Needham Market continued their defence of the Women’s Suffolk FA Cup with a comprehensive 5-0 quarter final win over AFC Sudbury’s reserve side.
It was the best tribute the team could give after the sad passing of Shelia Sharp the mother of Needham first team player Jodie Sharp, who was in attendance as a minute's applause was observed before kick-off.
Only one goal was scored in the first half thanks to Lucy Loomes but Needham looked the most likely to score throughout.
The second half saw Needham have their shooting boots on as Loomes added a second, Molly Hall hammered home, an own goal and then the goal of the game from Lina Nagib.
Needham started as slight favourites but knew that Sudbury’s Reserve team would be a tricky assignment, but they almost went ahead after just 2 minutes when Hall didn’t get enough of a connection from an Amber Cantwell Free Kick.
They were the better team but just missing that final pass and were made to wait until the 35th minute, when Loomes got clear - her finish was well saved but she tucked home therebound.
It was tight at the break, but the second half saw the gulf in class as Needham showed themselves the champions they are.
Loomes added a second as her powerful shot was parried but too hot to stop nestling in the net before a minute later Hall added a third with a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
At 3-0 Needham were in control and handed a fourth goal as Lucie Wickham misjudged her header to the keeper and nestled into the corner for an unfortunate own goal.
The game was over but not the action as the best was saved for last with Nagib taking aim from 35 yards and the next minute the ball was in the net with everyone including the keeper stood admiring the rocket.
Needham kept coming but could not find another as they put down a marker to rest of the competition that they will not give up their crown without a fight.
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