LEISTON host Spalding United on Saturday in their penultimate league game of the 2025/2026 season, which is also their final home matchwrites Craig Cooper.

Two back-to-back away wins has seen the Blues go up just a place to tenth, after a 2-1 win at Quorn and 1-0 victory at Real Bedford, two venues where Leiston have never played at before.

If Fraser Alexander plays this weekend, he will make his 100th competitive Blues appearance after just two seasons at the club.

Kyle Callan-McFadden could be back fit for the match but Cameron Rayworth has been ruled out for the season with injury.

Spalding United have ex-Blues Ben Fowkes in their ranks, who netted 15 goals for Leiston this season before leaving in mid February this year. Spalding are guaranteed second spot, which will give them home advantage in the semi-finals of the play-offs and also the final, should they get there. They have 83 points currently from their 40 league games (compared to Leiston’s 61).

MEET SPALDING FC

SPALDING United were founded in 1905 and have a ground capacity of 2,700 (300 seated). They were promoted to the Southern League Central Premier after winning the Northern League Premier Division One Midlands league last season. Their record attendance was 6,972 against Peterborough United in an FA Cup Qualifying match in 1952.

They have won the United Counties Premier League on six occasions in their history, the last being in 2013/2014. In FA Competitions, they have reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup on two occasions, in 1957-1958 and 1964-1965. They reached the FA Trophy Third Round in 1999-2000 and have also reached the Quarter-Finals of the FA Vase in 1989-1990 and 1996-1997.

SPALDING FUN FACTS

SPALDING'S population was just under 31,000 in the last census in 2021. The town is located between Peterborough and Lincoln.

Spalding held an annual Spalding Flower Parade between 1959 and 2013, celebrating the region’s tulip production. At one time, it attracted crowds of more than 100,000. Spalding FC's nickname is 'The Tulips'.

The first barcode to be used at a shopping till was used in Spalding on 7th October 1979, at Key Markets.

Leiston lost 4-1 at Spalding United earlier in the season on Saturday, 6th December 2025.

PREVIOUS HOME MEETING WITH SPALDING

On Saturday, 15th February 2025, the Blues won 2-1 at home to Spalding United, with goals in the first half from Jamar Loza and George Quantrell putting Leiston in control. Samuel Cartwright pulled a goal back early in the second half but the Blues held on for the win in front of 204 fans.

FORM GUIDE:
(Most recent league game first)

BLUES: W W L L W

SPALDING UNITED: L W W L D

Corporate Matchday Sponsor: FLANNERY

Match Ball Sponsors: RUBY ROOSTER LIMITED & DAVID ALEXANDER

We also have the Offside Trust with us tomorrow afternoon.

The Offside Trust is a survivor-led organisation dedicated to safeguarding children and young people in all sports. Established by survivors of child sexual abuse in football, they are committed to supporting those affected, raising awareness, and working to prevent abuse from happening again.

If you could pay a visit to them tomorrow, they will be at the half way line near the tannoy area.

MATCH INFORMATION
Blues v Spalding United
Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central
Saturday, April 18th, 3pm 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 on sale at the turnstiles and in the ground:£2.50

Supporters player of the year slips will be available from the turnstile and tunnel area on Saturday. Please give them to Craig Cooper, who will be announcing the winner towards the end of the game.

Game 41/42