LEISTON U18 boss Sam Burman is in positive mood about his young side heading into the New Year despite results not always going their way so far this campaign.

The Blues youngsters have won just one of their first nine Thurlow Nunn Central Division youth games, as well as going out to Felixstowe & Walton in the Cup on penalties.

However, those stats don’t give a true reflection of how things have gone in the opening half of the season Burman says. He explains more.

“The league table, in our opinion, isn’t a fair reflection of our levels,” he said.

“The physical and psychological side of the division is something the group is starting to get to grips with and the hope for 2025 is that we gather more points to prove this development.

“Therefore, the challenge for the group is to become more ruthless and compete for the full 90 minutes.”

Results are not the be all and end all at this level of football and progress of youngsters is key for a club like Leiston. Something Burman is fully aware of.

“It’s been positive seeing a lot of last year’s squad progress and thrive with the U23s this season,” he continued.

“I anticipate more of this year’s U16s/18s will make the jump as well. Overall, it’s been a challenging, but progressive start to the campaign.”

The U18s restart their season on Thursday, January 9, with a trip to Cornard, before there’s a chance for home fans to see their young Blues in action under the lights at Victory Road, when Woodbridge Town visit the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, on Tuesday, January 14.