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'No distractions', says Norfolk, as Blues prepare for AFC Sudbury
It's Suffolk derby time this weekend, as the Blues look to get back to winning ways
LEE Norfolk admits he is expecting a ‘determined performance’ from Saturday’s opponents, AFC Sudbury, as both sides lock horns in a big Suffolk derby, at the MEL Group Stadium, 3pm kick-off.
There are three Southern League Premier Central Division points up for grabs and both teams want them for differing reasons, Leiston as they continue their push for the play-offs, while Sudbury need them to get out of the relegation zone.
It’s set to be a competitive fixture, as Blues head coach Norfolk explains.
“We are both hunting points for different reasons, so I expect a determined performance from them,” he said.
“Our games are often close affairs and with the added spice of it being a Suffolk derby. But we won’t be distracted by that and will look to treat this like any other important league game.”
Two defeats on the bounce have hindered Leiston’s push for the play-offs, and they are now six points off the final fifth spot. However, there are plenty of games and plenty of points left to play for. Earlier this campaign, the Blues beat AFC Sudbury 3-2 at Victory Road in the first league fixture between the sides this season.
Meanwhile, for Norfolk, it’s a return to the club he was assistant manager at under Mark Morsley six years ago.
“I enjoy going back there and seeing old friends from my era,” he said.
“I appreciate the successful years I had there and will always have a special feeling towards the club, but I have no hesitation when it comes to wanting to win games of football, as we do on Saturday.”
Bizarrely, the two sides meet again on Tuesday night at Felixstowe & Walton in the Suffolk Premier Cup semi-final. The winners play Felixstowe & Walton in the final after they knocked out holders Needham Market on penalties in the other semi-final on Tuesday night.
So, does Norfolk have any thoughts on how the Blues will go about tackling Sudbury twice in four days?
“Obviously, we will evaluate what went well and not so well in the league game on Saturday, and try to rectify and capitalise where possible,” he said.
“Hopefully we can go one further in the Premier Cup this year having lost at this stage last year and not doing ourselves justice.
“It’s never easy for either side at a neutral venue, but hopefully Leiston fans will be out in force to make us feel at home.”