Feisty Draw In The Broads - Wroxham vs. Needham Market

It was a glorious day in Norfolk

For my second match of the Easter weekend, I made the long to journey to Norfolk for the big Ryman League Division One North game between play off chasing Wroxham and title chasing Needham Market. Needham Market were looking to avoid play off defeats of recent years and go up automatically as champions. The home side who were reprieved from relegation last season were making the best of their let off. Both of these teams have come up from The Eastern Counties League relativity recently and are among numerous sides which have come up from this league and made a big impact at the higher level. The hosts were looking to avenge the two nil defeat they suffered at Bloomfields back in December.

Kick off at Trafford Park

At the start of the game Needham are able to put a couple of crosses into the area but the first one is over hit and the second is blocked. Wroxham's first chance is a free header at the back which lacks the power to worry the keeper. They have another chance as a cross isn't fully cleared but is blazed well over the bar. The home keeper then has a worrying moment when he spills a well hit free kick and he is thankful that his defence is on hand to clear the danger. Needham for the first time get in behind the Wroxham defence but by the time they get a shot away the defenders have regrouped and the shot is blocked. Needham get in again and this time the Wroxham keeper has to block a chipped effort. In the closing stages of the half, Needham have a big penalty shout when the forward is seemingly sent flying in the box but the referee books him for diving much to his frustration.

Both sides keep an eye on a Wroxham ball into the area.

Wroxham have the first chance of the second half when a free kick from out wide is headed just over the bar. A long throw in the Wroxham area causes panic in the home defence but they regain their composure to clear the danger. A good Wroxham move then almost provides a good opening and the Needham defender has to be aware to intervene at the crucial moment. Needham create another good crossing opportunity when the winger is able to get the byline but he cross is dealt with comfortably. The Needham fans get wind that closest title rivals Harlow are losing which edges them closer to the championship. Arguably their best chance comes when the forward is played in on goal and the keeper rushes out of his goal to make a great sliding challenge. In the final moments, Wroxham are able to break out quickly and the squared ball finds the forward but his puts his shot over the bar under pressure from the Needham defender.

A first half Needham attack

Wroxham takes a little while to reach from London. You need to take a train from Liverpool Street to Norwich and change for a train to Hoveton and Wroxham. The journey takes two and a half hours and is very expensive if not booked in advance. Wroxham is an attractive village on The Broads are there are lots of boats and other touristy things close to the station. The only real pub is The Kings Head and so it is lucky that this is a great pub. There is a very good selection of beers and ales as well as having Sky and BT Sports. As it felt like the first real day of summer it was very busy and I can imagine it will be rammed at the height of the season. Trafford Park is then a fifteen minute, up hill walk away. The clubhouse unfortunately temporarily had no drinks on tap but there was still enough drinks on offer. I also fully recommend having one of the delicious cakes from the tea window.

Another good Easter weekend crowd at Trafford Park