Last week’s win with ten men against Redditch showed resilience and determination throughout by the Blues and Jamar Loza’s 20th goal of the campaign eventually settled the game.

It means the Blues (seventh) are one point and one place behind Lincolnshire-based Stamford as Chris Wigger’s side go into the last third of the season.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

LEISTON first met Stamford in November 2023. After a poor start, which saw Leiston two goals down in the first eight minutes, George Quantrell pulled a goal back just before the break while a Ross Crane strike and Chris Casement free kick deep into second half stoppage completed an excellent comeback.

However, in March 2024, Stamford got their revenge as they ran out 3-0 winners, with Joe Marsden receiving a red card.

Earlier this season, Loza put the Blues ahead but Stamford scored a spectacular equaliser through T. Chitiza halfway through the second period as the game ended 1-1.

FROM THE GAFFER

LEISTON boss Chris Wigger said this week: "I think this league if far too tight to get excited about anything. My excitement comes from being connected to the main group and knowing we’ve potentially got something to chase.

"I think the important thing is to keep our feet on the ground and understand there are lots teams in better positions than us, but we’re also operating in a league where you can see a run of three or four decent wins, or decent games or decent performances can push you up a bit."

FORM GUIDE
(Starting with most recent result): -
STAMFORD: - WWLLW
BLUES: - WWWWD

STAMFORD FUN FACTS

JUST under 21,000 people live in Stamford (2021 Census).

The place-name Stamford is first attested in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, where it appears as Steanford in 922 and Stanford in 942. It appears as Stanford in the Domesday Book of 1086. The name means "stony ford".

The Stamford Mercury claims to be 'Britain's oldest continuously published newspaper title'. The Mercury has been published since 1712 but its masthead formerly claimed it was established in 1695 and still has "Britain's Oldest Newspaper".

The films Pride and Prejudice (2005), The Da Vinci Code (2006) and The Golden Bowl (2000) were all partly filmed in Stamford.

In 2024 Stamford was named as one of the best places to live in the UK, by the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

COMING UP FOR THE BLUES

LEISTON have back-to-back home games coming up as they host St Ives Town (Tuesday 11th February) before hosting Spalding United on Saturday 15th February.

They then head to AFC Telford on the final Saturday of the month.

MATCH INFORMATION
Stamford v Blues
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
Saturday, February 8, 3pm kick off
Ryhall Road, Stamford FC, PE9 1US
Tel: - 01780 751471.

Admission Prices: Adults £12, Concessions (over 60’s and students) £8, 12-17 year olds £4, U11’s (with paying adult) FOC.

Game 28/42.