SOCCER: Stowmarket 3 Needham Market 1. Holders Stowmarket had to wait until the second period of this local derby before finally overcoming their near-neighbours to earn their final place where they will meet either Woodbridge Town or Ipswich Athletic in the May 11 final, to be played at Woodbridge Town's ground.
Churchman Cup semi-final
Stowmarket 3 Needham Market 1
Holders Stowmarket had to wait until the second period of this local derby before finally overcoming their near-neighbours to earn their final place where they will meet either Woodbridge Town or Ipswich Athletic in the May 11 final, to be played at Woodbridge Town's ground.
It took until the 50th minute before Stowmarket made the breakthrough when Stuart Jopling was unmarked and he scored from close range, his 30th goal of the season. Moments later Stowmarket added their second when a Carl Ratcilffe cross found its way into the Needham net off Kevin Barker.
Stowmarket sent on manager Mel Aldis for a few minutes at the end but the game was made safe for the home side when Roger Aldis shot underneath the body of Needham keeper Matt Fenn.
Needham did grab a late consolation goal when Stowmarket defender Darren Scoulding turned the ball into his own net.
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