NEEDHAM Market FC have just put the icing on the cake on their best-ever season. After winning the East Anglian Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over Concord Rangers, the club held its annual awards evening with special praise given to the exciting young first team and their achievements this year.

NEEDHAM Market FC have just put the icing on the cake on their best-ever season.

After winning the East Anglian Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over Concord Rangers, the club held its annual awards evening with special praise given to the exciting young first team and their achievements this year.

Many people were predicting doom and gloom for Needham after they lost first team manager Mark Morsley at the end of the 2005/6 season. In fact, the whole first team squad apart from one player followed Morsley out of the door.

In the space of nine months the current regime has not only stabilised the club but taken it on to another level.

The Needham Market supporters have really been treated to passionate football by a team with an average age of just 21.

Manager Danny Laws said: “I am delighted with the achievements of this team, what has made these players is the fact that no one thought they were good enough.

“You don't pick up players from other teams because they are getting a game every week. We had to attract a whole first-team squad to this club, as we are not in a position to go around picking up all the best players!”

With a new first team Needham managed to finish the season in fourth position of the Ridgeons Premier League, two places higher than the previous year.

The fact that this has been achieved with players of limited experience at this level is even more remarkable.

Laws added: “The lads who have come here were either untried or not getting a regular game. One thing they do have is desire, and what comes with that is an attitude to win against the odds.

“Without doubt they have massively over-achieved. To finish one place behind the previous season's champions and to be the best placed team within the Ipswich catchment area is something we can be all very proud of.”

Needham finished the season with a back four and goalkeeper with only one player was above the age of 20.

The two elder statesman of the team, captain Mark Bailey and joint manager Chris Tracey, are into their 30s while the next oldest player has just turned 23.