Blues 3 Kirkley & Pakefield 1

Glen Driver’s side progressed to their first final since 2016 as they defeated a resilient Kirkley & Pakefield side 3-1 at Lowestoft Town's Amber Dew Stadium. It’s the fifth time they have reached the final of the Suffolk Premier Cup since first entering the competition in 2004, however, on the four previous occasions, they have lost every final.

Leiston, the home team on the night, got off to a terrible start as Max Wall’s lofted cross was met by a looping Kyle Haylock header from the edge of the box that deceived Marcus Garnham and struck the upright before rebounding off the Blues keeper into the net with barely two minutes played. The Blues quickly levelled though as a neat passing move released Joe Marsden down the right hand side and his cross picked out Christy Finch who smashed home from close range. Marcus Garnham claimed a free kick in the area and Patrick Brothers headed over the bar as the fast pace to the game continued. In the 25th minute Leiston took the lead with another swift passing move. This time it was Christy Finch the provider and his low centre was thundered home by Jake Reed from six yards for his fifth goal Leiston goal since joining from Lowestoft Town a month ago. Jake Reed went close again in the area but Adam Rix was smartly down to his shot as Leiston began to spread play and dictate the game. Rix made an even better save as he clawed out Christy Finch’s header from Patrick Brothers cross as the half closed while Kirkley's responses saw Kyle Baker with a couple of decent attempts late in the half that went wide of the target.

An early Jake Reed pot shot in the second half went wide of Adam Rix’s left hand post as Leiston forced some early pressure. Rix needed two attempts to claim Patrick Brothers' corner but from here Leiston became a little frustrated as Kirkley had long spells of possession, working extremely hard to restrict the Blues offensive. Jordan Haverson evaded a couple of Leiston challenges but his cross eluded everyone and Leiston gratefully cleared as Kirkley began to ask more questions. Miguel Lopez’s effort was superbly tipped over by Marcus Garnham and he punched away the incoming corner. Lewis Hammond shot straight at Marcus Garnham as did Kirkley goalscorer Haylock but once again Marcus Garnham was equal to their efforts. With Leiston looking to see out time they managed to add a third goal to seal their final berth in the second minute of stoppages. Just like there previous two goals it was another cutting passing move with Seb Dunbar squaring across the face of goal for Christy Finch to claim his second of the evening and his fourteenth of the season.

FT - Blues 3 Kirkley & Pakefield 1

Blues - Garnham, Marsden (Hammond 74 mins), Dunbar, Ainsley (Trotter 86 mins), Jefford, Bullard, Lawrence, Henderson, Reed, Finch, Brothers. Subs not used - Knights and Beckwith.

Kirkley & Pakefield - Rix, Wilson, Wall (McCauley 90+2 mins), Hammond, Herbery, Flower, Haylock (Blades 90 mins), Lopez, Baker, Harvey-Cooper, Haverson (Will 78 mins). Sub not used - Hutchinson.

Man of the Match - Christy Finch.

Attendance - 234