A comfortable 3-0 victory over holders Felixstowe & Walton United saw Needham Market reclaim the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup last night.
Two goals inside seven minutes later in the first-half and a third after 54 minutes saw the Marketmen ease to a fifth win in six seasons and seventh in total at Bury Town FC.
Needham took the lead from a Reggie Lambe penalty in the 38th minute after Jack Ainsley fouled Myles Cowling in attempting to clear the ball.
It was Cowling who swept home the second after 44 minutes when a good move down the Needham left ended with Ollie Saunders squaring the ball to him across the six-yard box.
The Seasiders made a triple substitution at the interval in an attempt to get back into the match, but it was Needham substitute Seth Chambers who had the biggest impact.
He was allowed to run through the centre of the defence unopposed, and although Harry Wright blocked his initial shot, Chambers kept his cool to score from the loose ball.
Needham Market Manager Tom Rothery said: “I am really proud of what the lads did tonight, I thought they played really well.
“I have just said to them in the changing room that was one of the things that we wanted to do at the start of the season and we have managed to do that.
“They are a good side, there is no doubt about it, and they are doing really well in their league and off the back of that, that gives you confidence and momentum.
“We experienced that last year (when Needham were relegated) and we’re now having the reverse effect of that. I think we are a good side, and we play at a certain pace, so it is hard to from their normal pace they play at and then come to the pace that we play at.”
Felixstowe & Walton United Manager Stuart Ainsley conceded that Needham were comfortable winners on the night.
“I don’t think the score flattered them at all, to be honest. We were just beaten by the better side over the 95 minutes.”
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