Wingate & Finchley 0 Blues 1

The Blues turned in a hard working display to record their first win over Wingate & Finchley at the fifth attempt. Matt Blake’s close range finish 13 minutes from time was his third in as many games lifting the Blues up into fourth position.

Leiston made two changes from Saturday’s defeat to Leatherhead, Curtis Haynes-Brown and Dominic Docherty were recalled replacing Patrick Brothers who dropped to the bench and Christy Finch who was unavailable due to work commitments. The first half was a game of 'cat and mouse' with Leiston looking the more accomplished side. Many in the crowd thought Leiston had taken the lead in the 15th minute when Seb Dunbar crossed low into the penalty area and the ball was turned goalwards by Matt Blake but unfortunately his effort found the side netting rather than inside the goal. An entertaining half was spent mainly in midfield with both sides having long spells of possession but unable to forge any clear cut openings.

Leiston took immediate control of the second half and in the 47th minute a great through ball from Dominic Docherty saw Matt Blake shoot just wide of the left hand post. Byron Lawrence was now controlling the midfield for Leiston delivering some excellent passes around the pitch much to the delight of BBC Radio Suffolk’s Simon Warr, who could be heard regaling “Lord Byron” from the stand behind the dugouts! Manager Glen Driver made his first and only change on 66 minutes when Kelsey Trotter replaced Jack Ainsley and he was soon into the thick of the action, pressing the home rear guard. The visitors continued to press and in the 76th minute Byron Lawrence fired in a 25 yard free kick which home goalkeeper Gore did well to push wide. From the resulting corner, Byron Lawrence hit a hard, low ball into the goalmouth and Matt Blake reacted quickly to turn the ball home from close range. Rather than sit back Leiston continued to look for another goal and in the 80th minute Dominic Docherty again played in Matt Blake who, one on one with Gore, tried to lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper but unfortunately the ball went over the bar. An excellent team performance, with goalkeeper Marcus Garnham virtually a spectator as the home side failed to create any clear chances. Leiston now have a weekend off as scheduled opponents Hendon in FA Trophy action.

FT - Wingate & Finchley 0 Blues 1

Wingate & Finchley - Gore, Williams, Mavila, Vilcu, Cronin, Rifat, Ifil, Barker (Pattie 89 mins), Charles-Smith, Beckles-Richards, Monville (Obafemi 66 mins). Subs not used - Eales, Ebelebe and Seymour.

Blues - Garnham, Marsden, Dunbar, Haynes-Brown, Jefford, Bullard, Lawrence, Henderson, Blake, Ainsley (Trotter 66 mins), Docherty. Subs not used - Hammond, Brothers, Knights and Eagle.

Man of the Match - Byron Lawrence

Attendance - 103