THE Blues host Hitchin Town this weekend, a side on a good run of form even though they are just three points from safety, that after a bad start to the season.

Leiston, though, are in good form themselves and the Blues sit 9th in the league after a good win at Bromsgrove Sporting last weekend. The three points in Worcestershire means Leiston have lost just one game in their last seven in all competitions.

The Blues have ten home games left in the league this season, beginning with the visit of the ‘Canaries’ from Hitchin this weekend.

Hitchin got an excellent 2-1 home win against Redditch United a couple of weeks ago and beat Biggleswade Town 3-1 last week. They have lost one game in six in the league.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

THE sides first met in Suffolk in January 2019. Will Davies netted a late goal as the Blues rallied,but the away side held on for a 2-1 win.

In October 2019, goals from Davies, Siju Odelusi and Josh Hitter helped Leiston to a 3-1 victory. The win ended a run of 14 games without a victory for Leiston.

The sides met next in March 2022 when Finlay Barnes and Davies, again, helped the Blues win 2-1 before in April 2023, early goals by Ben Fowkes and Davies saw Leiston to a 2-0 win.

Last season, goals from Adam Bailey-Dennis and Jamar Loza saw Leiston win 2-0 in April 2024, and Hitchin actually finished in the relegation places before getting a reprieve due to Coalville Town withdrawing from the league.

If the Blues win this weekend it will be their 200th win at this level since becoming a Step 3 club in 2012.

Chris Wigger is expected to have Eddie Jackson and Ismael Fatadjo back in the squad after the pair missed last week’s game at Bromsgrove.

FORM GUIDE
(Starting with most recent game first).
BLUES: WWDLW
HITCHIN: WWLDW

HITCHIN FUN FACTS

HITCHIN has a population of just over 35,000 people. The town dates back to at least the 7th century.

Lavender has famously been grown around the fields of Hitchin, with Lavender Distilleries starting up as an early industry.

Hitchin were one of just three club to compete in the inaugural FA Cup, paying a fee of £25. The Club were established in 1865 but were reformed in 1928.

Hitchin famously beat Hereford United (1994) and Bristol Rovers (1995) in the FA Cup.

Notable people from Hitchin include Guillem Balague (Spanish football journalist), Karl Duguid (pro footballer), Gail Emma (badminton player) and Ian Poulter (golfer).

COMING UP FOR THE BLUES

LEISTON end the month of January with a trip to Biggleswade Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick off).

MATCH INFORMATION
Blues v Hitchin Town
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
Saturday, January 25, 3pm kick off
Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, Victory Road, LTAA, Leiston, IP16 4DQ
Tel: 01728 830308

Admission Prices: Adults £12, Concessions (over 65’s) £9, Students (with ID) £7, Under 16’s £3
Printed matchday programme: £2.50

Match Sponsor: FLICK & SON (COAST & COUNTRY)
Match Ball Sponsor: KP GLASS FIBRE LIMITED

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