Stratford Town, meanwhile, got a terrific win at home to AFC Telford United as they won 4-0. Two goals each from Lewis Ison and Danny Lafferty meant that Stratford moved up into second ahead of Bedford Town on goal difference.

There is just seven points between Leiston and fifth placed AFC Telford United whilst the Blues are just five points above Lowestoft Town who sit third from bottom (20th).

Stratford defeated Leiston on the first game of the season in Warwickshire. Two goals in ten first half minutes from Callum Ebanks and another from Danny Lafferty put the hosts three goals ahead at the break and that is the way it stayed until full-time.

Stratford have enjoyed a good season since in the league, although they went out of both FA competitions at the first hurdle.

The Blues will be hoping that George Quantrell is back in the squad after being ill last week while on Wednesday, both Ollie Saunders and Eddie Jackson were substituted with tight hamstrings.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

THE sides first met in the 2018/2019 season, with Stratford Town winning the match in Warwickshire in October 2018, with Jake Reed and Christy Finch on target for the Blues in a 3-2 loss. Matt Blake scored as Leiston lost 2-1 at home in March 2019.

The sides didn’t meet in Suffolk the next season as the campaign was curtailed due to COVID-19 and the same thing happened in the 2020/2021 season, as COVID-19 again brought an end to proceedings.

In the 2021/2022 season, the Blues drew 1-1 in December 2021. Finlay Barnes put Leiston ahead but Joseph Magunda’s deflected free kick went in just before the break.

Will Davies scored as Leiston drew 1-1 in March 2023 the following season, while in December 2023, Jamar Loza and George Quantrell were on target in a 2-0 home win.

Of the ten matches played between the sides Stratford have won six to Leiston’s two, with two draws.

FORM GUIDE
(Starting with most recent game)
BLUES: DLWWL
STRATFORD TOWN: WDWLW

STRATFORD FUN FACTS

WILLIAM Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564 and died in the town in 1616.

THE Garrick Inn is reportedly the oldest pub in the town, dating back to the 1400’s.

STRATFORD is home to the UK’s largest tropical butterfly farm.

FAMOUS people from Stratford include: William Shakespeare, Anne Hathaway (wife of William Shakespeare), chef Gordon Ramsey and novelist James Flint

COMING UP FOR BLUES

LEISTON are at home again next Saturday when St Ives Town visit before Chris Wigger’s team head to Bromsgrove Sporting the following week. In the final Saturday of the month (25th) the Blues welcome Hitchin Town to Suffolk.

Another game has also been re-arranged. The Blues were due to play Biggleswade Town on Saturday 7th December, but after that game was postponed due to Biggleswade playing in the FA Trophy, the sides will now meet in Hertfordshire on Tuesday 28th January.

MATCH INFORMATION
Blues v Stratford Town
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
3pm kick off
Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, Victory Road, LTAA, IP16 4DQ.
Tel: 01728 830308

Admission Prices :- Adults £12, Concessions (over 65’s) £9, Students (with ID) £7, Under 16’s £3, Under 5’s Free of charge
Printed programme:- 44 pages, available at the turnstiles and in the ground, £2.50

Game 24/42