Blues 1 Dorking Wanderers 0

Leiston welcomed Dorking Wanderers to Victory Road in their first match of the 2017/2018 BOSTIK Premier Division and started off with yet another win on the opening day of the season in a MATCH SPONSORED BY SYCAMORE PARK. They haven't been unbeaten now since 2010 when they lost at home to Wisbech Town.

Leiston came into the game on the back of a defeat in their final pre-season match against Norwich United. The match got off to a lively start and after just a few minutes, Chris Henderson was brought down with a bad challenge. Referee Ryan Head played the advantage and Christy Finch had an effort that away keeper Huk down well to turn around the post. Leiston continued to have the majority of possession and had further efforts through Jack Ainsley and Matt Blake, with Huk making another good stop from the latter. After a good run into the box, Matt Blake hit the side netting. Leiston then forced a couple of corners with Chris Henderson having a shot well blocked. Dorking had one decent chance when Tommy Hutchings' shot from distance was pushed over by Marcus Garnham. Just before the interval, Chris Henderson was shown a red card after reacting to a foul on him and Leiston were down to ten men.

HT - Leiston 0 Dorking Wanderers 0

Patrick Brothers replaced Christy Finch at the start of the second period in a tactical swap, and Leiston were pegged back into their own half at times. From a corner, Marcus Garnham down well to push over Jack Ainsley's mistimed header to keep the scores level. Leiston would take the lead when Kyle Hammond struck from a good thirty yards from goal to give Huk no chance in the away goal and send the home fans into celebrations. Dorking did put a lot of pressure on but the team defended solidly, especially centre-halves Tom Bullard and Jack Ainsley. Leiston were relieved to hear the final whistle and put their first three points on the board on the first day of the season.

FT - Leiston 1 Dorking Wanderers 0

Blues - Garnham, Hammond, Dunbar, Eagle, Ainsley, Bullard, Lawrence, Henderson, Blake (Marsden 85 mins) Finch (Brothers 45 mins). Docherty. Subs not used - Jefford, Ford and Beckwith.

Dorking Wanderers - Huk, Sheridan, Summerfield, Hamlin, Ray, Pearse, Beckles, Briggs, Moore, Hutchings, McShane. Subs - O'Neil, Pinnock, Philpot, Beard and Chendlik.

Match Sponsors SYCAMORE PARK Man of the Match - Kyle Hammond

Attendance - 311