Maldon & Tiptree 1 Blues 1 (Maldon & Tiptree win 5-4 on penalties)

Glenn Driver and Tony Kinsella decided to make some changes to the Leiston team for the Velocity League Cup First Round trip to Maldon & Tiptree on Tuesday evening. Byron Lawrence and Chris Henderson were left out of the squad, while Seb Dunbar, Joe Marsden and Christy Finch dropped to the bench. Rob Eagle, Regan Pelling, Patrick Brothers, Sam Ford and Kevin Inglis all came into the starting XI in what was still a strong looking line up.

Both teams started the game quite well, but it was Leiston who got off the mark first in the 21st minute. A ball was put in over full back George Forrest and Matt Blake's run into the box ended with him unselfishly passing to Sam Ford who had the easy task of tapping into an empty net. Leiston looked quite comfortable and could have doubled their advantage just three minutes after taking the lead, however, after getting away from the defender, Matt Blake shot past the hand of Dominic Kurasik but wide of the right hand post. Dominic Docherty was then fouled on the edge of the area but Kevin Inglis' free kick was saved well by Dominic Kurasik. Maldon had a chance of their own just before the break but Ryan Gondoh's free kick was smartly kept out by Marcus Garnham.

After the restart Leiston saw an effort from Dominic Docherty well saved early in the second half but Maldon began to be the brighter of the two sides in the second half and were aggrieved not to have a penalty awarded in their favour after Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe looked to have possibly have his legs taken away but protests were turned away by the referee. Maldon were level in the 71st minute, Ogedi-Uzokwe fierce shot was blocked and half time substitute Chris Millar hit home on the half-volley into the bottom of the goal. There were no great chances created in the closing moments of the match and the match would eventually end in a penalty shootout.

FT - Maldon & Tiptree 1 Blues 1

Jack Ainsley, Christy Finch, Kevin Inglis and Matt Blake were all successful with their spot kicks but Joe Marsden's was saved to give Ryan Clampin an opportunity to win it which he did successfully so Maldon & Tiptree won 5-4 on penalties.

Maldon & Tiptree - Kurasik, Forrest, Humphrey (Millar 45 mins), Lock (Rowland 66 mins), Olomowewe, Peter, Hewitt (Bailey 45 mins), Renee, Ogedi-Uzokwe, Gondoh, Clampin. Subs not used - Udoji and Brown.

Blues - Garnham, Pelling (Marsden 72 mins), Eagle, Ainsley, Jefford, Bullard, Brothers, Inglis, Blake, Ford (Finch 72 mins), Docherty (Saker 75 mins). Subs not used Dunbar and Lay-Fulcher.

Man of the Match - Jack Ainsley

Attendance - 77