IPSWICH WANDERERS 1 v. NEEDHAM MARKET 1
RIDGEONS PREMIER LEAGUE
MONDAY 17TH APRIL 2006

Needham had been hit by injuries and fielded an unfamiliar lineup whilst Wanderers were virtually unchanged from the victory over Norwich. Cloud cover had blotted out the earlier sunshine as Wanderers kicked off in front of a sizable, enthusiastic crowd for this most local of local derbies.
The game started at a pace now obligatory of these encounters with both sides intent on attack and both sides being uncompromising in the tackle.. On 6 mins Ricky Martin's cross come shot was palmed over by a retreating Munson, but neither side created a superiority, although much of the play took place in the Needham half.
Wanderers took the lead on 23 mins as a Bradley Barber Barber clearance from midfield found Rene Swann outpacing Hughes and Crouch to round Munson and tap home.

The Needham striking partnership of Jones and Head was supplemented whenever possible by Musgrove and Inglis but they were given very little room by Mark Goldfinch and Chris Tracey. On 35 mins Ricky Martin nearly increased Wanderers lead, beating Crouch to the ball and heading firmly against the bar with Munson beaten.

A foul on Bradley Barber by Betts in the centre circle sparked a flurry of 'handbags' but the referee and the half time whistle soon brought an end to that with no real damage done.
Ipswich Wanderers 1 Needham Market 0

Needham reinforced their back line with the introduction of Howlett but they still struggled up front against a determined Wanderers defence in which Mark Goldfinch was outstanding against a pacey Jones.

With 20 mins of the half gone, Needham started to knock the ball about to more effect and Mann had a lob sail just over after Jamie Stannard had rushed out to the edge of the area to close down the fullback.

On 70 mins, Head hammered home the equaliser, after a persistent Needham had kept the ball in on the byline after the home side had left it to go out. This was just reward for the visitor's period of improved play which appeared to rock Wanderers back on their heels. Howlett was unlucky not to get more from his powerful header when on the end of Musgrove's deep free kick and from another free kick, this time nearer the penalty area, Inglis fired over.

Paul Westren wasted a good chance at the other end after tricky dribbling skills had taken David Grimwood deep into the opposition area.

It was obvious that Needham were happier with the one point than Wanderers, who had hoped to draw level with their near neighbours in the league.
Ipswich Wanderers 1 Needham Market 1