OVERVIEW

THE Blues U23s face an important game in Essex at Wivenhoe Town at the weekend in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North (3pm kick off), writes Craig Cooper.

The U23s are four points behind Wivenhoe Town as it stands but have a better goal difference than this weekend's hosts. Neil Smye’s side currently sit 10 points from safety after reaching the halfway point of the campaign last weekend.

Wivenhoe Town sit just a place ahead of the U23s, with 13 points from their 20 games (winning 4, drawing 1 and losing 15).

THE MANAGER'S THOUGHTS

Blues boss Neil Smye said ahead of this weekend's game: “Performances over the last month have had more positive signs. Our bravery on the ball has got better. Trusting each other to retain possession is getting back to where it was during previous seasons.

“This is leading to chances being created. A little more composure in and around the box could help see an upturn in results. Staying in games and being harder to beat have seen an improvement also, which is a must, as at times this season we’ve dropped way below the standard required in terms of defending collectively as a group and have been far too easy to beat.

“The squad has seen some players gain involvements with the first team as a reward for their individual performances.”

“It’s also seen some players from the current U16s squad step up to become involved with the 23s. Over the last six weeks, Harvey Green, Ryan Oates-Moore and Ollie Long, all from the EJA U16s squad, have made debuts.

“Owen Lavery has joined us from FC Clacton. Owen is an U17. He’s comfortable on the ball and adds to the dynamics of the squad with his competitiveness.”

PREVIOUS BLUES V DRAGONS IN ESSEX

22nd August 2015: -
Wivenhoe Town 2-1 Leiston Reserves
(Wiv: Ben Connell, Raymond Turner; Leiston: Ashley Canham).

22nd December 2023: -
Wivenhoe Town 2-1 Leiston U23s
(Wiv: Harry Johnson, Ryan Lewis; Leiston: Reagan King).

30th November 2024: -
Wivenhoe Town 3-0 Leiston U23s
(George Horrocks, Gabriel Kerr, Scott Grant).

Leiston's first team beat Wivenhoe Town 5-0 on Saturday 22nd November, 2008, four days after the Blues played Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup First Round. This was the first time the two teams had met in a competitive fixture.

Tes Bramble, Jud Chenery, Marc Lowe, Chris Sillett and Lee McGlone got the goals. 134 people were at the game.

A year later, on Saturday 21st November 2009, the sides drew 1-1, with Danny Cunningham on target in front of 82 people. J.Carr scored for Wivenhoe.

It was an historic day the next season on Saturday 9th April 2011 when the Blues drew 1-1 at Wivenhoe Town. David Head’s goal helped Leiston get the point they needed to secure the Ridgeons Premier Division title in front of 172 fans. P.Stainsford netted for the hosts.

FORM GUIDE: -
(Most recent league result first): -
WIVENHOE TOWN: - LWLLL
BLUES U23s: - LLLLL

This will be Leiston U23s final game before the start of the new year.

BLUES GAMES IN JANUARY '26

Sat 3rd Jan: - Needham Market Reserves (H)
Sat 10th Jan: - FC Clacton (A)
Sat 17th Jan: - Stanway Pegasus (A)
Sat 24th Jan: - Holbeach United (H)
Sat 31st Jan: - Haughley United (A)

MATCH INFORMATION
Wivenhoe Town v Blues U23s
Thurlow Nunn First Division North
Saturday, December 13, 3pm kick off
Broad Lane Sports Ground, Elmstead Road, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9HZ
Tel: - 07565 364019.

Admission Prices: Adults £7, Concessions (Seniors, Students, U16s) £4, U13s FOC.

Game 20/38