PREVIEW: Needham Market U23s vs Woodbridge Town U23s

Tyler Howell in action v Soham Town Rangers U23, April 2025

Woodbridge Town U23s return to league action this weekend with a trip west to face Needham Market U23s, in what will be their first league fixture since 25th October.

After a lengthy break from league football, the Woodpeckers will be eager to hit the ground running. Three points on the road could see them climb as high as fourth place in the table, should other results fall in their favour. Equally, Needham Market know that a victory of their own would push them further up the standings, adding extra incentive for both sides in what promises to be a competitive encounter.

Woodbridge come into the match on the back of a positive result last time out, despite the lack of recent action. Their most recent competitive fixture came on 6th December, when they secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Senior Reserve Cup with an impressive win over Long Melford U23s. Goals from Owen Cameron, Callum Thorn and Marcus Page sealed progression and provided a timely confidence boost ahead of their return to league duties.

Needham Market, meanwhile, have already been in action since the turn of the year. The Marketmen earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against league leaders Stowmarket Town, a result that highlights the threat they pose. They currently sit seventh in the table, just one place and one point behind Woodbridge, though they have played three games more. Their record so far stands at three wins, one draw and six defeats.

Oscar Wakeling has been their main attacking outlet this season, leading the goalscoring charts with six goals from 13 appearances, while Henry Vieira is close behind with five goals in just seven games. It is also a welcome sight to see Oliver Bowman back in action following the injury he suffered earlier in the campaign during an U18s meeting between the two clubs.

For Woodbridge, the focus will be on maintaining their own attacking momentum. Joshue Fleitas Branson will be aiming to reach double figures for the season, while Owen Cameron - with eight goals in ten appearances - continues to enjoy an excellent campaign in front of goal.

Team news ahead of the fixture suggests the Woodpeckers could have a different look about them. Whilst there are no new injury concerns, player unavailability will see the squad change. Tyler Howell remains the only long-term absentee after sustaining a knee injury in April 2025, which unfortunately has since ruled him out for the entirety of the 25/26 season.

Last season’s meetings between the two sides will give the Woodpeckers confidence. In the 2024/25 campaign, Woodbridge completed a league double over Needham Market. A 3-1 away win saw Cameron net twice alongside a goal from Welton, before a convincing 4-0 home victory followed, with Cameron again grabbing a brace and Stevens and Hall also on target.

With a busy period ahead - including the visit of Stanway Rovers U23s on Tuesday evening and a local derby away at Framlingham Town next weekend – this match offers an important opportunity for Woodbridge to shake off any rust and build momentum. However, Needham Market have shown plenty of quality this season and will provide a stern test.

All the ingredients are there for an entertaining and hard-fought contest as the Woodpeckers finally make their long-awaited return to league action.

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