THE Blues play their fourth home game on the bounce on Tuesday night when Alvechurch visit in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central with a 7.45pm kick off.

Although they drew 0-0 with Stourbridge on Saturday afternoon, Leiston moved up two places into 8th place. It was an important point also for visitors Stourbridge as they moved out of the relegation zone.

Joao Rangel is unlikely to play a part in the fixture because of injury, but other than that, there is no injury or suspension worries for the Blues.

Alvechurch are currently in 19th place and themselves and Leiston are yet to meet this season. ‘The Church’ have 24 points from 21 league games so far and only recently departed the Isuzu FA Trophy, which they won four games, all of them coming in penalty shootouts!

They defeated Basford United on 5-4 penalties away from home after the tie finished 0-0 after normal time before they beat Worcester City 4-3 on spot kicks, this time at home, as again their tie finished 0-0. In the Second Round, they drew 1-1 at home to Real Bedford before they won 4-3 in another penalty shootout. In the Third Round, they beat Alfreton Town 4-1 on spot kicks after the tie ended 2-2 at Alvechurch. They drew 0-0 at Yeovil Town in Round Four but this time lost 3-1 on penalties.

The sides were due to meet in the middle of December last year but the game was called off as Alvechurch were participating in the FA Trophy.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS IN SUFFOLK

THE teams first met for the first time on Saturday 23rd February 2019, with the Blues winning 2-0 in front of 236 people.

After a goalless first period, George Keys bundled a ball over the line after a free kick wasn’t dealt with by Alvechurch while Christy Finch added a late second goal for Stuart Boardley’s side.

In the next season, the sides met on Saturday 31st August 2019, with Alvechurch winning 2-1. In front of 154 spectators, Joshua Ezewele gave the Midlands club the lead before Harry Knights scored an unfortunate own goal. Byron Lawrence scored early in the second half for Leiston but Alvechurch saw the game out to take the three points early in the campaign.

There was no fixture between the two clubs in 2020/2021.

On Saturday 29th January 2022, the two sides met for the third time in Suffolk. 225 people watched on as Leiston and Alvechurch drew 1-1. Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton put the away side in front but Leiston levelled quickly via Finlay Barnes.

CLASHES SINCE
Saturday 11th February 2023
Leiston 1 (Will Davies) Alvechurch 1 (Harry Williams)
Att: 222

Saturday 24th February 2024
Leiston 2 (Ross Crane, Jamar Loza) Alvechurch 2 (Archie Crowther, Michael Lavin (own goal))
Att: 160

Tuesday 12th November 2024
Leiston 2 (Fraser Alexander, Jamar Loza) Alvechurch 1 (Richard Batchelor)
Att: 122

ABOUT ALVECHURCH

THE club were founded in 1929 and play at Lye Meadow.

They played in the Redditch League until World War II.

They reached the semi-finals of the FA Amateur Cup in the 1965-1966 season, losing to Wealdstone, 1-0, at Stamford Bridge.

They reached the Third Round of the FA Cup in the 1973/1974 campaign. They beat Exeter City, King’s Lynn before losing 4-2 against Bradford City.

They won the Worcestershire League three times in the 1960’s before playing in the Midlands League. They then played in the Southern League in the late 70’s to early 90’s, winning the Southern League Midland Division in 1981.

The club played in the Midland Alliance and Midland Division and the club won back-to-back promotions between 2016 and 2018 to play at the level that they are currently at.

FORM GUIDE
(Most recent league games first)

BLUES: D W L W L
ALVECHURCH: L D L W L

The other matches on Tuesday night sees Real Bedford host Bromsgrove Sporting while Stamford host AFC Sudbury.

BLUES GAMES COMING UP

Saturday 24th Jan: Harborough Town (Away)
Saturday 31st Jan: Royston Town (HOME)
Tuesday 3rd Feb: Bury Town (Away)
Saturday 7th Feb: Barwell (Away)
Saturday 14th Feb: Bromsgrove Sporting (HOME)
Tuesday 17th Feb: Needham Market (HOME - Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter Final)
Saturday 21st Feb: AFC Sudbury (Away)
Saturday 28th Feb: -Real Bedford (Away)

MATCH INFORMATION
Blues v Alvechurch
Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central
Tuesday, January 20th, 7.45pm kick off
The Flannery Stadium, LTAA, Victory Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ
Tel: 01728 830308

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

Matchday programme available on the turnstiles£2.50

Match Sponsor: RUBYROOSTER LIMITED
Match Ball Sponsor: JASON BURNS GARDENING SERVICES, ALDEBURGH

Game 26/42