BLUES midfielder, Ollie Saunders, says he's confident Leiston can make 'a real statement in the next few games and weeks' as Chris Wigger's side climb the Southern League Premier Central table.

Saunders, who made his 150th appearance at Redditch United last weekend, says recent results on the road (seven points from a possible nine) have given the Blues a timely boost as they head into November with four home games at Victory Road.

“I feel we are starting to get into our rhythm in the league now," he said.

“It’s been a great 10 days or so. It’s always good when you have a few away games on the bounce and you pick up points. I think the boys have been excellent in every game both defensively and offensively. We always talk about being ruthless in both boxes and we’re starting to defend ours better and take chances up the other end better too.

"If you look at the league table, everyone is still bunched together which is normal considering teams haven’t played many games yet.

“However, I feel we can make a real statement in the next few games and weeks and start really climbing the table. We are good at home, and we need to make Victory Road a fortress.

“The way we have been picking up points away from home has been good also, we need to keep this up though and stay consistent throughout the season and who knows what can happen?"

BLUES BOSS reflects on a big week on the road

Saunders picked up an injury during the Brentwood Town match in the FA Cup in September, and made his comeback at home against Dagenham & Redbridge two rounds later, coming on as a substitute late on.

“I feel my form has been good”, Saunders continued. “It’s been a stop start season for myself as I missed a few games due to injury which was frustrating, especially after missing the majority of last season to injury.

"However, I’m happy with how I’ve come back and got back into the team and the boys have been great. I feel like I will keep getting better with more games I play this year and will start getting sharper the more I play."

TERRACE TALK... The talk in the stands

Saunders, who joined the Blues from Braintree Town, made his first-ever appearance for Leiston in September 2019 at Ware in the FA Cup First Round Qualifying, in which the Blues went down 1-5. But he's enjoyed better days since, helping the Blues to a play-off semi-final in the league and enjoying an FA Cup run in 2020, as well as reaching the 4th round of the FA Trophy in the 2022/2023 season.

On reaching his 150-game milestone, he said: “It's nice to have played 150 games for this great club. Everyone has been amazing from the moment I arrived at the ground, from the fans to all the staff and of course players and management. I look forward to keep playing more games and hopefully it will bring along some trophies and more great memories here."

The Blues are back in action on Tuesday night in the Suffolk Premier Cup 1st Round when they visit Bury Town.