The Blues were held by bottom club Bury Town in a battling Boxing Day fixture as the winless run stretches to four games. In a match of few clear cut openings both sides had chances to win the game but had to settle for a fair draw with Suffolk bragging rights shared. Both Tom Bullard and Danny Cunningham were not fully fit to start so the visitors started with Scott Mitchell in right midfield with the very versatile Leon Ottley-Gooch at left back. In front of the home sides biggest gate of the season to date the game started at a decent pace and although the surface was heavy, there was plenty of zip off it. Bury, who had the returning John Sands leading their front line, started well. Remi Garrett curling an early effort over the top but too many of their crosses were over hit in the final third. Leiston took a while to get going as the hosts allowed Leiston no time on the ball but they were claiming a penalty on 22 minutes. Craig Parker, one of four ex Bury players in the Leiston squad, weaved a mazy run through the heart of the Bury defence before falling to a heavy challenge that looked as though it was just inside the area. However, the Referee awarded the free kick on the line of the 18 yard box with Stuart Boardley’s curling, dipping effort just wide. Bury responded with an effort from Jordan Patrick that went wide before a sweet strike from Connor Hall from just outside the box beat the full length dive of Danny Gay but struck the bottom of the post and rebounded to safety. On 26 minutes the visitors created their best opening. Good work from Gareth Heath released Patrick Brothers down the left and his cross was stabbed just wide from Josh Mayhew. As the half began to close Justin Miller saw an effort turned round by Danny Gay as sides were giving their all in a competitive half with Remi Garrett, John Kennedy and Scott Mitchell all receiving yellow cards.
There was no let up to the frantic play as we resumed the second half but Leiston were dealt an early blow with Patrick Brothers hobbling off with what looked like a hamstring injury just seven minutes in to be replaced by Danny Cunningham. Moments later former Leiston full back Seb Dunbar did well to block Stuart Boardley’s strike. Leiston were now in their best spell of the game and on 66 minutes the visitors went close when Joe Jefford met Danny Cunningham’s corner at the far post but saw his header crash back of the bar. Three minutes later came Bury’s best chance of the half as Joe Benjamin swung in a corner that was met by Connor Hall but his header was brilliantly turned round the post by Danny Gay. Back came Leiston and on 73 minutes Josh Mayhew had the best chance of the game. Scott Mitchell slid the Blues striker in inside the box and after he steadied himself he dragged his shot wide with just Alex Archer to beat, injuring himself in the process. Tom Winter entered the fray in attack as the players began to tire for all their efforts. Danny Cunningham followed Stuart Boardley into the Referee’s book as both sides toiled for the opening goal. The last moment of the game came in the five minute of stoppages but as the ball fell invitingly to John Sands on the edge of the box, his effort was high and wide and the Suffolk derby ended goal less.
FT – Bury Town 0 Blues 0
Blues line up: Gay, Saker, Ottley-Gooch, Boardley, Jefford, Tann, Mitchell, Heath, Mayhew (Winter 74 mins), Parker, Brothers (Cunningham 52 mins). Subs not used: Bullard, Hubble and Rossis.
Yellow cards: Stuart Boardley, Danny Cunningham & Scott Mitchell (Leiston), Remi Garrett, Conor Hall & John Kennedy (Bury Town)
Man of the Match – Stuart Boardley
Attendance: 445