Needham Market (Tuesday, September 24)

Tuesday September 24

Needham Market 3 Dereham 2

ON A cold and misty Tuesday evening, my miserable mood was uplifted by the only way I know how – a proper Non-League game with goals aplenty!

I must be doing something right on Tuesday evenings. In my previous four midweek ground hops, I have seen no fewer than 19 goals… I’m told by my pals to expect a number of 0-0s. Well, sorry to say I guessed right again. I’m a goal fiend!

It was an entertaining first trip to Bloomfields, the home of Ryman North outfit Needham Market with the ground, like many in this league, being well disguised in a housing estate.

The lack of sign-posting made the task of finding it incredibly difficult, but some helpful locals had us there with plenty of time to spare. For those of you fortunate to drive, the ground does have ample parking for visiting supporters, with the added bonus of it being free of charge.

At the turnstiles the entry fee won’t hurt your wallet too much either, with the prices just below average for the league, at £8 for adults, £5 for concessions, £2 for under-16s and free entry for under-12s. That seemed to be a popular offer with plenty of kids turning out to support their local team.

The added youthful support made for a warm and vocal atmosphere and it was nice to see such a big youthful presence at a Non-League game which often isn’t the case!

When it comes to refreshments the club sells a range of hot and cold beverages at excellent prices including; hot dogs, burgers, bacon rolls and fish finger rolls. I didn’t get to try out the latter as they proved popular with the locals and were sold out long before kick-off.

My only disappointment when it comes to food was that chocolate bars were expensively priced at £1 each and that the hot chocolate, for £1.20, was slightly lacking in flavour.

The club also offers an excellent programme priced at £1, packed full of entertaining articles and eye catching statistics. Personally my favourite was the very informative and interesting around the ground piece, offering fans a short and useful guide to all the teams in the league.

The 205 fans inside Bloomfields were certainly treated to an excellent game of football – which Step 4 often provides – that saw the visitors go into the break with a two-goal lead, only to end up losing 3-2 after a disappointing second-half performance but it’s a great game of football.

I see another thriller and at this rate I should put myself up for hire for my next trip – wherever I am this season there’s guaranteed goals!

Overall Needham is one of the most fan-friendly grounds I have been to in recent years, offering a great atmosphere with excellent facilities at reasonable prices – definitely one for all Ryman North fans to put in their diaries!