BLUES U23’s 0-1 HAVERHILL ROVERS - MATCH REPORT

Leiston U23’s went down to Haverhill Rovers on Tuesday night, but they performed well and were unlucky not to get something out of the game.

In the first thirty seconds of the game, Marcus Mehew had to get out to clear a ball ahead of a Haverhill attacking player before on three minutes, Cameron Rayworth had Leiston’s first effort but fired wide. Mehew then did well to get down low to his left to keep hold of an attempt from Adden Tokley. Mitchell Jackson’s shot was held by experienced goalkeeper Alex Archer at the other end while Mehew came to claim a free kick in his area. Halfway through the first period, referee Harvey Newstead awarded a penalty to the away side when Elliott Young was adjudged to have fouled in the box and captain Ryan Weaver stepped up to make no mistake and dispatch the resultant penalty. Leiston nearly levelled when Atkin and then Young hit the post within about three seconds while Josh Yaxley was off target with his shot. Harvey Roach shot straight at Mehew for Rovers while Archer pushed a strike wide from Charlie Atkin past he’s left hand post as the half ended.

Roach had a good chance to double Haverhill’s lead three minutes into the second period but fired wide of Mehew’s left hand upright while Joe McNeil’s run at the visitors defence at the other end ended with the midfielder shooting at Archer. Ben Batho set up Atkin but Archer again made a decent save while the keeper kept out Jackson’s low effort from a free kick on the ange of the area. Sub Kian Wilson headed just wide from McNeil’s corner as the half progressed. Mackenzie Travis and Reagan King, on as subs, helped Leiston to gain further chances but Archer was there to save or claim crosses. Sub Moule hit the bar late on for Haverhill as after nearly eight minutes of added on time the game came to an end.

We wish Haverhill all the best for their last couple of games as the Blues U23’s host FC Parson Drove on Saturday in their final league game of the campaign.

FT: - Blues U23’s 0-1 Haverhill Rovers.

Line-ups: -

Blues U23’s: - Mehew, Rayworth (sub Wilson 52 mins), Batho, Elliott Young, Oldman, Buckman (sub King 73 mins), Spooner (sub Travis 73 mins), Mitchell Jackson, Atkin, Yaxley (sub Mullis 73 mins), McNeil. Sub not used: - Griggs.

Haverhill Rovers: - Archer, Murphy, Tokley, Geogheagan, Baker, Allan, Weaver, Clarke, Roach (sub Moule 81 mins), Holmes, Hardwick. Subs not used: - Caplen, Westcott.

Blues Man Of The Match: - Ben Batho.

Attendance: - 39.