Leiston lost their first game in six in all competitions on Saturday, with Quorn defeating Leiston 3-2. Goals from Ben Fowkes, who netted his third goal in as many games and Spencer Keller, returning to the first team fold after a long injury lay off, were not enough as the Leicestershire club continued their good start to the season.

However, Leiston have started well themselves and although they are 13th in the league at the minute, they will be happy enough with their start.

Bishop’s Stortford are currently top, having won their first five league games, but lost on Saturday at Stourbridge. They beat Real Bedford in the FA Cup and head to Hemel Hempstead in the competition in the Second Round Qualifying this weekend.

Leiston will most likely be without Wyatt Hill (injured) again and also Willie Clemons (international duty) and should have keeper Billy Johnson back available after the keeper missed Saturday’s game.

Bishop’s Stortford

The club were formed in 1874 and were founder members of the Hertfordshire Football Association.

They played in the Stansted and District League and then the Saffron Walden & District League in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. They won the Saffron Walden & District League between 1912 and 1914.

They won the Stansted & District League in the 1919-1920 season.

They had played in the Spartan League and then Delphian League by the mid 1950’s.

They reached the First Round of the FA Cup for the first time in 1970-1971, losing 6-1 to Reading FC. The same year (1971) they joined the Isthmian League.

In 1974, they won the FA Amateur Cup, defeating Ilford 4-1 in the final, at Wembley.

One of Bishop’s Stortford’s best season’s was in 1980-1981, when they won the FA Trophy after defeating Sutton United 1-0 at Wembley. In winning the FA Trophy, they became the first team ever to win the FA Amateur Cup and FA Trophy.

After spending a lot of years in the Isthmian Divisions, they did get promoted and played in the first year that the National North/South divisions came out, in the 2003/2004 campaign.

In 2016/2017, they were relegated from the National North (after being switched from the South) lost to Cheshunt in the 2019/2020 play-off final. However, they won the league the next season but were relegated in their first season back at Step 2.

Recent Meetings

The sides met for the first time in November 2021 in the FA Trophy, with Bishop’s Stortford winning 5-1. Adam Mills got the Blues goal. Frankie Merrifield (2), Darren Foxley, Chris Harris and Ryan Charles were all on target for ‘Stortford.

But, last season, Leiston won 2-1 at Bishop’s Stortford. Ben Fowkes and George Quantrell netted late goals to win the game late on.

FORM GUIDE:
(Most recent league game first)

BISHOP’S STORTFORD: L W W W W

BLUES: L W W D L

Games Coming Up in September

Saturday 13th: Hackney Wick (H) Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 20th: Harborough Town (H)
Tuesday 23rd: St Ives Town (H)

Game 7/42

Match Information
Bishop’s Stortford v Blues
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
7.45pm kick off
Dunmow Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 5RG
Tel: 01279 306456

Admission Prices
Adults £15
Concessions £10
Youth 12-17 year olds £8
Under 12’s are FREE IF accompanied by an adult.