2The National League North is hotting up, with the title, playoff and relegation battles all likely to go down to the wire. Needham Market are seven from safety and need wins fast, while Buxton are just a couple of points from the playoffs. We preview the game with our prediction and best bet.
Needham Market, a small quaint town in Suffolk are perhaps quite unfortunate to be placed in the National League North. The Marketmen won the Southern League Premier Division Central last season but have struggled to adapt to step two. Tom Rothery's side occupy the final relegation spot and need a miracle to catch Oxford City or Radcliffe.
They have won just one of their last eight games, coming from behind to beat Chorley 2-1. Their form has been disappointing at Bloomfields. Only basement boys Farsley Celtic, who technically aren't playing at home, have accumulated fewer 'home' points. With three home games on the bounce, Market will need to take at least seven points to have any chance of staying up.
Kieran Morphew (31) is an academy graduate and captains the side. If Needham Market are to mount a great escape, his experience will be crucial. The sides met in October, with Buxton running out 7-1 winners- scoring six goals in the first half.
John McGrath excelled at Mickleover FC last year and made the step up to manage Buxton this season. The Bucks started the season poorly as they adapted to a new manager, but have flown up the league since. They now sit just two points off the playoffs with six games left.
The transition to full-time football was made last season and the club are reaping the benefits. Away from home, they have been strong, taking 30 points from 20, scoring 33 goals in the process. The lure of full-time football was key to keeping captain Connor Kirby at the club. The 26-year-old is in his third season at the club and has caught the eye of teams above them in the pyramid.
Only three sides have scored more goals than Buxton FC and their attacking talent should have too much for a Needham Market side who have conceded 65 goals this season.
Prediction: Needham Market 1-2 Buxton
Best Bet: Buxton To win @1.83
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