Football: Rangers simply the best for home tie

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION Soham Town Rangers 3 Needham Market 0 IAN Benjamin called this Soham s best home performance of the season as his team notched up their sixth win in seven outings. A brace of goals from Andy Furnell and one from Steve Bugg ensu

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION

Soham Town Rangers 3 Needham Market 0

IAN Benjamin called this Soham's "best home performance of the season" as his team notched up their sixth win in seven outings.

A brace of goals from Andy Furnell and one from Steve Bugg ensured Soham got the reward their endeavours deserved against a Needham team who finished the match with nine men.

Manager Benjamin said: "That was the best we've played at home this season. The first half hour was difficult but we worked hard and got into the game before half-time.

"The back five defended really well and they never really gave Needham a chance. I thought we thoroughly deserved it in the end."

Bugg curled home a delightful free-kick after 55 minutes to put Soham ahead, and Aron Rutter supplied the cross for Furnell to volley home after 73 minutes.

By this time Needham had two men sent off, one for a second bookable offence and the other for comments made to the referee.

A minute from time, Furnell - who hit the bar with a header in the first half - finished an individual effort to complete a comprehensive win.

It was Soham's first-ever match against Needham, and they face them for the second time in the space of a week on Saturday, this time away from home.

"I think we've already laid down the psychological marker," said Benjamin. "If they weren't aware of our form going into that game, they will be now.

"I think it will be harder for us this time, but I know that whatever team I put out the lads will give me 100 per cent.

Matt Robinson misses the match through suspension, while Scott Johnson will be absent with a hamstring injury.