BLUES boss, Chris Wigger, says he knows Barwell will provide another stiff test for his side on Saturday, as the Leicestershire side head to the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, 3pm kick-off.

Leiston have so far enjoyed a super week, picking up three league points at near neighbours AFC Sudbury last weekend after a 2-1 win, then beating the same opponents 3-0 in the Suffolk Premier Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, to seal a final place against Felixstowe & Walton.

However, for the Blues it’s back to Southern League Central Premier Division action this weekend, and the continued chase for play-offs.

“Barwell are a well organised side,” Wigger said.

“I’ve been in this league long enough now and know the standard and know you don’t simply look at league position. You take the opposition as a side that is very dangerous and capable of beating you and it doesn’t matter who you are playing.

“We’ve had some difficult battles with Barwell in the past, so we know what we’re up against. They’re a very well organised group.”

Leiston sit three points off the play-offs in seventh place, with a game in hand on everyone above them, except Kettering Town.

“I think when we came in after the Sudbury league game last Saturday and every side above us dropped points, either drew or lost, that was a perfect Saturday for us,” Wigger added.

“To then book a cup final spot for the end of the season, there are not many sides that have got things to play for at this stage of the season and we are now playing for potentially a play-off spot, and we have a cup final to look forward to.

“It means it keeps that buzz going, keeps the positivity in the group.”

Winning breeds confidence, but with it comes decisions for Wigger to make as regards team selection.

However, he has nothing but praise for his players, especially those who find themselves out of the side, but then come in and take their opportunities.

“Yes, confidence is definitely high in the group of course,” he said.

“There will always be players who are not happy they’re not starting, but they also must understand when we have a competitive group, and when we want to be competitive and win football matches, the minute you’re out of the side, someone else has got that shirt.

“You must be patient, bide your time and when you get that opportunity, you need to come and steal it back.

“Albie Armin found himself out of the XI for a while after a knee injury and it’s been frustrating for him but if I use him as an example of what your attitude needs to be like when you’re out of the XI. Okay, he didn’t’ start against AFC Sudbury on Tuesday night, but that was a tactical decision which, I hasten to add, paid off. But Albie’s attitude has shown the spirit I want within my group.

“When you’re out of the side, you stay within the group, keep the dynamic and when you get your chance you take it, and he’s done exactly that.”

Barwell are battling for points at the other end of the table. They sit just above the drop zone, a point ahead of Lowestoft Town.

Meanwhile, after the game on Saturday, there is a Horse Racing night in the clubhouse. Everyone is welcome. It starts at 6pm.