Leiston were still missing club captain Seb Dunbar, while striker Ben Fowkes missed out through injury. Ryan Jarvis, Albie Armin and Jack Manly all came into the starting XI for Kyran Clements, Ismael Fatadjo and Fowkes respectively.

Leiston had a chance after just 30 seconds, with Jamar Loza getting down the left and cutting inside and seeing his effort blocked. On five minutes, a long throw by the visitors from Hertfordshire saw the ball drop in the six yard area but Wyatt Hill cleared away any danger. Two minutes later, and Daniel Izekor tried his luck from distance but shot straight at Billy Johnson. Jack Manly released a ball out to George Quantrell on the Blues right soon after but Royston snuffed out any danger.

Chances were then hard to come by. The wind was playing a part and Leiston and Royston were finding it hard to create any clear cut chances on goal. On 20 minutes, Eddie Jackson did well to cut out an attack, sliding in to win the ball while two minutes later, Luke Johnson couldn’t get on the end of a Izekor cross from the Blues right. Albie Armin then had to receive treatment and after trying to carrying on, had to be replaced by Ismael Fatadjo. Fatadjo had to make a good challenge as Royston broke away before the break as the half came to an end. In the first minute of added on time, George Quantrell curled home an effort into the Royston keeper Tommy Dixon-Hodge’s right hand corner to put Leiston in front.

Seven minutes into the second period, Blues captain Wyatt Hill headed away a ball before Billy Johnson came for the cross. Fraser Alexander then had two strikes blocked on the edge of the area. On 55 minutes, Harvey Beckett was shown a second yellow card and Royston were reduced to ten men. Quantrell then had a shot blocked before just after the hour mark, Dixon-Hodge thrwarted Quantrell and Jack Manly’s follow up just went wide.

Sub Harrison Rookard then shot over inside the box while Johnson claimed Joshua Coldicott-Stevens corner. Halfway through the second period, Dixon-Hodge saved Fatadjo’s effort and got up well to get the loose ball ahead of Quantrell. However, in the 70th minute Jamar Loza broke through on the away goal and squared to Quantrell who put the ball into the empty net. With ten minutes of normal time to go, Johnson’s long ball found Loza who’s ball across goal came to nothing and Johnson then again was off his line well to clear from a Royston attack. On 86 minutes, Loza had a shot saved by Dixon-Hodge. Late on, Ismael Fatadjo was booked but Leiston saw the match out comfortably.

FT: - Blues 2-0 Royston Town.

A good performance from Leiston sees them move up to 17th in the table. Waltham Abbey visit Suffolk on Saturday in the Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying (3pm kick off).

Line-ups: - Blues: - Johnson, Yun, Saunders, Alexander, Hill (sub Clements 90+2 mins), Eddie Jackson, Manley (sub Atkin 71 mins), Armin (sub Fatadjo 37 mins), Ryan Jarvis (sub Batho 88 mins), Quantrell, Loza. Sub not used: - Oldman.

Royston Town: - Dixon-Hodge, Brighton, Colidcott-Stevens, Johnson, Baker (sub Hamilton-Campbell 77 mins), Weyman (sub Nassunculo 45 mins), Amubuine (sub Oyebola 81 mins), Johnson (sub Rookard 45 mins), Beckett, Lievens, Izekor. Sub not used: - Roberts.

Blues Man Of The Match, selected by Match Sponsor Godbold Properties: - George Quantrell.

Attendance: - 194.