OVERVIEW

THIS weekend, the Blues Under 23’s have an important match as they head to Haughley United to play in the Quarter Finals of the JLS Catering Group Suffolk Senior Cup (Please note, kick off is of an earlier time at 1.30pm), writes Craig Cooper.

The Under 23’s put in a decent performance against Holbeach United last Saturday at home but went down 2-1, and remain bottom of the Thurlow Nunn First Division North table.

Haughley United are 11th in the table at present and have taken 27 points from their 20 league games so far (winning 8, drawing 3 and losing 9).

Leiston played Haughley United in the 2024 Suffolk Senior Cup, again at the Quarter Final stage, winning 4-1 at home. Matt Mullis (2), Elliott Young and Thomas Stacey were on target for Leiston that afternoon, with Alex Simpson scoring for Haughley United to actually put them into a first half lead.

ROAD TO THE LAST EIGHT

First Round

Leiston Under 23’s 2 (MacKenzie Travis, Krysztof Michta) Long Melford 0

Second Round

Bacon United 89’ 0 Haughley United 7 (Matt Wright (3), Ben Griggs (2), Ashdon Hemmings, Ryan Wragg)

Leiston Under 23’s 2 (Mackenzie Travis, Jack McLeavy) Sporting 87 1

Third Round

Haughley United 2 (Reuben Davenport, Kie Dyer) Brandon Town 1

Leiston Under 23’s 4 (Mackenzie Travis (2), Charlie Atkin, Archie Hubert) Sudbury Sports 3

NEIL SMYE'S THOUGHTS

Under 23 boss Neil Smye said ahead of the game, “We were more controlled on Saturday (against Holbeach United) than we have been but we could have been better with our forward play.

"We had a good move which saw us have a goal disallowed in the first half. We stayed in the game and were in it until the final whistle. We didn’t crumble like we have been when we conceded the first goal.”

“We have players back from injury on Saturday, and near enough our strongest side to pick from. It will be a tough game and it’s a cup game so they will be up for it. Although we are technically in a higher league, I don’t think there will be much in it.”

The game on Saturday is free of charge to all spectators.

FORM GUIDE:
(League games only, most recent first)

HAUGHLEY UNITED: W L W L L

BLUES UNDER 23’s: L L D L L

Other Quarter Final ties this weekend sees Coplestonians host Mutford & Wrentham (1.30pm kick off) while Kings Park Rangers welcome Henley Athletic (3pm kick off).

The final Quarter Finals tie will take place next Tuesday (3rd February) when Halesworth Town are at home to Leiston St Margaret’s, kick off 7.45pm.

Games coming up in February for the Under 23’s

Saturday 7th Feb: Haverhill Borough (HOME)
Tuesday 10th Feb: Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers (HOME)
Saturday 14th Feb: Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers (Away)
Saturday 21st Feb: Wivenhoe Town (HOME)
Tuesday 24th Feb: AFC Sudbury Reserves (A)
Saturday 28th Feb: FC Parson Drove (HOME)

MATCH INFORMATION
Haughley United v Leiston Under 23’s
JLS Catering Group Suffolk Senior Cup Quarter Final
Saturday, January 31st, 1.30pm kick off
King George V Playing Field, Green Road, Haughley, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 3RA

Tel: 07472 902302