LEISTON U23s boss Neil Smye knows his young side face a tough test against unbeaten league leaders Haverhill Rovers at Victory Road on Saturday afternoon, 3pm kick-off.

Rovers have won 13 of their 15 league games so far, drawing the other two, and they sit five points clear of second placed Stanway Pegasus.

"It will be a tough test for our team we know that," Smye said.

"Haverhill have obviously had a very good start to the season. They have some experienced players which our players should relish the challenge of playing.

"Consistency is something we speak about a lot. We have games where we are brave on the ball and play at a good tempo, and we have games where we don't have the same attitude and application. Against a team like Haverhill we will need a performance of bravery to get on the ball and use it well."

The U23’s have won nine games in all competitions so far, including two games in the Suffolk Senior Cup. Last weekend they beat Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves 3-2. Goals from Charlie Atkin, and own goal and Cameron Rayworth saw the side home and into the quarter-finals of the competition.

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And Smye admits the conveyor belt of young talent at Victory Road will continue to be given a chance.

"We're looking at some players either going out on loan or dual registering, just as Cameron Rayworth has done this week," he said. "This will give some of our emerging talent beginning to turn 16 within the club the opportunity to gain experience of senior football."

Last season, Haverhill beat the U23’s 4-2 in September 2023. Ollie Griggs and Mackenzie Travis were on target for Leiston. Meanwhile, in the return fixture at Victory Road in the last midweek of the campaign, Haverhill won 1-0 with Leiston performing very well on the night.

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After this weekend, the U23’s begin November next weekend with a visits to Whittlesey Athletic and Harwich & Parkeston before hosting Holland and Stanaway Pegasus. They end November with a trip to Wivenhoe Town.

Match Information
Blues U23’s v Haverhill Rovers
Thurlow Nunn First Division North
3pm kick off
Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, Victory Road, Leiston, IP16 4DQ
Tel: - 01728 830308.

Admission Prices: Adults £5, Concessions £3, Students (with ID) £2, U16’s FOC.

Game 16/38.