LEISTON swept into the Fourth Qualifying round of the FA Cup for the second time in three seasons after a strong performance over Coventry United at the Flannery Stadium on Saturday writes Craig Cooper.

The Blues struck three times in a deadly 14-minute spell in the first half to seal the deal against a gallant Coventry side who had begun the game well, in a game in partnership with Sizewell C and with Sole Bay Financial Planning sponsoring the match, while Mr Trevor Elmy and Mr Paul Andrews sponsoring the match ball.

However, headed goals from Eddie Jackson (28), Noel Aitkens (35) and a clever lobbed finish from Adam Mills (42) put the game to bed, as Leiston ended up dominating the first half and held firm in the second.

Supporters can now look forward to the Fourth Qualifying round draw which takes place on Monday (5 October) live on TalkSport from 2pm.

Chris Wigger made one change to the defeat at Real Bedford, with Eddie Jackson coming in to replace Wyatt Hill, who took his place on the substitutes bench. Ryan Jarvis and keeper Mike Ford came into the eighteen man squad.

The away side had the first chance of the match on two minutes but Simeon Cobourne was denied by Callum Robinson in the home goal. Aitkens and Kyle Callan-McFadden then headed away consecutive corners before Charlie Faulkner shot wide in the 6th minute.

On seven minutes, Cameron Rayworth’s cross hit the post before Willie Clemons and Joao Rangel went close for the Blues.

On 23 minutes, Coventry United had a good move upfield but Fraser Alexander did well to get back and intercept the ball, before Jackson headed home Joao Rangel’s corner to give Leiston the lead, with the Blues shooting towards the Estate End.

Just after the half hour mark, Faulkner’s cross from the right went out of play after a ball into the box.

But the Blues made it two in the 35th minute with another header, this time from Aitkens after a great cross from Blues captain Seb Dunbar, that found Dan Moore’s bottom left hand corner, the fitting end to a fantastic build up from the side.

On 42 minutes, Aitkens and Mills had dangerous crosses into the area but they were cleared before Rayworth’s effort was well saved.

Leiston added a third though before the interval on 42 minutes when Mills got on the end of Robinson’s long ball and he lobbed away keeper to net his 13th goal of the campaign.

After the interval Jackson headed away a free kick on 52 minutes into the Blues box while Willie Clemons shot wide of Moore’s right hand upright on 57 minutes and Callan-McFadden made a great block to deny an away player moments later while Faulkner went close on the hour mark but his effort was wide of Robinson’s left hand post.

Mills then shot over the bar and Robinson did excellently to hold an effort just yards out after a scramble with an away player to keep the ball out on 66 minutes.

In the 80th minute, an away effort hit the crossbar but substitute Cameron Dunn was quickest to react and headed home the loose ball.

Into stoppage time and Blues substitute Adam Marriott forced a good save from Moore while Mills headed against the bar as Leiston secured their place in the next round.

FT: Blues 3 Coventry United 1

Leiston enjoy a midweek off as they head to Warwickshire next Saturday in the league for a first ever meeting against Racing Club Warwick.

Line-ups:

Blues: Robinson, Dunbar, Callan-McFadden, Aitkens (Henman 78 mins), Jackson, Rangel (Sayer 72 mins), Alexander, Mills. Rayworth, Frostick, Clemons (Marriott 84 mins). Subs not used: Hill, Batho, Jarvis and Ford.

Coventry United: Moore, Sawyer, Barber, Palmer, Cox, Miles (Dunn 46 mins), Stone (Adomako 67 mins), Mullan (Richardson 84 mins), Cobourne, Blackmore (Downes 77 mins), Faulkner. Subs not used: Bailey and James.

Blues Man Of The Match, selected by Match Sponsors SOLE BAY FINANCIAL PLANNING: Fraser Alexander.

Attendance: 379