LEISTON moved into the Southern League Central Premier division play-off positions for the first time this season with another hard-fought, but deserved win, this time over Spalding United, at the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium.

Goals from Jamar Loza and George Quantrell in the first half gave the Blues a two-goal cushion at the break and, while Samuel Cartwright pulled one back on the hour mark, Billy Johnson in the home goal was rarely tested, as the Blues made it eight unbeaten in the league and just one defeat in 12 in all competitions.

The win moved Leiston into fifth place in the table, one point behind fourth-placed Stratford Town and five points off top spot, currently occupied by Bedford Town.

On a cold day that culminated with snow falling just after the final whistle, it was a solid performance from the Blues in front of another enthusiastic Leiston crowd.

Blues midfielder Albie Armin said after the game: "I think the win is down to all the boys and coaching staff staying level-headed. And of course we're buzzing.

"Our strikers scoring goals gives us confidence as a midfield and defensive unit to do our jobs and let them do theirs. And they are doing their jobs very well."

The Blues welcomed Johnson back in goal after a two-game ban, while skipper Seb Dunbar also returned after being unavailable last week.

Spalding had an early chance but Dunbar cleared Nathan Fox’s cross from the left after just three minutes. Loza then nearly got on the end of Adam Mills' ball into the box a minute later and Blues keeper Johnson’s audacious free kick attempt nearly went in from the halfway line.

The visitors had started brightly, but it was the home side who hit the front in the 18th minute when Loza cut inside from the Blues right after good work by Quantrell to fire into Aaron Chapman’s bottom corner. It was a fine finish and his 22nd goal of the season in all competitions.
 
Leiston went close again through Loza, while Quantrell also had an effort blocked. Jason Law fired just over the bar for the away side before Quantrell doubled the Blues lead in the 36th minute.

Loza's strike from outside the box hit the post, but the ball rebounded nicely to Quantrell who vollied it soundly back into the net. It was a key moment, with the inform visitors who had beaten play-off contenders Stratford and Halesowen in recent weeks, now chasing the game.

Dunbar and Rossi Jarvis did well to thwart an away attack early in the second half as the visitors came out fired up, and Spalding got their rewards in the 57th minute as defender Samuel Cartwright netted from almost on the goal-line from a fierce in-swinging corner.

It was game on now and Spalding upped the ante, but much of their tenacity and possession wasn't coming to much in the final third.

On 65 minutes, Ben Fowkes had a strike blocked for Leiston after good play by Mills. Loza shot straight at Chapman in the area while sub James Clifton shot just over Johnson’s bar on 73 minutes for the visitors.

But it was the home side who finished stronger, Mills shot against Chapman’s bar on 87 minutes and Blues sub Ismael Fatadjo hit the post in the last minute of stoppage time, sliding in at the far stick. There was a late booking for Loza, but Blues fans cared not as their side moved up another place in the table, and now look forward to travelling to second place AFC Telford next week.

FT: - Blues 2 Spalding United 1

Line-ups: -
Blues: - Johnson, Yun, Dunbar, Armin, Rossi Jarvis, Eddie Jackson, Mills, Alexander, Fowkes (sub Fatadjo 74 mins), Quantrell, Loza. Subs not used: - Clements, Jack Manly, Ryan Jarvis, Hill.
Spalding United: - Chapman, Walker, Fox, Moore, Cartwright, Lawlor, Sembie-Ferris (sub Sherif 90+1 mins), Freeman, Cybulski, Sano Sani (sub Clifton 56 mins), Law (sub Chettle 80 mins). Subs not used: - Johnson, Leshabela.

Match Sponsor, Mrs Sue Tugwell, Man Of The Match: - Fraser Alexander.
Attendance: - 204