LEISTON will look to build on their fine performance and result against Harborough Town on Saturday as they entertain St Ives Town at the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium on Tuesday night, writes Craig Cooper.

Leiston’s late stoppage time goal at the weekend against Harborough helped the team to another point. The draw kept Chris Wigger’s men in 10th place, while Harborough stayed top.

St Ives Town, meanwhile, lost 1-0 at Halesowen Town, and are 12th, but they are only one point behind Leiston.

MEET ST IVES TOWN

Not to be confused with St Ives in Cornwall, St Ives Town, Cambridgeshire, has a population of just under 17,000 according to the last Census carried out in 2021.

There are 17 pubs in St Ives, the oldest pub being called the Dolphin that has been there for around 300 years.

Every year, St Ives host a Carnival and Music Festival, a two day event which is free.

There is also a rugby club in St Ives and a rowing club (formed in 1865), which saw some members take part in the Olympics. There is also a swimming club and 18-hole golf course.

Leiston played St Ives in their very first match in the FA Vase in 1988. St Ives Town won 4-2. Dale Threadkell and Glyn Clouting were the scorers. The Blues also played St Ives Town in the FA Vase in November 2007, with St Ives Town winning 3-2 in Suffolk.

Two seasons ago, in September 2023, Leiston beat St Ives Town 2-1 in the First Round Qualifying in the FA Cup. Joe Marsden (pen) and Ross Crane were on target in the first half.

PREVIOUS LEAGUE MEETINGS IN SUFFOLK

March 2019:
Leiston 0 St Ives Town 2

October 2019:
Leiston 4 St Ives Town 4
(Leiston scorers: Tom Woerndl, Louie Bloom, Josh Cheetham and Noel Aitkens).

October 2021:
Leiston 3 (Will Davies (2), Jake Hutchings) St Ives Town 1

January 2023:
Leiston 1 (Will Davies) St Ives Town 0

September 2023:
Leiston 1 (Ross Crane) St Ives Town 1

February 2025:
Leiston 2 (Ben Fowkes, Jamar Loza) St Ives Town 2

FORM GUIDE

(League games only, most recent first)

BLUES: D W L W W
ST IVES TOWN: L W W D L

BLUES GAMES AHEAD

Saturday 27th Sep: Banbury United (Home) (Emirates FA Cup Third Round Qualifying)
Tuesday 30th Sep: Walsham-Le-Willows (Away) (Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Second Round). If no FA Cup replay.
Saturday 4th Oct: Lewes (Away) Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying
Saturday 11th Oct: Stourbridge (Away)
Tuesday 14th Oct: Royston Town (Away)
Saturday 18th Oct: Barwell (Home)
Tuesday 21st Oct: AFC Sudbury (Home)

MATCH INFORMATION
Blues v St Ives Town
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
Tuesday, September 23, 7.45pm kick off
Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, Victory Road, LTAA, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ
Tel: 01728 830308

Admission Prices: Adults £13, Concessions (over 65’s) £10, Students (with ID) £8, Under 16’s £3, Under 5’s Free of charge

Match Sponsors: - Flick & Son Coast & Country.

Printed matchday programme £2.50

Game 9/42