The Blues went down to a defeat on the opening day of the 2020/2021 season at the weekend, their first on the opening day of the season since a 3-1 home loss to Wisbech in August 2010. Leiston brought in new loan signing Matthew Weaire straight into the starting eleven as he made way for the departed Matt Richardson, in a match sponsored by DANIEL and PAUL ANDREWS, with JASON BURNS GARDENING SERVICES donating towards the match ball.

Rushall Olympic grabbed all the points on the opening day of the season in the 80th minute as a Sam Whittall header from close range condemned Leiston to defeat. The game started off at a fast tempo, but it was Leiston who had the first chance with a curling effort by Jamie Eaton-Collins that just went over Rushall keeper’s Jonathon Flatt’s crossbar. Moments later, and Finlay Barnes released Liam Jackson through on goal but Flatt stood up well to save. Leiston defended well as Rushall threatened with crosses into the box and Sam Donkin in the home goal did well to save from a Rushall player as half time approached.

The second half began with Kyle Hammond shooting over on the angle before Jamie Eaton-Collins forced Flatt into a save down to his left and Liam Jackson shot over the rebound. Chances were then hard to come by for both sides and Donkin saved from Cheraine Steele but the offside flag was raised. Rushall introduced Michael Kightly late on and it paid off as a delivery into the area from the left hand flank was headed home by SAM WHITTALL. Leiston tried hard to get back in the match but the away side stood firm and held out to get a first day victory.

The Blues now host Biggleswade Town on Tuesday night in the Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying in their next match (7.45pm kick off).

FT: - Blues 0-1 Rushall Olympic.

Line-ups: -

Leiston: - Donkin, Hammond, Saunders, Kyle Richardson (Eagle 84 mins), Knights, Weaire, Barnes, Switters, Jackson (Davies 63 mins), Eaton-Collins (Hitter 73 mins) Wilkinson. Subs not used: - Keys, Garnham.

Rushall Olympic: - Flatt, Lytlle, Calder, Johnson, Whittall, Pendley, Moore, Clarke (Martin 41 mins), Steele (Kightly 75 mins), Reid (Zanzi 60 mins), Batchelor. Sub not used: - Reece Mitchell.

MATCH SPONSOR DANIEL AND PAUL AMDREWS MAN OF THE MATCH: - Harry Knights.

Attendance: - 213.