Starting Line-up: Marcus Mehew, Kian Wilson, Adam Bailey-Dennis, Ethan Oldman, Matt Mullis, Ben Batho, Joe McNeil, Munashe Chirimuuta, MacKenzie Travis, Cameron Rayworth, Ollie Griggs
Bench: Ashdon Fowler, Elliott Young, Darius Petrea, Reagan King, Emille Dozzell

The second home fixture of 2024 saw near neighbours and local rivals, Whitton United welcomed to the Watson & Hillhouse Victory Road Stadium. Amongst their starting line up were the fairly recently departed Callum Pearce, the slightly longer ago Owen Andrews and on their bench for those with long memories Danny (Percy) Thrower.

In an entertaining first half the home side played so excellent football, moving the ball quickly and accurately. The combination of Ben Batho and Joe McNeil on the left flank caused the visitors any number of problems and it was this combination that provided the dangerous crosses into the box, two of which were met by CAMERON RAYWORTH, making his first start after a long injury lay off, at the far post to put the U23s 2 goals ahead by the half hour mark. Just prior to Cam’s second goal Whitton were reduced to ten men resulting from one of their players disagreeing with the referee too vociferously. As the half moved towards its close the home side had a third goal disallowed following an offside decision.

Half Time: Leiston U23 2 – 0 Whitton United

Saturday marked the first game in charge for Whitton’s new manager and whatever he said at half time certainly had an impact. They started the half with far more commitment and enthusiasm, especially considering they were playing with one man down and were two goals behind. This situation became even worse for them when with a little over a quarter of the game remaining CAMERON RAYWORTH completed his hat-trick very much against the run of play. Undeterred the visitors continued to press and were rewarded with a goal almost immediately from Kade Ivatt following a complete mix up and miscommunication in the home defence. Within ten minutes the home side’s advantage was further reduced as once again Kade Ivatt took advantage of some slack home defence. The incident also saw Adam Bailey-Dennis sent to the sin bin for something he said out of place. As normal time ran over into added on time the visitors maintained their pressure and it was a great relief for the home team when the referee finally brought the game to an end.

Full Time: Leiston U23 3 – 2 Whitton United

This is obviously a young U23 side who are learning and improving with almost every game. Saturday’s lesson to carry forward is to manage a seemingly comfortable lead and not relax or lose concentration.