NEEDHAM Market manager Danny Laws takes his second-placed team to leaders Mildenhall in the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League tomorrow.But the former Norwich City coach says that he remains realistic.

By Elvin King

NEEDHAM Market manager Danny Laws takes his second-placed team to leaders Mildenhall in the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League tomorrow.

But the former Norwich City coach says that he remains realistic.

“If I am honest I have to admit that we have over-achieved,” said Laws, who runs Needham with central defender Chris Tracey.

“Of course we want to win every game and we have a chance to complete a double over Mildenhall.

“But we do not have the capacity to sign experienced players.

“In fact, apart from Chris Tracey and Mark Bailey I don't think most people will have heard of any of our players.

“We had no players at the start of the season and have to be pleased with what we have achieved.

“Having been in the top three for most of the time we want to stay there, but realistically it will be next season and the one after when we will be better equipped to become champions.”

Needham lost 3-2 at home to Wisbech last Saturday, and they are six points behind Mildenhall. And there are chasing clubs with matches in hand.

“If we had not lost last weekend we would have stood a better chance of making an impact with a win tomorrow,” added Laws.

“The likes of Wroxham and Leiston are breathing down our necks and have the capacity to improve their squad, which we haven't.

“Needham are a brilliant club, and I can see my stay being long term.

“We have plenty to build and want to now drive forward and not slip backwards.

“We are not intimidated by anybody and what I want to see tomorrow is for us to play together and show our usual spirit.”

Needham have signed Suffolk Youth team player Nathan Szyszlyk from Achilles after he impressed in a 4-1 friendly win over Hadleigh on Tuesday.

He goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's match, but Scott Wark who also faced Hadleigh is still some way from match fitness after a long-standing hamstring problem.

Mildenhall have only lost three league games - and only one away. That was at Bloomfields, and Needham will be after a significant double.

Laws' managerial partnership with Tracey is working well, with the former saying: “We mix well together and have a joint input on selections. Chris is very professional, and I see our partnership as long-term”

Leiston are at home to Halstead, while Woodbridge have done well with their young side to overtake Ipswich Wanderers in the table.

Woodbridge are at home to Histon reserves while Wanderers face a trip to Newmarket. Steve Potts' Felixstowe and Walton have only their third league game of 2007 when they take on Soham at Dellwood Avenue.

In Division One, Whitton United visit Cornard tonight, while Walsham-le-Willows will be looking to get back into the top three promotion places with a home win over Stowmarket Town tomorrow.

Hadleigh, who are currently third, visit sixth-placed Saffron Walden. Debenham Leisure Centre travel to Thetford having slipped down to fifth.