LEISTON U23’s host Old Newton United this afternoon at Victory Road in the Suffolk Senior Cup First Round (3pm kick off).

The Blues youngsters have reached the final twice in the past three seasons, losing to Ipswich Wanderers (1-0) at Colchester United in May 2022 before being defeated 2-0 by Trimley Red Devils last season at Portman Road. It's a competition they have really enjoyed success in of late and manager Neil Smye knows his side will be doing their all to reach the final again.

“We had an excellent run in the competition last season," Smye said. "We have a tough start against Old Newton United, who are currently top of the SIL Senior Division. Yes, we would like another Cup run. And I know the boys selected and available will be trying their all to be in the hat for the next round.”

The U23s started the season with a succession of positive results, but of late the results haven't been so good. Smye says that's not necessarily a true reflection of performances.

“After a good start, we have had a sticky patch in relations to our results," he said.

" Some of the performances have been good still, but there are moments in games that can define a result and some of those moments haven’t gone our way like they did in the earlier games. But if we continue to work hard I do think the results will come again.”

Leiston won four games last season to reach the final. They won 2-1 at home in the opening two rounds against Brandon Town and Claydon respectively before winning 4-1 (at home again) to Haughley United in the quarter-finals. In the semi-final, the U23’s beat Bungay Town 2-1 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time, with Mackenzie Travis on target.

Old Newton United have won five out of their first six league games so far this season, and as mentioned, sit top of their league. They came 12th last season (out of 14 teams).

Leiston U23’s finish September with a home league game on Tuesday against Needham Market U23’s (7.45pm kick off) before a trip to FC Peterborough next Saturday.

Match Information
Blues U23’s v Old Newton United
CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup First Round
3pm kick off
Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, Victory Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ.
Tel: - 01728 830308.

Admission Prices
Adults £5, Concessions £3, U16’s £2.