Leiston have dropped to 10th in that time, with Halesowen drawing 5-5 at AFC Sudbury last weekend, as they sit in 7th place, two points and three places above the Blues.

Leiston’s match in the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup against Needham Market was postponed on Tuesday 9th December, but the game has been re-scheduled for Tuesday 6th January in the new year. Chris Wigger’s team were also meant to be at home to Alvechurch last Saturday, but the match had to be moved back to January as Alvechurch were taking part in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Halesowen Town visited Suffolk on the opening day of the season, drawing 2-2.

A Jack Hickman own goal helped give Leiston the lead early on but Halesowen hit back when McKauley Manning and Charlie Wragg scored either side of the interval, but Joao Rangel struck home an equaliser on 79 minutes to seal a point for the Blues.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS AT THE GROVE

The side's first met at The Grove at the back end of the 2018/2019 season (Leiston’s first season in the Southern League), with the sides playing out a 0-0 draw on Saturday 23rd March 2019.

With Halesowen Town relegated at the end of that season, the sides didn’t meet again until Saturday 5th August 2023. Miracle Okafor netted a brace on the opening day of the campaign, while Jamar Loza scored for Leiston in stoppage time.

On Saturday 7th September 2024, the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in front of a crowd of 1,203. Enock Lokeba put Halesowen Town ahead just after the break but Kyran Clements headed home a late equaliser to secure a point.

HALESOWEN TOWN FACTS

The club were formed in 1873.

The ground at Halesowen Town (The Grove) holds more than 3,000 spectators (over 500 seated). The finished 4th last season but lost to AFC Telford United in the semi-finals of the play-offs, who eventually went on to beat Kettering Town in the final.

They are nicknamed ‘The Yeltz, and won the FA Vase back-to-back in 1985 and 1986, both at Wembley.

Paul Joinson is their record appearance maker, with 658 appearances, and the same player is also their record goalscorer, with 368 goals.

They have reached the FA Cup First Round on 9 previous occasions, with the last in the 2004/2005 season.

FORM GUIDE: -
(Most recent league results first): -
HALESOWEN TOWN: - DDDWW
BLUES: - LWWLL

Leiston end 2025 with a home game against Needham Market on Saturday 27th December (3pm kick off).

BLUES GAMES IN JANUARY 2026

Sat 3rd Jan: - Bury Town (A)
Tues 6th Jan: - Needham Market (H, Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup, quarter-final)
Sat 10th Jan: - Kettering Town (H)
Sat 17th Jan: - Stourbridge (H)
Tues 20th Jan: - Alvechurch (H)
Sat 24th Jan: - Harborough Town (A)
Sat 31st Jan: - Royston Town (H).

MATCH INFORMATION
Halesowen Town v Blues
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
Saturday, December 20, 3pm kick off
The Grove, Old Hawne Lane, Halesowen Town FC, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3TB
Tel: - 0121 629 0727.

Admission Prices:- Adults £13, Concessions (60+) £10, Students (U21) £10, 13-17 year olds £6, U12s £3.
Game 22/42.