LEISTON crashed out of the FA Cup after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Banbury United at Victory Road, writes Craig Cooper.

Two goals just before the break, from James Alabi and Connor Ferguson, put the visitors in control in a half the Blues rarely got going. And, while Leiston improved in the second period, they could not break down a resolute Banbury defence.

In time added-on at the end of the 90 minutes, substitute George Bell netted a third for Banbury, leaving Leiston’s FA Cup dreams over for another season.

The tie, which was sponsored by Sizewell ‘C’, saw Kyle Callan-McFadden and Joao Rangel come back into the starting eleven in place of Eddie Jackson, who was injured, and Jude Frostick, who took his place on the bench. Billy Jordan, Jack Manly and Ronnie Blois also came into the squad.

The away side started better, and Jonathon Lawson’s effort was saved by Billy Johnson in the Blues goal after just four minutes while after the corner was cleared, Connor Ferguson’s shot was just over the bar.

Adam Mills got behind the home defence after eight minutes but was flagged offside.

Harley Giles shot over from close range on 11 minutes before Johnson saved well from Luke Stokoe and the same player shot just wide on 18 minutes.

Leiston started to get a foothold in the game although chances were hard to come for a little while for both sides. Joao Rangel crossed from the right on the half hour mark but Adam Mills couldn’t find the net.

Just before half time on 42 minutes, James Alabi netted from six yards after Johnson made a good initial save to put Banbury ahead. Three minutes later, and Connor Ferguson took advantage of some bad defending to strike past Johnson. The goal made it extremely hard for the Blues to come back into the contest.

Johnson saved well from Alabi three minutes after the break before Adam Mills’ strike was blocked outside the area.

Ferguson shot narrowly wide on 55 minutes while in the 58th minute, Ben Fowkes struck the bar from Rangel’s cross.

Ryan Jarvis hit the bar on 79 minutes and Leiston tried hard to get back in the game, although the away side defended well.

In the 96th and final minute, sub George Bull made it three to put Banbury in the 4th Round Qualifying.

Banbury started the game well and kept up a good tempo throughout the match with Leiston not playing as well as they have done in recent weeks.

FT: Blues 0 Banbury United 3

Leiston are in midweek action as they travel to Walsham-le-Willows in the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Second Round on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick off).

Line-ups;

Blues: Johnson, Rayworth, Dunbar, Callan-McFadden, Hill, Rangel, Alexander, Clemons (Blois 69 mins), Mills (Keller 80 mins), Jarvis (Manly 83 mins), Fowkes. Subs not used: - Frostick, Jordan, McNeil and Mehew.

Banbury United: Harding, Bloom, Cuzynski, Giles, Ofosu, Flanagan, Ferguson (Bull 74 mins), McCreadie (Mirnam 90+2 mins), Alabi (Styche 84 mins), Stokoe, Lawson (Anker 68 mins). Subs not used: Fuller and Whyman.

Blues Man Of The Match, selected by Match Sponsors Sizewell ‘C’ - Billy Johnson

Attendance: 236