OVERVIEW

LEISTON U23s will hope to play their first game of 2026 this weekend when they visit FC Clacton in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North.

The Blues are looking for better fortunes after struggling toward the end of 2025, although they drew 2-2 at Wivenhoe Town in their final match of the year.

Leiston U23s are four points behind Wivenhoe Town with two games in hand on the Essex club. Blues U23s boss Neil Smye will hope to have Max Crane back after the defender missed the end of 2025 through injury.

FC Clacton are currently 15th in the table, having taken 25 points from their 22 league fixtures so far. They have won 7, drawn 4 and lost 11 games, and have a goal difference of -10.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

LEISTON U23s drew 2-2 with FC Clacton in Suffolk back on Saturday 2nd August last year. Oscar Manly and Liam Shaw were on target for the U23s while Benjamin Sargeant grabbed a brace as the sides took a point a piece, with 64 spectators watching on.

This remains the Blues second string and FC Clacton’s only game against each other.

The first team went to Clacton Town in their first year at Step 5 on Tuesday, 5th April 2005 but Clacton refused to play the game (due to a club issue) and Leiston were rewarded the three points later on in the season.

Leiston then beat Clacton 4-0 away from home the following season on Saturday, 17th December 2004. Donny George, Luke Hammond, Lee McGlone and Stewart Roach were on target as the Blues finished 9th and Clacton Town finished bottom.

FORM GUIDE: -
(Most recent league game first): -
FC CLACTON: - DLLWL
BLUES U23s: - DLLLL

U23 GAMES IN JANUARY

Sat 17th Jan: - Stanway Pegasus (A)
Sat 24th Jan: - Holbeach United (H)
Sat 31st Jan: - Haughley United (A, Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup quarter-final).

MATCH INFORMATION
FC Clacton v Blues U23s
Thurlow Nunn First Division North
Saturday, January 10, 3pm kick off
The Rush Green Bowl, Rush Green Road, Clacton-On-Sea, CO16 7BQ
Tel: - 07771 520157.

Admission Prices:- Adults £8, Concessions (over 60s) £5, U18s £3.
Game 21/38