There’s no doubt what the hot topic of conversation will be around the Newson’s breakfast table today.

Stowmarket Mercury: Sam NewsonSam Newson (Image: Archant)

When Needham Market striker Sam Newson visits twin brother Ben, who plays for Brightlingsea Regent, talk will inevitably focus on the game between their respective teams at North Road this afternoon.

The Marketmen go into the game leading the Ryman North table on goal difference from Harlow Town, but face a Brightlingsea side making a good fist of their first campaign at a higher level – the Essex side having won six and drawn three of their last ten games.

The twins played together at Brantham Athletic and Stanway Rovers, before Sam, who marked his 200th appearance for Needham recently, moved to Bloomfields in 2010.

The hot-shot striker, who saw a trial at Football League side Gillingham wrecked by injury in 2011, said the banter will be flying between the siblings.

“It used to be a case of getting our heads on, focusing and not talking to each other about the game,” said Sam, 26.

“We tend to have more of a laugh about things now, although that won’t be the case during the game.

“I’ll be going round to his (Ben’s) for breakfast and we will probably travel to the game together.”

Needham could go three points clear at the top today, should Harlow lose at home to fourth-placed Wroxham and Sam is delighted at the position Mark Morsley’s men find themselves in with 14 games to go, especially after the disappointment of last season’s play-off semi-final defeat at Witham.

“Confidence is high at the moment and most of the squad from last season are still here and determined to achieve what we missed out on last season,” added Sam.

“In a short space of time we had the drama of the final day and qualifying for the play-offs, then the anti-climax of the semi-final defeat which was a tough game to play in.

“It was a very difficult end to the season but we re-grouped in pre-season and it’s gone well so far.

“On a personal level I can’t complain, I have had my ups and downs at Needham it’s fair to say, but I recently played my 200th game for the club, although I didn’t realise it was coming up. Without being big-headed, I was more interested in how many goals I have scored.”

Newson has scored 22 times for the Marketmen this season, and 119 overall, and is an integral part of an exciting Needham side that includes a number of big names.

“The likes of Chris (Hogg), Kem (Izzet) and Ian (Westlake) have so much experience which helps too,” he explained.

“Sometimes you see players come into the club who you know are not going to gel and not going to work hard, but that’s not the case with them.

“They have all got real quality.”