THE Blues U23s host Wivenhoe Town on Saturday in a bottom of the table clash, with the U23s needing a win to realistically have a chance of catching the Essex club, writes Craig Cooper.

A late penalty from the hosts last week at The Nest in Norfolk against Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers meant that the U23s again came away with nothing, and it was the ninth league game this season that they have lost by the odd goal.

Wivenhoe Town, meanwhile, beat Whittlesey Athletic 1-0 at home, which saw them move eight points ahead of the Blues. Wivenhoe Town also had a good result the previous week when they drew 3-3 with Long Melford.

The sides drew 1-1 earlier in the season in Essex. Ewan Parlett levelled for the Blues after Wivenhoe Town had taken the lead.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS IN SUFFOLK

THE sides first met in Suffolk when Leiston’s first team played Wivenhoe Town on Tuesday 31st March 2009, which Leiston won 2-0, thanks to goals from Michael Brothers and Marc Lowe, in front of 138 spectators.

The following season, on Saturday 17th April, 2010, Leiston won 5-1. Stuart Boardley, Michael Brothers, David Head, Lee McGlone and Chris Williams were all on target as Leiston kept their slim title hopes alive with just two games remaining. 142 people watched on. J. Raby netted for Wivenhoe Town.

The next season saw the teams draw 2-2 on Saturday 23rd April, 2011. Michael Brothers and David Head scored as Leiston drew 2-2 in front of 175 people. The afternoon saw Leiston collect the Eastern Counties (Ridgeons) Premier Division trophy and Jamie Stannard names Supporters Player Of The Season. A.Odedoyin and C.Scurlock scored for Wivenhoe Town.

The Blues U23s have met Wivenhoe twice:-

Tuesday 13th December 2024: -
Leiston U23s 2-4 Wivenhoe Town
(Lei: Josh Yaxley (2); Wiv: Harry Willougby (3), Mark Dallinger)

Tuesday 1st April 2025: -
Leiston U23s 1-1 Wivenhoe Town
(Lei: Jack Manly; Wiv: Orland Tene)

FORM GUIDE: -
league matches only:-
BLUES U23s: - LLLLD
WIVENHOE TOWN: - WDLLL

Games until the end of March for the U23s: -

Tues 24th Feb: - AFC Sudbury Reserves (A)
Sat 28th Feb: - FC Parson Drove (H)
Tues 3rd March: - Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers (H)
Sat 7th March: - Gorleston Reserves (A)
Sat 14th March: - FC Peterborough (H)
Tues 17th March: - FC Clacton (A)
Sat 21st March: - Kings Park Rangers (A)
Tues 24th March: - Needham Market Reserves (H)
Sat 28th March: - Halesworth Town (A).

MATCH INFORMATION
Blues U23s v Wivenhoe Town
Thurlow Nunn League First Division North
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 3pm kick off
The Flannery Stadium, Victory Road, LTAA, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ
Tel: - 01728 830308.

Admission Prices:- Adults £7, Concessions (over 65s) £4, Students (with ID) )3, U16s FOC.
Online programme here

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