LEISTON fell to successive league defeats on Saturday afternoon after losing 2-1 at Stratford Town, but they remain in 9th place, writes Craig Cooper.

Two goals either side of the interval from Lewis Ison and Jack Storer set up the win for the Warwickshire club, while Kory Roberts’ own goal did give the Blues hope, but Chris Wigger’s team couldn’t find a leveller.

Harvey Sayer came in for Kyle Callan-McFadden, who was injured, while Ben Batho came back into the squad after returning from a loan spell at Brantham Athletic, so Stan Horne returned to playing for the Blues U23s.

Dan Lafferty headed wide early on after just two minutes before Jack Manly won a free kick for Leiston in the 4th minute and play was held up as the Blues player received treatment.

On seven minutes, Lafferty saw a strike well blocked by Eddie Jackson before the hosts came forward again and Johnson took a header in the Blues’ box.

Adam Mills then slipped in Manly but the cross was easy for Jake Weaver in the Stratford goal. Leiston were having lots of possession but they were finding it hard to break down Stratford.

Wyatt Hill and Fraser Alexander then got some attention from the physio after going down. When play restarted, the home side went close to taking the lead as a corner was flicked on but it went wide of the post.

In the 29th minute, Sayer’s strike was well blocked and eight minutes later, Joao Rangel's shot went wide of Weaver’s right hand post outside the box.

However, Stratford took the lead when Ison headed home a corner in a crowded penalty area and Lafferty nearly added a second three minutes after but was off target with his attempt.

In the last action of the half, Sayer forced Weaver to make a good save to his right to keep the scores level at the break.

With just over twenty seconds of the second half played, Stratford doubled their lead when the ball was played out to Jack Storer on the home side’s right and the player smashed home a shot past Johnson.

The Blues started to find a rhythm and on 55 minutes, pulled a goal back when Roberts headed past his own keeper. Leiston nearly levelled on 57 minutes but sub Ronnie Blois header was well saved by Weaver, who tipped the ball over.

Startford were then denied by a good Seb Dunbar tackle and interception by Alexander before the home team shot the resultant strike wide.

Sayer had a strike blocked after good work by Blois and Rangel. Play was held up as Storer was stretchered off the field and Johnson made two more good saves after play restarted.

On 82 minutes, Sayer shot just over before on 86 minutes, Ben Fowkes hit the crossbar as Leiston did their utmost to get back on level terms.

In the first minute of stoppage time, Blois was booked in the area after seemingly being fouled and Leiston kept up the pressure, with nine minutes of additional time being played, before referee Thomas Durno signalled the end of the match.

FT: Stratford Town 2 Blues 1

The Blues now turn their attentions to Monday night when they visit St Ives Town.

Line-ups;

Stratford Town: Weaver, Vann, Brennan, Roberts, Landers (Hawker 64 mins), Ison, Lafferty, Storer (Bruce 75 mins), McCone, Masidi (Lott 46 mins), Sherif (James 94 mins). Sub not used: Morris.

Blues: Johnson, Hill, Dunbar, Jackson, Rangel, Alexander, Manly (Blois 49 mins), Mills, Sayer, Clemons, Fowkes. Subs not used: Batho, Frostick, Jarvis and Mehew.

Blues Man Of The Match: Willie Clemons

Attendance: 474