Betvictor Southern League Premier Division Central Saturday 24

BetVictor Southern League Premier Division Central

Saturday 24 August 2019 Matchday programme £2

Boardley speaking... A warm welcome to you all back to Victory Road today where we host Tamworth for what no doubt will be another tough encounter, much like our last home game against Coalville that ended in a 1-1 draw. Since then, we have suffered two heavy away defeats that have identified a few issues that we have and are working on. In both games, we felt we were relatively comfortable in possession, but the main difference between ourselves and our opponents in the two defeats has been what happens off the ball. We were poor both Contents: positionally and in affording our opponents too 3 Boardley Speaking much time on the ball. No matter who your 5 From the Boardroom opposition is, if you give them time and space you will concede goals. 7 The season ahead for LFC. 8/9 Chairman’s chatter We were very pleased to see a good result for the Reserves last weekend after a difficult start 10/11 Today’s opponents to the season, which shows good character from 14/15 Club and League Stats. another very young group. Let’s hope our first 17 Who R ya?! team can react in the same manner and show that grit to work hard and get a result. 20 Season-at-a-glance Finally, a big thank you to all of our volunteers 28/29 Sponsorship details who have given up their valuable time to make 38/39 Sky blue thinking improvements to the ground. I think you’ll all 40 Matchday squads agree that the work has certainly improved he look of the ground. Both the players and management really appreciate your ongoing help!! Boards

3 Leiston FC Club Information:

Club Officials: President: Robin Watson Chairman: Andy Crisp Vice Chairman: Peter Mayhew Club Secretary: Trevor Elmy Director of Football: Trevor Elmy Fixtures Secretary: Steve Cooper Welfare Officers: Peter Douglass , Alastair Browning Safety Officer: Target Zero Safety Solutions Financial Board Members: Robin Watson, Andy Crisp, Peter Mayhew, Team Management: Steve Coulter, Peter Douglass, Trevor Elmy, First Team Manager: Stuart Boardley Alisdair Douglas Reserves Manager: Ian Cornforth Reserves Assistant Manager: Paul Stannard Matchday Committee: U18 Manager: Rick Kerry Sue Tugwell Chris Barker, Steve Coulter U18 Assistant Manager: Matt Morling Gerald Bray, Kevin Smith, James Spink, A Team Manager: Trevor Elmy Roger Cowley, Stephen Barker, A Team Assistant Manager: Roger Hitchman Lance Freeman, Craig Cooper, Steve Club Goalkeeper Coach: Nigel Ling Cooper Coach Development: Steve Foley Hospitality: Kevin Smith Physio: Sports-Med East Press Officer: Craig Cooper Head Groundsman: James Mayhew Match Reports: Craig Cooper Asst. Groundsman: Matt Murphy Programme Editor: Laurence Ball Kit Manager: Trevor Harrison Website Administrator: Peter Douglass Filming Tech: Peter Phillips Marketing/Advertising: Jenny Cooper,

Leiston FC is an unincorporated association controlled by its members under the constitution of Leiston4 Football Club and the LTAA. FROM THE BOARDROOM

A warm welcome to the For those that attended the Q players, officials and & A session at the club on the supporters of Tamworth F.C. Thursday night prior to our opening fixture against Well, the close season has Coalville, I am certain you been and gone and there have would have been impressed by been a number of changes the togetherness of the both on and off the pitch. I am current squad. This was It was pleasing to finally get sure that you will all agree that certainly reflected in our the International clearance for the stadium has improved with display in the opening fixture, Albert and Sebastia and get the new perimeter fencing and but we were denied the three them involved at Rushall on the new stand behind the goal points by two debatable Saturday. When applying for at the Fairground End. We also refereeing decisions. Firstly, clearance, the speed of the had some remedial work on the decision to disallow Will process is entirely dependent the drainage system which Davies’s headed goal for on the FA of the country in hopefully will alleviate the pushing baffled everyone else which they last played and problems we encountered in a in the ground and, secondly, to there is nothing that can be couple of areas on the pitch. award the penalty which led to done by the club or our own The changes to the playing the equaliser was again a FA to make it any faster. personnel have been well controversial decision. We will learn our FA Cup documented and from my The two away games have opponents early next week as point of view it is very proved to be disappointing, we enter the 1st Qualifying disappointing when a player particularly when we have Round which is due to be signs an enhanced contract looked comfortable in both, played on Saturday 7th less than a year ago, but as and deservedly took the lead September with a prize of soon as they become aware of at Rushden & Diamonds. In £6750 minimum on offer to greater riches on offer both matches, however, we the winners. It does seem elsewhere they then think have failed to adhere to strange that by the end of they are entitled to be allowed instructions and lacked the August 344 teams will have to move on under their terms, composure we would expect. already been eliminated from and when the club dig in and Having said that, the spirit of this season’s competition. demand appropriate the players after both games remuneration they are I hope you enjoy today’s game. has been good and they are deemed to be acting in an determined to put things right Trevor unfair manner. starting today. 5

6 The season ahead for Leiston Football Club.

Following the departure of several senior players at the end of last season the club is in transition with the emphasis on the development of its younger players. The current 1st team squad has only four players over the age of 25. Nonetheless, manager Stuart Boardley has set out his aims for the season which include a top half league finish, progress to the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, to the 1st Round of the FA Trophy and retaining the Suffolk Premier Cup. All these aims will be difficult to achieve with such a young and, at step 3 level, relatively inexperienced squad of players. The league position will possibly be the most challenging to achieve given the, generally, physical nature of the opposition.

Ian Cornforth continues to take charge of the Thurlow Nunn Division 1 North side, again with the emphasis on youth development with the majority of the squad under 20. A repeat of last season’s 9th place finish and the highest placed reserve side in the league is this season’s aim. With so many of last season’s U16 EJA side staying with the club it was felt that for their development they needed to be playing more than in the Thurlow Nunn U18 side. It was recognised however that not all would be ready to step up to Ian’s side so the club have entered an “A” team in the Suffolk & Ipswich League starting in division 4. In addition to the work of the individual team coaches, all of these players will benefit from the coaching of Steve Foley who has re-joined the club from Needham Market and goalkeeping coach, Nigel Ling.

The club is delighted that last season’s U14 EJA side will again be playing at the newly named “Watson & Hillhouse Victory Road Stadium” as U15s in the Eastern Junior Alliance and that they have been joined by an U13 side also playing in the EJA. These team play on a Sunday and despite their respective leagues being somewhat regionalised the distances they have to travel for, often, a 10:30 kick off demand a lot of commitment from both players and their parents. Continuing down the age groups it is encouraging to see the continued enthusiasm of the U12s & U10s who play on Saturday mornings with their home games on the old Middle School site. They can also be seen at some 1st team home games providing an honour guard for the players entering the pitch at the start of the game.

The running of the club relies on its volunteers and it is fortunate to have a group of dedicated individuals who give up their time. However there is always room for more help, be it with fund raising, maintenance around the ground or on matchdays. If you can help in any way please don’t be backward in coming forward. In the first instance contact Peter Douglass, [email protected]. Please support your local club, Leiston FC. #weareaclub 7

CHAIRMAN’S CHATTER

Good afternoon, everyone. A very warm Josh Nash. We hope welcome to our aptly renamed ground you enjoy our `The Watson & Hillhouse Victory Road hospitality and Stadium` Our club President Mr Rob officiate a fair and Watson along with his fellow Directors at competitive match as Watson & Hillhouse have kindly offered to we begin our second sponsor the Stadium for the forthcoming season in the season. It’s a fine gesture from the Southern League Premier Central Division.

President and one which we appreciate very much. Today, we welcome the Today’s kind Match Sponsors are players, officials and supporters of GODBOLD PROPERTIES. We also thank Mr Barry Spall for his matchball sponsorship this season. I do hope all our guests enjoy their afternoon with us.

Well, it seems an absolute eternity since we celebrated winning the Suffolk Premier Cup back in May, and who would have predicted what was to lie ahead, just as we were thinking, ‘Phew, it’s the end of the season. Let’s take a bit of a breather before we start planning for the new Coalville Town who have made the long season.’ Well, as they say, the rest is now trip from Leicestershire. We hope that just history as we return to the Watson & Glyn and his guests enjoy their short stay Hillhouse Stadium and think, ‘WOW! What in Suffolk; we really enjoyed the visit to a remarkable turnaround in our facility. Owen St Sports Ground last season, and How the heck did that happen?!’ Well, the look forward to returning their kind answer to the question is quite simple: a hospitality. Today’s match officials, as huge effort from a lot of volunteers and always, will receive a warm welcome: various tradesman who all helped to bring Referee Mr Matthew Morrison, and his the ground up to how it looks today. The assistants Mr Cameron Saunders & Mr new fencing, along with our additional

seating, was part of tough job for Boards for many reasons, our FA ground none more so than the loss of so many grading senior players, coupled with the difficult requirements and recruitment side of the business. A large part of our close number of those departing, experienced season plan, plus players have chosen to play at a lower the additional level, which is a great shame. drainage which, of It’s very strange how over the years, when course, you can’t you’re recruiting players, the question is see, but we hope that it helps the problem always asked of the club, ‘What is your of a water-logged pitch when the weather ambition for the coming season and turns later in the year. The pitch itself is beyond?’ So, as always, we would answer phenomenal. Year on year, James, Matt and their team of volunteers produce what was described by the officials from Colchester Utd when they visited preseason as the best pitch they had played on, apart from SOME of the league grounds. A huge vote of thanks to James and his team for the work they have done. It’s a real picture.

A manager’s role is quite often classed as the most difficult when a ball is not openly and honestly and say we remain ambitious and want our club to play at the highest level possible. It’s a great shame that some of the players asking the question don’t have that same drive and ambition as the club itself. (End of rant)

As we look forward to watching our new team play its fourth competitive match this afternoon, I would like to welcome all our new players to the club. It’s been a long actually being kicked. That, certainly, has while since I have experienced that real been the case this close season as Stuart sense of togetherness within the group; has worked extremely hard to mould a something which I’m sure will help us as team which he can call his own. It’s been a we look forward to the long season ahead. 9

Today’s visitors

Jasbir SINGH Began at Shrewsbury Town, as understudy to Joe Hart. Signed for Kidderminster Harriers in July 2009, then Solihull Moors in July 2010, spending four years at the club. Singh moved back to Kidderminster Harriers on a one-year deal, but made just one appearance before being loaned to Gloucester City. Joined AFC Telford United, then Tamworth in May 2018.

Rashaan FRANCES Made his Tamworth debut on 2 March 2018 in a Southern League Premier Central fixture at home against Halesowen Town, helping Tamworth to a 4-1 victory.

Jordan GOUGH Began his career with Derby County. Signed for Solihull Moors in June 2013 where he was part of the 2015-16 squad that won the National League North. Signed by Tamworth in October 2018 and has signed until the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Ryan BESWICK Began at MK Dons, before moving to Leicester City. Moved into non-league with Kettering Town via a loan spell at King's Lynn. Won the National League North in 2015- 16 with Solihull Moors and scored their first-ever National League goal on the opening day of the 2016-17 season. Captained Nuneaton Town during the 2017-18 season.

10 Chris COX Began at Coventry United in 2013, helping the club gain three promotions in three years. Made 179 appearances and scored 53 goals before joining the Stratford Town side that reached the play-offs. Spent a week during the early part of pre-season 2019-20 on trial with an unnamed EFL League Two side. Signed for Tamworth. In August 2019.

Lathaniel ROWE-TURNER Began with hometown club, Leicester City before loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Redditch United and King's Lynn. Signed for League Two side Torquay United for an undisclosed fee. Signed a one-year deal at Kettering Town in August 2018. Made 30 appearances and scored one goal during in Kettering’s promotion season in 2018-19. Signed for Tamworth in June 2019.

Tyrell WAITE Signed by Notts County from Ilkeston after impressing manager Keith Curle during a two- week trial. Made his debut for the club on 21 August 2012 in a 2–0 win over Hartlepool United at Meadow Lane. Scored his first goal for against Coventry City on the final day of the season. Joined Lincoln City in 2014 after an initial loan spell, but then signed a two- year deal with Swedish Football Division 2 side Skellefteå FF. Signed for Tamworth in July 2018 and scored 10 league goals last season.

James FRY Captained both Birmingham City’s U18 and U21 sides, and became a member of the first team squad, but didn't make a senior appearance. Signed for Stratford Town in August 2016, spending three seasons as club captain. Signed for Tamworth in June 2019.

Daniel CREANEY In his debut season at Atherstone Town, scored more than a goal a game, alerting the attentions of Bedworth United where he spent two and a half seasons. In March 2017, joined Coalville Town, finishing as top goalscorer. Joined Stratford Town where he helped secure a play-off place. Signed for Tamworth in June 2019 for an undisclosed fee.

Jordan CLEMENT Began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers before moving to Romulus and Coleshill Town. Joined Tamworth for the 2018-19 season, making his debut at Lowestoft Town. One of the first players to commit to Tamworth for the 2019-20 season on 23 May 2019.

Rhys HOENES Began at Barton Rovers, before moving to Royston Town, then St. Albans City and on loan to Biggleswade Town where a clinical season in front of goal drew the attention of numerous clubs. Signed for Kettering Town for the 2017-18 season and helped the club to a 4th place finish. Scored 24 goals the next season on the way to the Southern League Premier Central title. Joined Tamworth in June 2019.

Today’s fixtures Banbury United v Kings Langley Barwell v Biggleswade Town Hednesford Town v Alvechurch Hitchin Town v Rushall Olympic Leiston v Tamworth Nuneaton Borough v Needham Market Redditch United v Lowestoft Town Royston Town v Coalville Town St Ives Town v Stourbridge Stratford Town v AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1st Team Appearances 2019/20 BVSCP SLC FAC FAT SPC TOTAL Kyle Hammond 3 3 Jerry Kamanzi 3 3 Harry Knights 3 3 George Keys 3 3 Byron Lawrence 3 3 Joshua Hitter 3 3 Matt Blake 3 3 Rhys Henry 3 3 William Davies 2(1) 2(1) Charlie Beckwith 2 2 Thomas Woerndl 2 2 Robert Eagle 1(1) 1(1) Kyran Clements 1(1) 1(1) Jake Jessup 1 1 Sebastia Pons Llado (1) (1) Albert Serra Parrondo (1) (1) Mason Sinclair (1) (1)

BetVictor Southern League Premier Division Central Premier

Position Team P HW HD HL HF HA AW AD AL AF AA +/- Pts 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3 2 0 0 7 1 1 0 0 2 0 8 9 2 Rushall Olympic 3 2 0 0 9 1 0 1 0 1 1 8 7 3 Royston Town 3 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 5 2 6 6 4 Hednesford Town 3 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 4 2 3 6 5 Lowestoft Town 3 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 6 6 Stourbridge 3 1 0 1 3 4 1 0 0 2 1 0 6 7 Kings Langley 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 8 5 3 5 8 Bromsgrove Sporting 3 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 5 3 2 5 9 Banbury United 3 1 1 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 10 Coalville Town 3 1 1 0 4 3 0 1 0 1 1 1 5 11 Alvechurch 3 1 1 0 7 2 0 0 1 0 3 2 4 12 Tamworth 3 1 0 1 4 4 0 1 0 1 1 0 4 13 Stratford Town 3 1 1 0 5 4 0 0 1 1 3 -1 4 14 Biggleswade Town 3 1 0 1 2 5 0 1 0 1 1 -3 4 15 Needham Market 3 0 2 0 3 3 0 0 1 1 2 -1 2 16 Peterborough Sports 3 0 2 0 3 3 0 0 1 1 3 -2 2 17 Redditch United 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 5 -2 2 18 Barwell 3 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 4 5 -3 1 19 St Ives Town 3 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 -3 1 20 Nuneaton Borough 3 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 1 1 3 -5 1 21 Hitchin Town 3 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 1 6 -6 1 22 Leiston 3 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 11 -10 1 Goalscorers 2019/20

BVSCP SLC FAC FAT SPC TOTAL Matt Blake 3 3 William Davies 2(1) 2(1)

15 Age: 20, born and live in Ipswich

First Team appearances: 44 Previous Clubs: Woodbridge and Witnesham Wasps Position: Centre Back Playing strengths: Reading the game, passing range, strength and aerial ability What brought you to the club: the level the club plays at, the philoso- phy of trying to bring young players through and the thought of learn- ing under experienced players and coaches. Club you are most looking forward to playing : Hednesford Town, a club that Other team you support: Chelsea Best and worst footballing experience: Best: As a player the best is beating Dagenham & Redbridge in the 1st round proper of the FA Youth Cup which meant we went on to play Millwall at The Den. Worst: John Terry missing his penalty vs Manchester United in the Champions League Final 2008 Best friend at the club: Hitter, Will and Gaffer, all of whom I youth football with. Job: Student at the University of East Anglia Favourite TV programme: Inbetweeners or Gavin and Stacey. They Favourite Film: Wolf of Wall Street, iconic and incredibly funny. Favourite Music: American Rap: Roddy Rich or Drake Best Holiday: LA, Vegas, San Francisco, or Zante with the lads. Some unreal memories, some I can't repeat. Interests outside of football: Gym, golf, watching sport, and University life. Favourite footballer of all time and why: Frank Lampard, boyhood hero and club legend. One of the best atti- tudes in the game and, undoubtedly, the best English CM in my time. Advice for aspiring footballers: respect and listen to those that have been there, work hard and grab the opportunity. Don Worst dress sense at the club: so many new faces it Best player played against: Jermaine Pennant when he was at Billericay, but, for a one Allassani when he was at Dulwich Hamlet. He is now at Coventry. Biggest Joker at the club: Matt Blake. Hardest player at the club: yet to find out, but Keysey loves a tackle. Most technically gifted at the club: Byron Lawrence, but Albert and Seb will give him a run. For his money Most dedicated player at the club: Rhys Henry or Kyle Hammond. Most time in front of mirror: Will Davies. Most cultured & clever: Can I pick myself?

16 Favourite aspect of playing for Leiston: the pitch, the chance to test myself and play against big clubs and ex pros, but also the family atmosphere and togetherness.

Age: 20, born and live in Ipswich

First Team appearances: 44

Previous Clubs: Woodbridge and Witnesham Wasps

Position: Centre Back

Playing strengths: Reading the game, passing range, strength and aerial ability

What brought you to the club: the level the club plays at, the philoso- phy of trying to bring young players through and the thought of learn- ing under experienced players and coaches.

Club you are most looking forward to playing : Hednesford Town, a club that’s come from the conference with a big ground .

Other team you support: Chelsea

Best and worst footballing experience: Best: As a player the best is beating Dagenham & Redbridge in the 1st round proper of the FA Youth Cup which meant we went on to play Millwall at The Den. Worst: John Terry missing his penalty vs Manchester United in the Champions League Final 2008

Best friend at the club: Hitter, Will and Gaffer, all of whom I’ve played youth football with. Harry Knights Job: Student at the University of East Anglia

Favourite TV programme: Inbetweeners or Gavin and Stacey. They’re both hilarious.

Favourite Film: Wolf of Wall Street, iconic and incredibly funny.

Favourite Music: American Rap: Roddy Rich or Drake

Best Holiday: LA, Vegas, San Francisco, or Zante with the lads. Some unreal memories, some I can't repeat. Interests outside of football: Gym, golf, watching sport, and University life.

Favourite footballer of all time and why: Frank Lampard, boyhood hero and club legend. One of the best atti- tudes in the game and, undoubtedly, the best English CM in my time.

Advice for aspiring footballers: respect and listen to those that have been there, work hard and grab the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out of your comfort zone.

Worst dress sense at the club: so many new faces it’s hard to say, but Charlie Beckwith is up there.

Best player played against: Jermaine Pennant when he was at Billericay, but, for a one-off performance, Reise Allassani when he was at Dulwich Hamlet. He is now at Coventry.

Biggest Joker at the club: Matt Blake.

Hardest player at the club: yet to find out, but Keysey loves a tackle.

Most technically gifted at the club: Byron Lawrence, but Albert and Seb will give him a run. For his money

Most dedicated player at the club: Rhys Henry or Kyle Hammond.

Most time in front of mirror: Will Davies.

Most cultured & clever: Can I pick myself?

Favourite aspect of playing for Leiston: the pitch, the chance17 to test myself and play against big clubs and ex- pros, but also the family atmosphere and togetherness.

Date Opponents Score Att. 1 2 3 4 5 Sat. 10 Coalville Town 1—1 218 Beckwith Hammond Woerndl Kamanzi Knights Tues 13 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1—5 446 Beckwith Hammond Woerndl Kamanzi Knights Sat. 17 Rushall Olympic 0—6 186 Jessup Hammond Eagle Clements Knights Aug. Sat. 24 Tamworth Mon. 26 Needham Market Sat. 31 Alvechurch Sat. 7 FA Cup Sat. 14 Stourbridge Sept. Tues. 17 Biggleswade Town Sat. 21 FA Cup Sat. 28 Peterborough Sports Sat. 5 Hitchin Town Sat. 12 Barwell Tues. 15 St Ives Town Oct. Sat. 19 Hednesford Town Tues. 22 Kings Langley Sat. 26 FAT Sat. 2 Bromsgrove Sporting Sat. 9 Royston Town Nov. Sat. 16 Banbury United Sat. 23 Stratford Town Sat. 30 Nuneaton Borough Sat. 7 Redditch United Sat. 14 Peterborough Sports Dec. Sat. 21 Hitchin Town Thurs. 26 Lowestoft Town Weds. 1 Needham Market Sat. 4 Coalville Town Jan . Sat. 11 AFC Rushden & Diamonds Sat. 18 Tamworth Sat. 25 Rushall Olympic Sat. 1 Alvechurch Sat. 8 Stourbridge Feb. Sat. 15 St Ives Town Sat. 22 Barwell Sat. 29 Hednesford Town Sat.. 7 Kings Langley Say. 14 Royston Town Mar. Sat. 21 Bromsgrove Sporting Sat. 28 Stratford Town Sat. 4 Banbury United Sat. 11 Biggleswade Town Apr.. Mon. 13 Lowestoft Town Sat. 18 Nuneaton Borough Sat. 25 Redditch United 20

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 Keys Lawrence Hitter Blake Henry Davies Gaffer Eagle Sinclair Clements Keys Lawrence Hitter** Blake Henry* Davies Gaffer Eagle** Sinclair*** Clements* Keys Lawrence Kamanzi Blake*** Henry** Hitter* Parrondo** Davies* Llado*** Woerndl

27 Season 2019/2020

Fixtures Match Sponsor Ball Sponsor

Sat 10th 15.00 Coalville Town SLC Haven Logistics A th Godbold u Sat 24 15.00 Tamworth SLC Properties Mr Barry Spall g Sat 31st 15.00 Alvechurch SLC S Sat 7th 15.00 Tie to be announced FAC Brooks & Wood e Tue 17th 19.45 Biggleswade Town SLC Mr Barry Spall p t Sat 21st 15.00 Venue TBC FAC Sat 5th 15.00 Hitchin Town SLC O Tue 15th 19.45 St Ives Town SLC The Douglass Family c th t Sat 19 15.00 Hednesford Town SLC Mr Barry Spall Sat 26th 15.00 Tie to be announced FAT

N Sat 2nd 15.00 Bromsgrove Sporting SLC o th v Sat 16 15.00 Banbury United SLC

D Sat 30th 15.00 Nuneaton Borough SLC Mr Barry Spall e c Sat14th 15.00 Peterborough Sports SLC

Sat 1st 15.00 Needham Market SLC Tim Jacobs Tracey Bacon J & Alan Crane Associates a Sat 11th 15.00 Rushden & Diamonds SLC n Sat 25th 15.00 Rushall Olympic SLC

F Sat 8th 15.00 Stourbridge SLC Sue Tugwell & Steve Coulter e nd b Sat 22 15.00 Barwell SLC Sat 7th 15.00 Kings Langley SLC M a Sat 14th 15.00 Royston Town SLC r th Tracey Bacon Trop- Sat 28 15.00 Stratford Town SLC ic Skincare A Mon 13th 15.00 Lowestoft Town SLC Brooks & Wood p th r Sat 25 15.00 Redditch United SLC 28

Match and Ball Sponsorship If you would like to be a match or a ball sponsor please contact Andy Crisp ([email protected]) or Peter Douglass ([email protected]).

Match Sponsors receive 6 tickets & programmes, access to the boardroom for hospitality pre-match, at half time and post-match. They choose and present the Man of the Match.

Ball Sponsors receive 2 tickets & programmes, access to the boardroom for hospitality pre-match, at half time and post-match.

All sponsors will be acknowledged on social media and the website in the lead up to the game and after the game. On the matchday, sponsors will be acknowledged in the programme, on the stadium tannoy and on official teamsheets.

Good afternoon, everyone, & welcome to the Watson & Hillhouse Victory Road Stadium. A particularly warm welcome to any Lambs fans who have made the journey to this fine part of Suffolk today. Hopefully, you'll enjoy your short stay with us, but as always not toomuch, please. Fingers crossed you've brought some decent weather with you! Unfortunately, my good friend who covers Tamworth & midlands football for a local paper can't make today’s game, but I'm sure he'll be here in spirit. All the best, Matt!

Due to issues with the delivery of our matchday programmes, they weren't available for our opening day fixture against Coalville Town, so I make no apologies for making use of the cut & paste facility on my iPad in putting this column together. If you read that first programme online, then you'll spot what I've done!

I always think games against the likes of Tamworth & AFC Rushden & Diamonds should remind us of just how far the club have come in what is a relatively short space of time. From our days playing across Suffolk & Norfolk in the Eastern Counties Leagues, we are now kicking off against the aforementioned clubs & teams like Nuneaton Borough, recognisable features of the non-league landscape, so perhaps we shouldn't become blasé about the company we now find ourselves keeping.

As for our opponents today, they certainly haven't found life as easy as they would have liked since coming down into this newly-formed league. Last season, almost exactly to the day as it goes, we drew 2-2 here with the Lambs in an enthralling game that saw us go 2 up before being pegged back in the second half 2-2. Both teams have seen managerial & numerous player changes since then, but hopefully we'll see a similarly exciting game & right now I'd probably settle for a similar result after the start we've had!

After a preseason that saw a real mixed bag of results, the season finally arrived, aswe welcomed Coalville to a ridiculous windy & blustery Victory Road. I thought the performance from a young home side exceeded many fans prematch expectations & after going ahead through a cracking Will Davies strike midway through the first half, we just couldn't hold out & in the end the Ravens probably deserved to return to Leicestershire with a share of the spoils. There were plenty of positives to take from the game, however, including some promising debuts & a gate of over 200, as well. Unfortunately, the midweek away trip to AFC Rushden & Diamonds saw few positives. We conceded 3 goals from corners & despite going ahead early on through Matt Blake, we found ourselves on the wrong end of a -5 1 defeat. To compound a disappointing evening, defender George Keys saw red late on for being the last man in what 38 I've been reliably informed was a 'very harsh decision'. To cap all that, the coach didn't get back to Suffolk until gone 3am for various reasons. Last Saturday saw the Blues travelled to Rushall Olympic & a flurry of late goals saw us leave on the wrong end of a6-0 scoreline, making it a truly miserable couple of games on the road in the space of a few days and seeing us ship 11 goals! Disappointing doesn't go close!

For those of you who didn't read the Coalville programme online here's a reminder of the new players who arrived over the close season. Keeper Jake Jessup has joined us from Needham Market, having played at a higher level with both Chelmsford & Lowestoft. Aussie full back Tom Woerndl & holding midfielder Jerry Kamanzi also join the Blues from Needham. Rhys Henry needs no introduction to home fans, the popular attacking midfielder hasre- joined the club for a second spell after playing for Felixstowe last year. Striker Ryan Sharman also arrives from Cambridge City having scored 30 plus goals a couple of seasons ago for them & I know Boards was delighted get him through the door early on in preseason. Spanish duo Albert Serra Parrondo and Sebastia Pons Llado have also finally received the international paperwork & clearance we've been waiting for them to make their league debuts for the Blues. Finally, young defender Kyran Clements has become the latest addition to the squad, arriving on loan from Conference South Braintree Town after impressing for Bury Town last season.

There’s plenty else going on around the club: the new pitch side fencing certainly looks impressive as the ground improvements continue. The club are also starting a side in Division 4 of the SIL and will play their home games up at Alde Valley Academy. Their season kicks off on August 31st & I'm sure they'd appreciate your support. In other news the Blues have been drawn at home to Needham Market in the League Cup & away to Woodbridge in the Suffolk Premier Cup & to finish on a positive the Blues reserves beat Kings Lynn 2-0 last Saturday after a couple of heavy defeats themselves & an equally difficult start to the new season. So, that brings us back to the game this afternoon & hopefully the new look squad can put in a similar performance to the opening day. If so, then we'll see a competitive game & the Blues could well post some valuable points on the board; today gives us a great opportunity to get those two heavy defeats well & truly out of our system.

Finally, the club recently held a bucket collection for Ben Taylor, the Ransomes player who broke his leg in a preseason friendly against the Blues Reserves, which I believe raised over £400. So, no doubt I'm simply reiterating what has already been said, but everyone at Leiston FC wishes Ben a speedy recovery.

Enjoy this afternoon’s game, everyone.

Leiston FC Tamworth FC

Blue shirts, white sleeves Red shirts Blue shorts Red shorts Blue socks Red socks

Stuart Boardley Manager Gary Smith Nigel Ling Asst. Manager Andrew Danylyszyn

Jake JESSUP 1 Jasbir SINGH Kyle HAMMOND (C) 2 Rashaan FRANCES Tom WOERNDL 3 Jordan GOUGH Jerry KAMANZI 4 Ryan BESWICK (C) Harry KNIGHTS 5 Chris COX George KEYS 6 Lathaniel ROWE-TURNER Byron LAWRENCE 7 Tyrell WAITE Josh HITTER 8 James FRY MattBLAKE 9 Daniel CREANEY Rhys HENRY 10 Jordan CLEMENT Will DAVIES 11 Rhys HOENES Ryan SHARMAN 12 Bilal YAFAI Albert SERRA PARRONDO 14 Henri WILDER Charlie BECKWITH 15 Kai WILLIAMS Harrison BACON 16 Alex HOWES Robert EAGLE 17 Revarnelle JAMES SebastiaPONS LLADO 18

Referee: George Laflin Asst. referees: Edward Frazer, Edwin Reid 40 Match sponsors: Godbold Properties Ball sponsor: Mr Barry Spall