OVERVIEW

BLUES U23s begin their 12th season at Step 6 this weekend when they head to Whittlesey Athletic in Cambridgeshire in a Thurlow Nunn Division One North clash.

Neil Smye’s side have won 2-1 at Old Newton United, lost 3-2 at Halesworth Town in Will Kerslake’s memorial match and drew 2-2 at home to Saxmundham Sports in their pre-season games thus far.

The Blues youngsters have finished the last two seasons in 17th place, outside the relegation positions. Whittlesey Athletic finished in 12th place last campaign after a decent second half to their season.

“We begin on Saturday and it’s still July”!, boss Neil Smye said on Thursday evening.

“Pre season was short, but with a good intensity. Only three matches played which meant not much time to work on maybe as much as we wanted. Although with the holiday season in full flow it normally feels like pre-season until September, when the schools are back and holidays have finished, flip flops are exchanged for football boots and squad availability has multiplied.”

"Pre-season games have gone pretty well, with some younger players being given the chance to force their way into our plans, and a chance to look at some trialists. I’m sure some of these will be seen during the course of the season.

“Saturday sees the long trip to Whittlesey, where we will be hoping to replicate some of the football shown in our last pre season game, and we’ll be doing all we can to start the league campaign with a win.”

“Players have given us things to think about with their performances in pre season regarding the starting line up, so hopefully a competitive season ahead for players to fight for a place in the starting lin-eup, and be hungry to stay in the starting 11 when given that chance.”

PREVIOUS MEETINGS IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

The teams first met in Cambridgeshire in March 2022, with the sides drawing 0-0. They then met early on the next season at Whittlesey, with the teams drawing 1-1. Jake Pell scored for Whittlesey while Kai Fletcher netted for the Blues. Joseph Moore-Papworth was also shown a red card for the home team.

In September the next year (2023), Whittlesey won 5-3. Adrian Bilicz and Jack Carter were on target for the Cambridgeshire club while Kieran Hibbins netted a hat-trick. Charlie Atkin, Dion Dozzell and Mitchell Jackson scored for Leiston.

In November 2024, Whittlesey beat the Blues 3-2 in front of 80 spectators. Jack Carter (2) and Kieran Hibbins were again on the scoresheet while Charlie Atkin and Oscar Manly netted got Leiston.

WEEK AHEAD

The U23s host Gorleston Reserves on Tuesday night in their second league clash of the season, while they are also at home next weekend to FC Clacton.

Game 1/38.

MATCH INFORMATION
Whittlesey Athletic v Blues U23s
Thurlow Nunn First Division North
3pm kick off
Dazen Logistics Stadium, Drybread Road, Peterborough, PE7 1YP
Tel: - 07985 656566

Admission Prices: Adults £6, Concessions/U16’s £3.