LEISTON host Hornchurch this weekend as they look to reach the 4th Round Qualifying stage of the FA Cup for the first time since 2020.

The Blues have beaten Waltham Abbey (4-1, H) and Brentwood (3-1, H) after a replay after the first game finished 2-2 in Essex to reach this stage of the competition.

Hornchurch have beaten Hashtag United to reach this round. Goals from Charlee Adams and Angelo Balanta put Hornchurch two goals up before Quba Gordon pulled a goal back with 20 minutes to go, but the Essex side, at home on the day, held on.

Hornchurch currently have 11 points from their nine league games and sit in 14th place in the National League South, which is one Step higher than the Blues. They were promoted as champions from the Isthmian Premier Division last season, accumulating an superb 100 points from their 42 league games.

The two sides met in the FA Trophy at the Third Round Qualifying stage last season. Tom Wraight put Hornchurch ahead in Suffolk on 24 minutes but Joseph Chidyausiku scored a brilliant goal from 30 yards to level the match. Late on, Sam Donkin made a great penalty save as the tie went to penalties, which Leiston won 9-8.

Ben Batho made his first start for Leiston in that match while Mitchell Jackson came on for his debut and scored a penalty in the shootout.

Hornchurch is based in Upminster and the team are nicknamed ‘The Urchins’. They won the FA Trophy in 2021 at Wembley, beating Hereford in the final.

Their best performance in the FA Cup was in the 2003-2004 season when they reached Round 2. They defeated Darlington in the First Round that season 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Tranmere Rovers.

CURRENT FORM GUIDE: - (League Only)
BLUES: - WDWDL
HORNCHURCH: - DLWDL.

Leiston will have striker Harley Curtis available after he signed from Needham Market in the week. Ollie Saunders also should be involved after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring strain.

If the game finishes level at 90 minutes, there will be a replay at Hornchurch on Tuesday evening.

Match Information
Blues v Hornchurch
Emirates FA Cup Third Round Qualifying
3pm kick off
Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, Victory Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ
Tel: - 01728 830308.

Admission Prices
Adults £12, Concessions (Over 65s) £9, Students (with ID) £7, U16’s FOC.
Season tickets are not valid for this game

MATCHDAY SPONSOR: JET Projects
MATCHBALL SPONSOR: Mr Mike Jessup