OVERVIEW

LEISTON head to Shropshire this afternoon as they look forward to playing second placed AFC Telford United in the Pitching In Southern League Central Premier (3pm kick off).

Leiston put in a fine first-half performance in Suffolk last weekend against one of the form teams in the league, Spalding United, as goals from Jamar Loza (the player’s 22nd goal of the season) and George Quantrell put Leiston in control, before the visitors pulled a goal back early in the second half. However, Chris Wigger’s side took the points, with Adam Mills and Ismael Fatadjo hitting the woodwork late on.

Leiston and Telford met earlier in the season, and two goals inside the first 25 minutes from Stenson and Dinanga saw the away side take the points.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

THE sides met on the second day of the season in the 2023/2024 campaign, with Leiston winning 2-1. Goals from Spencer Keller and Joe Marsden saw the Blues go two up before Telford pulled a goal back in stoppage time.

In January 2024, the Blues drew 0-0 with Telford in what was their first ever trip to Shropshire.

FROM THE DUGOUT

BLUES first team player/coach Ryan Jarvis looked ahead to the game: “Telford away is the type of game all players and staff want to be involved in. Especially at the current time where the league is so exciting," he said.

"We’ll approach it with a positive, aggressive attitude, to go and try and win the game.”

TELFORD FACTS

TELFORD, according to the 2021 Census, had a population of just under 156,000.

The Telford International Centre hosted the UK Snooker Championship from 2007 to 2010. The championship moved from York in 2007 but returned to the refurbished Barbican Centre in York since 2011.

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn grew up and was educated in Telford, while Billy Wright, who played over 100 times for England (the first player to do so), was born in Telford.

FORM GUIDE

AFC TELFORD UNITED: - WDDDW
BLUES: - WDWWW

COMING UP FOR THE BLUES

LEISTON have a big month coming up in March as they play SEVEN games.

Next Saturday (1st March), the Blues host Kettering Town before heading to AFC Sudbury on Saturday 8th March. They play Sudbury twice in four days as they play the ‘Yellows’ at Felixstowe & Walton United in the Suffolk Premier Cup semi-finals.

The Blues then host Barwell (Sat 15th March) before heading the Biggleswade Town (Tues 18th March) and to Alvechurch (Sat 22nd March). Leiston end the month with a home game with Bedford Town on Saturday 29th March.

MATCH INFORMATION

AFC Telford United v Blues
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
Saturday, February 22, 3pm kick off
New Bucks Head Stadium, AFC Telford United FC, Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 2TU.
Tel: - 01952 640064.

Admission Prices:- Adults £13, Concessions £10, 17-18 year olds £6, 12-16 year olds £3, U12’s £1 (when accompanied with a paying adult or concession).

Game 31/42.