OVERVIEW

THE Blues U23s play their first home league game of the campaign at the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium on Tuesday night when Gorleston Reserves visit, writes CRAIG COOPER

Neil Smye’s side played well at Whittlesey Athletic on Saturday but went down to a late goal after Oscar Manly had levelled the game with ten minutes to go.

Gorleston Reserves finished 7th last campaign, finishing eight points off the play-off places after accumulating 64 points from 38 league games. They won half of their league games and had a healthy goal difference of +17.

The Blues, meanwhile, will be hoping to have Spencer Keller back in the squad after missing Saturday’s match in Cambridgeshire.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

THE teams played out a 2-2 in Norfolk in December 2024. Connor Ingram and Bernardo Carneiro scored for Gorleston while Stan Horne and Ewan Parlett netted for Leiston. In the return fixture back in Suffolk on the last day of the season, the Blues lost 3-1. Samuel Wooldridge (2) and Declan Allan netted for Gorleston whilst Marcel Kiwomya scored for Leiston.

FROM THE BOSS

BLUES boss Neil Smye reflected on his team's defeat at Whittlesey on Saturday: “It was a solid performance. We were patient in possession and also dominated for large periods of the game. We restricted our opponents and we are disappointed to concede from two set pieces, especially from one in the last minute.

"We created some good opportunities and openings, but mostly it was a positive performance individually and collectively.”

COMING UP

THE Blues start August with a home game with FC Clacton this coming Saturday at the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, 3pm kick-off.

The month also sees away trips to Holbeach United, Needham Market Reserves and Long Melford (League Cup) while the they entertain Framlingham Town, Stanway Pegasus and AFC Sudbury Reserves.

Game 2/38.

MATCH INFORMATION
Blues U23’s v Gorleston Reserves
Thurlow Nunn First Division North
7.45pm kick off
Watson & Hillhouse Stadium, Victory Road, LTAA, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ
Tel: - 01728 830308.

Admission Prices: Adults £7, Concessions (over 65’s) £4, Students (with ID) £3, U16’s FOC