MARKETWOMEN TOPPLE U'S WITH BRACE IN LEAGUE PLATE

The win came in blustery conditions as Storms hit the UK over the weekend, but it didn’t derail the home side as a double from Kiera Topple put Needham in control at the break.

No goals were scored in the second period but of the chances it was the home side who had the best to extend their lead than the visitors getting back into the contest.

It was a strong start by the home side as both sides tried to get used to the wind and Anna Sullivan was first to go close after just five minutes, but her shot was dragged wide.

But it didn’t take long to turn that warning into a goal when a smart pass found Topple and she was denied at close range but the rebound fell back to her and she tucked it into the corner. 

There weren’t many other chances through the half with most attempts from the home side either wide or comfortable for the keeper. 

But the lead was doubled just before the break when Adele Stalnionis beat her full back and put over a tantalizing cross that hung up taking out the keeper and defenders on the line and finding the unmarked Topple to bundle in at the back post. 

The second half started badly for the hosts when centre back Ciera Flatt went down after a late challenge and had to leave the field on crutches after only just coming back from a broken rib she sustained at the back end of pre-season. 

There wasn’t a lot of chances as the half drew on although the best ones did fall to the home side where Jae Lewis-Samuel missed a sitter.

To be fair to her she didn’t let it affect her and she had another chance that just cleared the bar before seeing a cross deflected narrowly wide by one of the covering centre backs. 

Colchester didn’t offer much of a threat, although they did feel a ball had crossed the line from a melee in the box after Needham failed to clear a corner. 

On the whole though Needham defended very well, and will hope that the clean sheet and victory will be something to build on going forward.