AS I tucked into my fried breakfast up the High Street this week, the talk of the town has been all about the FA Cup. Young and old, I’ve listened intently as the subject of a certain FA Cup tie featured as the main topic of conversation.

It’s a big ask for Leiston, two leagues lower than their Essex visitors, Dagenham & Redbridge, this weekend as they search for that elusive first round berth. While the club has been in the first round draw a few times, the lucrative home game against Football League opposition has eluded the Victory Road boys... so far!

THE BIG MATCH PREVIEW... BLUES v DAGGERS

Just imagine if the Leiston boys got a positive result on Saturday afternoon and live on TV Monday night, the marble balls came out of the velvet bag for the First Round draw….‘Leiston vs Birmingham City or Bolton Wanderers or Colchester United.’ I’m sure the Beeb would be quickly on the phone looking for a slice of the action. We wouldn’t need that red button request.

'NO REGRETS'... BLUES HEAD COACH ON FA CUP TEST

I remember in days gone by when the town all came together when the FA Cup First Round came knocking the last and only time it happened. ‘Paint the Town Blue’ was the cry as shopkeepers took up the challenge to show their support.

That cup run some 16 years ago was such an exciting time and the great times along the way are still talked about today. Hopefully the local community will be out in force this weekend to see if one of the town’s footy clubs can create some more lasting memories.