THE Blues play their first league game for nearly three weeks this weekend as Chris Wigger’s side make the trip to the West Midlands to face Stourbridge, writes Craig Cooper.

Leiston’s last three games have all been cup games. Firstly, the Blues went out of the Emirates FA Cup to Banbury United, 3-0, before the team won 3-0 at Walsham-le-Willows in the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup second round. Last weekend they defeated Lewes 2-1 at the Dripping Pan in the FA Trophy. Goals from Ben Fowkes and Adam Mills saw the team through to the first round, where the Blues will head to AFC Sudbury on Saturday, 25th October.

The Blues have no injury doubts for their match this weekend and should have a fully fit squad going to Stourbridge. Billy Walsh and Ben Batho are both out on loan at Gorleston and Brantham Athletic respectively.

Stourbridge are currently 16th in the league table, having taken nine points from nine league games to date. Stourbridge beat Hanley Town 2-0 away from home in the FA Cup this season before bowing out at Sutton Coldfield Town at the second round qualifying stage.

Last Saturday in the FA Trophy, they lost 3-2 at Anstey Nomads.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS AT STOURBRIDGE

LEISTON have won just once in their previous six visits, that came in February 2024 when two late Joe Marsden’s goals helped Leiston win 3-1. But generally, it hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the Blues. They will look to put that right this weekend.

Saturday 2nd March 2019

Stourbridge 4 (Luke Benbow (3), Greg Mills) Blues 0
Attendance - 613

Saturday 14th September 2019

Stourbridge 5 (Michael Taylor (2), Greg Mills, Thomas Tonks, Jordan Williams ) Blues 1 (Quevin Castro)
Attendance - 615

Saturday 26th February 2022

Stourbridge 2 (Jason Cowley, Ethan Moran) Blues 0
Attendance - 578

Saturday 4th March 2023

Stourbridge 1 (Jason Cowley) Blues 1 (Will Davies)
Attendance - 501

Saturday 17th February 2024

Stourbridge 1 (Alex Jones) Blues 3 (Joe Marsden (2), Jamar Loza)
Attendance - 621

Saturday 12th April 2025

Stourbridge 2 (Ethan Freemantle, Alexander Bradley) Blues 0
Attendance - 590

ABOUT STOURBRIDGE

Stourbridge comes under the county of Worcestershire, whilst their Metropolitan County is the West Midlands.

The town is located on the River Stour and is around 10 miles from Birmingham.

Stourbridge is well know for it’s well known glass production, which began in the early 1600’s. Hence the team's nickname 'The Glassboys'.

In recent years, modern developments in the town have seen a new medical centre named Lion Health open. A Crown Shopping Mall has also opened in the last ten or so years.

Stourbridge is a Fairtrade Town. This means it supports fair trade products. The Stourbridge Farmers' and Craft Market happens twice a month in Clock Square. In the summer, Mary Stevens Park often hosts live music events.

Johnny Briggs, the actor who played Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street, was born in Stourbridge, along with leading singer of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant. Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan was born in Wordsley hospital in Stourbridge. Jude Bellingham (footballer) and Dean Headley (cricketer) were also born in the town.

Stourbridge were founded in 1876, and were known as Stourbridge Standard for 149 years.

They reached the Third Round of the FA Cup in the 2016-2017 season, beating Northampton Town on Round Two before losing 2-1 at Wycombe Wanderers in the next round. Stourbridge lost out to Spennymoor Town in the play-offs and were denied promotion that season.

They also reached Round Two of the FA Cup in 2011/2012, 2013/2014, 2015/2016) while they made the First Round in 2009/2010 and 2019/2020).

FORM GUIDE

(League games only, with most recent game first)

STOURBRIDGE: L L D W L
BLUES: D D W L W

MONTH AHEAD FOR THE BLUES

Tuesday 14th October: Royston Town (Away)
Saturday 18th October: Barwell (Home)
Tuesday 21st October: AFC Sudbury (Home)
Saturday 25th October: AFC Sudbury (Away) Isuzu FA Trophy First Round

MATCH INFORMATION
Stourbridge v Blues
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
Saturday, October 11, 3pm kick off
War Memorial Athletic Ground, Pitch View Lane, Amblecote, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 4HN
Tel: 01384 394040

Admission Prices: Adults £13, Concessions (over 65’s) £10, 13-17 year olds £7, 6-12 year olds £5 (must be accompanied by an adult).