NEEDHAM MARKET | WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

Hat-trick hero on a special day

Jamie McGrath couldn’t have dreamt of a better scenario than the one that panned out on Saturday afternoon.

Not only did Needham Market get a 3-1 victory over Royston Town and nearest challengers, Mickleover, fall to defeat by the same scorelines, but he also helped himself to a title-winning hat-trick as his side were crowned Pitching In Southern League Premier Central champions!

“It’s unreal,” he told his club’s media. “Just to get it over the line is what we wanted to do, but to do it in the manner we did, I am absolutely buzzing.

“I didn’t really care how we did, I just wanted us to get hold of that trophy, but for me to get a hat-trick was pretty special and something I will never forget.

“In terms of their importance, those three goals are the best I’ve ever scored, but there were so many great performances out there, not just on Saturday but throughout the whole season.

“The boys at the back have been unbelievable. Our home record defensively is just ridiculous, so that's where it all starts. Thankfully, this year we've been able to back it up a little bit more at the other end.

“We actually lost the opening game of the season 6-1, so to come back from that and win the League with a few games to spare is such a fantastic achievement by everyone involved.

“The supporters have stuck with us and been excellent all season. They’ve made themselves loud; we don’t get the biggest in terms of numbers but they’ve certainly been loud and that backing means so much to us.”

The Marketmen has won the title with three games left to play. On Tuesday they host Stamford before returning to home soil on April 20th for the visit of second-place Mickleover and then rounding the season off with a trip to Redditch United a week later.

We congratulate the club on their achievement.

IMAGE: Needham Market FC

Needham Market Web Site