Woodbridge lined up without leading scorer Allicion Blake and Ben Seaman, both injured last week at Wroxham whilst Jon Bickers, Ben Garnham and Tony Boto also remained missing through injury.

The larger than average crowd, boosted by the travelling Needham Market support saw both teams threaten in the opening 20 minutes, Paul Hart and Lee O'Neill for the Woodpeckers and Danny Thrower for Needham and it was Thrower who started the move for Needham's first goal assisted by Tommy Smith and Craig Parker who rounded goalkeeper Marcus Garnham before providing James Evans with a simple finish.

Despite further first half opportunities, neither team tested the goalkeepers with Woodbridge's approach more fluent, whilst Needham employed the high ball to cover ground.

As the second half started the match was still well within Woodbridge's reach but an instant five  minute spell which saw Needham score three times ended the outcome with 35 minutes still on the clock. Tommy Smith ran clear to shoot past Garnham, Smith finished a good move from close range and Needham skipper and ex Woodbridge stalwart Mark Bailey added the fourth heading home Danny Thrower's free kick also from close range.

At the other end Paul Hart and Lee O'Neill had half chances but Woodbridge lacked the clinical finishing displayed by the visitors.

In the dying minutes, Needham might have increased their lead to five when Marcus Garnham was cautioned for felling Ben Deacon in the box but Deacon's well placed spot kick was excellently saved by Garnham.

Team: M. Garnham, Sheppard, Monaghan, Scales, Roper, Miller, Churchyard, Hart, O'Neill, Berry, Read. Subs: Hillyard, Blake, Toumi