NEIL Smye’s Under 23 side head to East Bergholt United on Saturday afternoon (2.30pm kick off) after a good win over Henley Athletic, 2-1 last Saturday at the Flannery Stadium thanks to goals from Liam Shaw and Rajiv Forrester writes Craig Cooper.

Harrison Francis pulled a goal back late on but the Blues held on to their lead and with it, moved up to third place in the league table.

Leiston have concerns over Stan Horne (who went off injured last Saturday) and Ollie Long for the match but goalkeeper Nathaniel Copping and midfielder Liam Shaw could return.

East Bergholt United sit 8th currently and have won four and lost two of their league games so far.

They are on a good run though currently as they have won their last three games beating Debenham LC (2-0), Leiston St Margaret’s (3-1) and Kirton Athletic (3-1) all away from home. They also beat reigning Champions Coplestonians, who went last season undefeated in the league, 3-2 at home in their second match of the season.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS BETWEEN THE SIDES

THE two sides met in the Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final on Saturday 19th March 2022 when they drew 2-2. Graeme Butcher and Jamie McGrath scored for East Bergholt while Tom Bak and Kai Fletcher scored for Leiston. The Blues won 3-1 on penalties to make the final.

The following season, the teams met on Saturday 15th October 2022 in the First Round of the same competition. Aaron Greenwood and Sean Lorimer were on target for East Bergholt while Cameron Rayworth netted twice for Leiston but Bergholt went on to win 5-3 on penalties.

When Leiston went up in third place from the Suffolk & Ipswich League SIL 2001, East Bergholt United came just above them in second place. They won the Suffolk & Ipswich Premier Division (then Senior League) for three years consecutively in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

UNDER 23 GAMES THIS MONTH
Saturday 19th Sep: Carlton Colville Town (Away - Suffolk Senior Cup First Round, 2pm kick off)
Saturday 26th Sep: AFC Kesgrave (HOME)

MATCH INFORMATION
East Bergholt United v Blues Under 23’s
Gateway 14 Suffolk & Ipswich League Premier Division
Saturday, September 12th, 2.30pm kick off
Gandish Road Playing Fields, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TP.

Game 7/32