Needham Mkt Res 1 Beccles 2

Beccles travelled to Needham Market to take on a team that plays two leagues higher, in the Suffolk Senior Cup first round.

Needham kicked off but it was Beccles who took the game to their hosts.

Town were keeping the ball well in the opening exchanges and being very positive going forward. In the first 20 minutes Beccles were able to hit Needham on the counter-attack to create some chances which were not converted.

On 25 minutes the hosts created their first chance and opened the scoring when a forward breached the back line and latched onto a through ball.

Cable was off his line quickly but the striker was able to round him and slot home to make the score 1-0.

Beccles responded well and created a couple of chances when Hurren raced through and forced a good save from the keeper, and soon after Bailey flashed a shot just over.

Before the half was out, Beccles had two clear penalty shouts which were not given.

Firstly a defender handled the ball to stop Clark getting in one on one.

Then Bailey was brought down in full flight but the referee deemed the tackle to be fair.

The second half started well for Beccles with Clark getting lots of the ball and making things tick, whilst Milton and Udell were dominating the midfield.

This allowed Town to grow in to the game.

On 65 minutes, Beccles had another penalty shout when again, Bailey was brought down in the box but the referee waved play on.

Soon after, Beccles made some changes with Remblance replacing the tiring Milton and Clarke coming on to replace Shreeve.

These substitutions seemed to have an immediate impact on proceedings.

Joe Clark, now operating on the left of midfield, managed to receive the ball in promising positions but on both occasions could not find a finish.

On 83 minutes, Beccles made the breakthrough when substitute Clarke latched onto Barnard’s through ball and finished expertly into the bottom corner on the half volley.

A few moments before the goal, Luke Pierce made an outstanding block to deny the hosts a second and almost certainly a place in the next round after the striker had rounded Cable.

Beccles were not finished there and went on to score a winner a few minutes later.

This time Remblance crossed for Clarke to control and allow Clark to smash the ball into the net.

Beccles had to hold out for the final few minutes and this was made easier when a Needham player’s frustration told as he was sent off for a reckless tackle on Bailey.

Beccles Town: Cable, Booker, Pierce, Shade, Shreeve, Milton, Udell, Hurren, Barnard, Clarke, Bailey. Subs: Clark, Remblance, Bemment.