six hour round trip.

“I expected a tough game last night, and it certainly proved to be the case. They were very front footed, I guess because they could play without any pressure given they achieved mathematical survival at the weekend.

“We battled really well and dealt with that, but did find it hard to get any rhythm in the game. I think the key to it was defensively we were solid, and when they did create, our goalkeeper had a good night and made a couple of really good saves.

“The lads are a really tight group, there’s a good togetherness, and that’s been the case for the whole season. There is a core of players that have played together a long time and the players we added in the summer have really brought into that, and added to it.

The mood last night in the changing room, we were obviously pleased to have got the win, but we know there’s still more to do, and the job is still yet to be done. I said after the Redditch defeat (21st March) if we didn’t make the play offs, I would be disappointed, but still proud of what we’ve done this season.

“I feel like the lads have given me everything and I’ve really enjoyed watching them play. From this point forward, nothing changes really despite us being in a really good position as it stands. I just want more of the same, what I expect from them and what they demand from themselves.

“My message to the fans is to just keep supporting us. There were a few that travelled up to Stourbridge which is a huge journey on a Wednesday night. I could hear them, and it lifted the lads, so keep backing them and thanks for supporting us. Hopefully we can keep giving them things to be happy about.”

So what has been the key to Needham’s current position in the league table? The side for a start have picked up more points than any other team in the division across every club’s last four games.

Courtesy of Football Web Pages

A strong rearguard has helped the Marketmen pick up some huge points across the campaign. Only Harborough (8), Kettering (9) & Stratford (11) have dropped fewer points from winning positions this season than Needham’s 14.

In a wider picture, an amazing run in 2026 has contributed as well. Only Harborough (45), Real Bedford (43) & Kettering Town (36) have picked up more points this calendar month so far than Needham’s 30.

Arguably the biggest help towards what looks to be a play-off campaign for Needham is the continuity in the squad. They have had 13 players feature in 30 or more of their 40 league games this season, more than anyone else in the division.

Not to mention that only Leiston (23) have used fewer players this season than Needham’s 24. A tight-knit bun, who edged one step closer last night to an instant return to the National League North.