Molly Hall was at the double to keep her incredible start to 2023 going with another brace in a brilliant 3-2 derby victory over Sudbury at Bloomfields.
Hall gave the side an early lead but against the run of play the visitors were level thanks to an OG before Hall again and then a rocket from Paige Wakefield gave Needham a 2-goal lead at half time.
The second half was tighter with the hero debutant Evie McKane in goal with three massive saves, although Jess Allen made it a nervy finish.
Needham started better and could have been ahead thanks to a Wakefield header but only a few minutes later broke the deadlock as Hall finished off a goalmouth scramble.
Lina Nagib hit the post as the home side dominated, but against the run of play it was all square as the linesman flagged for the ball crossing the line from what looked like an OG.
But from the kick off Needham reacted; Eva Hubbard flew into the penalty area and laid off a beautiful, weighted pass to Hall to regain the lead immediately.
The game settled down after that but out of nowhere an absolute rocket from Wakefield – from 30-35 yards out – smashed into the roof of the net.
The game petered out towards half time with long delays for a couple of head injuries sustained by Sudbury’s players.
The second half turned into a cagey affair with Sudbury pressing high and looking to push Needham back, which they coped with very well keeping Sudbury at arm’s length.
Young McKane in goal was the difference with three massive saves to keep the two-goal advantage intact.
Nerves were tested late on when Allen tapped in with 10 minutes remaining but the tempers in the Sudbury side flared up with Ali Lambe sin binned and the Sudbury manager shown a yellow card.
The last two league matches have been challenging but the way the team managed the second half, especially the final 10 minutes, showed great character to see out a vital three points and Derby Day Delight.
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