OVERVIEW

LEISTON host Bishop’s Stortford in their first home game of the campaign on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick off) writes Craig Cooper.

The Blues drew 1-1 on Saturday in the season opener at Anstey Nomads, which was the Leicestershire side’s first ever match at Step 3.

Harvey Kirby-Moore’s goal in the first half was cancelled out by Harvey Sayer’s early second period strike as both teams had to settle for a point.

Bishop’s Stortford were held 0-0 at home to Banbury United at the weekend in their season opener.

Leiston are hoping Noel Aitkens will return to the squad following injury.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The Blues and Bishop’s Stortford met on Tuesday, 13th August 2024 in their first ever League meeting in Suffolk after the sides had previously met in November 2021 in Hertfordshire when Leiston had lost 5-1 in the FA Trophy.

The sides drew 1-1 on that August night. Bradley Russell had put the away side ahead before Ben Fowkes levelled from the penalty spot in additional time.

On Tuesday 18th November 2025, Bishop’s Stortford won 1-0 in Suffolk after Fabio Virciglio’s strike halfway through the first period was enough for ‘Stortford to win the game.

BISHOP'S STORTFORD HISTORY

BISHOP'S Stortford play at Woodside Park and are managed by Steve Castle.

After being established in 1874, they joined the Stansted & District League in the late 1890’s before winning the league in 1911 and 1913. They also entered a team in the Saffron Walden & District League, winning the league three successive seasons between 1912 and 1914.

The club won the FA Amateur Cup in 1974, beating Ilford 4-1 at Wembley.

Seven years later, they were back at Wembley where they defeated Sutton United 1-0 in the 1981 FA Trophy.

In 2022/2023 they won the Isthmian Premier Division and promotion to the National League North but were relegated the following season. Bishop’s Stortford has a population of nearly 40,000 people and is located on the River Stort. Last season, Bishop’s Stortford came 16th in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

BLUES FIXTURES THROUGH AUGUST

Saturday 15th Aug: Rushall Olympic (H)
Saturday 22nd Aug: Stourbridge (A)
Saturday 29th Aug: Redditch United (H)
Monday 31st Aug: Bury Town (A)

MATCH INFORMATION
Blues v Bishop’s Stortford
Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central
Tuesday, August 11, 7.45pm kick off
The Flannery Stadium, Victory Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ
Tel: 01728 830308

Admission Prices:
Adults £13
Concessions (over 65) £10
Students (with ID) £7
Under 16’s £3
Under 5’s Free of charge

On-line tickets available HERE

Matchday printed programme: £2.50

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