The Blues remain four points outside the play-off places after midweek results as they look forward to playing four out of their last six league games at home. In fact, they will have to go outside Suffolk just the once more this season when they head to Stourbridge in a couple of weeks time.

Last week’s 1-1 draw in Worcestershire saw Chris Wigger’s men play well for a lot of the game against a very decent side in the form of Alvechurch.

It leaves Leiston in 8th position.

Bedford Town, meanwhile, currently are in second place and have 66 points from their 36 league fixtures to date.

The Blues went down 4-3 at Bedford Town in late September last year. Bedford raced into a three goal lead thanks to goals from R. Blake, R. Howard and K. Connolly before Kyran Clements scored just before the break to give Leiston any hope.

Jamar Loza netted a penalty early in the second period as the hosts were reduced to ten men and George Quantrell scored on 89 minutes which looked to have given the Suffolk side a point.

However, Wyatt Hill was then sent off before E. Coker won the game with seconds to spare for Bedford.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS IN SUFFOLK

THE two sides met in Suffolk in what was the first-ever meeting in September 2022.

Ben Fowkes put Leiston ahead before Craig Mackail Smith was sent off for Bedford in the first half. Leiston scored two second half goals, with Will Davies and Seb Dunbar scoring to see the Blues to a 3-0 win.

Later on in that season, the two sides met in Bedford in February 2023, with Leiston winning 4-3. Hugh Alban-Jones put Bedford ahead before Jermaine Howe doubled the hosts lead.

But quick goals before the interval from Finlay Barnes, Ben Fowkes and Will Davies saw Leiston lead.

Connor Tomlinson levelled got Bedford just after the hour mark but the Blues went into the lead again when Jake Hutchings headed home a corner. These three previous matches are the only time the teams have met before.

In team news for this weekend, club captain Seb Dunbar is set to return after serving his one game suspension last weekend.

BEDFORD FUN FACTS

THE average house price in Bedford is just below £350,000 (£343,308).

The name of the town is believed to derive from the name of a Saxon chief called Beda, and a ford crossing the River Great Ouse.

The town has four Rugby Union teams. Bedford Blues, Bedford Queens, Bedford Swifts and Bedford Athletic. Bedford’s Rugby League side, Bedford Tigers, compete in the league one below the National Conference.

Real Bedford are the other football side to compete in the area, playing one league below Bedford Town in the Football Pyramid System.

Ronnie Barker and Carol Vorderman were both born in Bedford as were former Ipswich Town goalkeeper Kelvin Davis and football manager Barry Fry.

FORM GUIDE:
(Starting with most recent game)

BLUES: D D L W L
BEDFORD TOWN: W D W W W

THE FINAL RUN-IN FOR THE BLUES

Banbury United (H): Saturday 5th April
Felixstowe & Walton United (Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Final, at Needham Market FC): -Weds 9th April
Stourbridge (A): Saturday12th April
Halesowen Town (H): Saturday 19th April
Lowestoft Town (A): Monday 21st April
Biggleswade Town (H): Saturday 26th April

Corporate Match Sponsor:- LACONS BREWERY
Match Ball Sponsor:- TIM HUDSON
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MATCH INFORMATION
Blues v Bedford Town
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
Saturday, March 29, 3pm kick off
Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, Victory Road, LTAA, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ
Tel: - 01728 830308

BEDFORD FANS NOTE: The main hall at the Club will be open for drinks and food for Bedford fans mainly

Admission Prices:- Adults £12, Concessions (over 65’s) £9, Students (with ID) £7, Under 16’s £3, Under 5’s Free entry
Match programme available on the turnstiles and in the ground: £2.50

Game 37/42