OVERVIEW

LEISTON UNDER 23’s visit Walmer Road, the home of Kirkley & Pakefield FC, to take on Carlton Colville Town on Saturday afternoon (2pm kick off) in the JLS Catering Group Suffolk Senior Cup First Round, writes Craig Cooper.

The Blues single goal defeat at East Bergholt United last Saturday afternoon meant they dropped to 7th, but it was their first defeat in six games, after losing their opening game at home to Old Newton United.

The Blues have scored a healthy 13 goals in their first seven league games whilst conceding just seven.

Their opponents this weekend are Carlton Colville Town who currently sit in 9th place (out of 14 sides) in the Anglian Combination League Division 3 South.

They have won one and lost one in the league so far. They got off to a good start when they beat Bungay Town Reserves 3-0 before a 4-2 loss at Hethersett Athletic.

They were in cup action last weekend also when they lost 3-0 at Bradenham & Mattishall in the First Round of the Cyril Ballyn Cup.

BLUES BOSS NEIL SMYE SAYS

"THE Suffolk Senior Cup is always a big competition for us.

“Little is known about our opponents, but we’re sure it will be a tough encounter, so going into the unknown will take concentration and a relentless work ethic to hopefully see us have enough to win the game and keep the cup success of midweek rolling into the weekend.

“With a number of the same players representing both teams it gives the players a chance to bounce back from a disappointing performance at East Bergholt, where we dropped below our standards shown in previous games."

This week is a big weekend for joint managers Smye and James Long as both celebrate their 150th game in charge of the Under 23’s.

Both men took over in February 2023 and have led the team to a Suffolk Senior Cup Final in 2024.

UNDER 23’s GAMES AHEAD

Saturday 3rd Oct: Bacton United 89 (Away)
Saturday 10th Oct: Grundisburgh (Home)
Saturday 24th Oct: Sporting 87 (Home)
Saturday 31st Oct: Ransomes Sports (Away)

MATCH INFORMATION
Carlton Colville Town v Blues Under 23’s
JLS Catering Group Suffolk Senior Cup First Round
Saturday, September 19th, 2pm kick off
Corton Playing Fields on Mills Drive, Corton, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 5JB.