Chairman's Chatter

2 Chairman’s Chatter Good afternoon, opportunity for anyone who wishes to join the everyone, and growing numbers and help provide additional welcome to the income to run the club on a day-to-day basis. Watson & Hillhouse The benefits include email updates of what’s Victory Road Stadium going on at the club; information about for this afternoon’s various events, including priority tickets for Southern League Sportsman’s evenings & Golf Days; etc. If you Premier Division would like to know more about becoming a Central fixture Vice President, please contact me directly for against AFC Rushden more details. & Diamonds. We welcome, as always, the Directors, Players and Supporters who have Recent results for all our senior teams have made the trip, and hope you enjoy your day been encouraging, in particular the first team. with us. Today’s match officials are Referee We’ve enjoyed a fruitful holiday period by Mr George Laflin and his two assistants Mr way of results against our local rivals Dario Matthewson & Mr Richard Pace. We Lowestoft & Needham Mkt, and, apart from hope you enjoy our hospitality this afternoon the Peterborough Sports reverse, are and officiate a fair and competitive match unbeaten since November. Our Reserve team between two good footballing sides. performances have been very encouraging; it’s been really enjoyable to have taken in a Today’s kind Match Sponsors are three few of their fixtures over the Christmas valuable members of our football club: Mr period. With the U18s having a fixture-free Steve Cooper, Mr Ron Baldry & Mr Gary time, it’s the A side that have taken centre Tibbenham. Steve has been an official of the stage. Today, they are playing in the Primary club for over 20 years and currently takes Cup against Stage FC after a comfortable 3-0 good care of our senior team fixtures; Ron win at Whitton Utd. Social Club last week. The looks after our travel arrangements and is a aim is an appearance for our youngsters at Vice President; Gary is one of our many Mr Portman Road, so lots for them to play for as Leiston supporters -he rarely misses a game the quarter final beckons. Look at our website both home and away. Today’s Ball Sponsor is for all the latest results & match reports. Mr Laurence Ball (also a Vice President); he kindly prepares our match day programme. A That’s about it for the time being. Just to say massive thank you from all at the club. It’s this thank you to all our Vice Presidents and all kind of support that makes us the club we are today’s kind sponsors. today. Enjoy the match, Andy. On the theme of LFC Vice Presidents, today is the club’s Vice Presidents’ Day. We are hoping the majority of members will join us for a pre- match meal and be our special guests for the afternoon. Becoming a Vice President is an 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, Steve Team Management: Coulter, Peter Douglass, Trevor Elmy, Alisdair First Team Manager: Glen Driver Douglas First Team Assistant Manager: Tony Kinsella Reserves Manager: Wes Solomon Matchday Committee: U18 Manager: Rick Kerry Sue Tugwell Chris Barker, Steve Coulter Gerald U18 Assistant Manager: Matt Morling 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 Cooper Club Goalkeeper Coach: Nigel Ling Hospitality: Kevin Smith Coach Development: Steve Foley Press Officer: Craig Cooper Physio: Sports-Med East Match Reports: Craig Cooper Head Groundsman: James Mayhew Programme Editor: Laurence Ball Asst. Groundsman: Matt Murphy Website Administrator: Peter Douglass Kit Manager: Trevor Harrison Marketing/Advertising: Janet Cooper, Filming Tech: Peter Phillips Andy Crisp, Peter Douglass

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

Above, Vice Presidents and Match sponsors for our New Year’s Day fixture v. Needham Market, Tim Jacobs and Alan Crane, present the MotM award to Sam Donkin. Below, Vice President and joint Match Sponsor for today’s game, Ronald Baldry, enjoys the refreshments at Lowestoft Town FC on Boxing Day.

Photo: Shirley D Whitlow 5 Introducing … AFC Rushden & Diamonds

AFC Rushden & Diamonds were formed in to the Southern Football League Division One 2011, following the demise of Rushden & Central. Diamonds FC, as a supporter-owned, supporter-run football club. After a season in In 2015-16, the club finished fifth in the SL1C, youth football in 2011-12, they were reaching the playoff final and winning allocated a place in the United their County Cup. The club was Counties League Division One for transferred to the Northern Premier 2012-13 (Step 6). League First Division South for the 2016-17 season, where they again They gained promotion from that reached the end of season playoffs. league at the end of their first season, For 2017-18, the club returned to the and followed that with third place in Southern League to play in Division the UCL Premier Division before winning the One East, known as EVO-Stik League South, title in the 2014-15 season, also winning the East, winning promotion at the end of that League Cup. This meant they won promotion season to Step 3 of Non-League Football.

Ben Heath Tom Lorraine 23-year-old goalkeeper who 29-year-old striker who joined the club in October joined the club from 2016. Recorded 22 clean Cogenhoe United at the end sheets in the 42 league of March 2014. He is the games during the 2017/18 Club’s top overall goal- season. scorer with 90 goals. He was the Supporters’ Player of the Season 2018/19 and winner of the Golden Zack Reynolds Boot award for the top goal scorer of the 25-year-old full back who season. can also play in wide midfield. He joined the club from Chesham United prior Nathan Hicks to the start of the 2018/19 27-year-old attacking season. Zack won the central midfielder who 2018/19 Players’ Player of the Season award. joined the Club shortly before the start of the Nat Gosnal-Tyler 2018/19 season. Nathan was named as the Nat recently signed from Rushden & Higham Manager’s Player of the United, having impressed in friendlies against Season at the end of the 2018/19 season. Histon and Northampton Town.

6 Alex Collard Jesse Akubuine

Alex is a 23-year-old centre- Midfielder Jesse Akubuine back who joined the signed following some Diamonds at the end of impressive performances November 2018. during pre season so far, 21-year-old Jesse came through the Brentford academy, and has recently had a couple of years in Patrick Casey Scotland with Queen of the South and Cumbernauld Colts. Young defender who graduated to the 1st team Matt Slinn squad after impressing at Academy level and in pre- Midfielder Matthew Slinn signed for the Club season games. On loan having been released from Northampton season at Bugbrooke FC. Town Academy.

Jordan Macleod

Ben Acquaye 23-year-old striker who joined the club from Peterborough Sports in October 2019. Ben is an attacking Jordan had been dual registered at Deeping midfielder who joined the Rangers FC where he scored 20 goals in 16 club from Kempston Rovers games. at the end of December

2018. Nabil Shariff

27-year-old striker, Nabil recently re-signed for the Club following spells at Alfreton FC, St Ryan Dove Neots Town FC and Stratford Town FC. Ryan is a new signing for the 2019/20 season having Will Jones played at Cogenhoe Utd last season. He is a proven goal- Will is a graduate from the Academy who scorer, scoring 28 goals in 29 was part of the all-conquering 2018/19 games last season. season U16 Academy squad. He also plays for the Academy U18s and Aspire, He made his League debut as a substitute in the game Ryan Hughes at Kings Langley in December 2019.

18-year-old defender currently on loan from Northampton Town FC.

7 Introducing … AFC Rushden & Diamonds

Sam Brown Liam Dolman

26-year-old defender who was a junior at the 31-year-old defender, who joined the club Centre of Excellence at Rushden & Diamonds from Daventry Town during June 2014. He FC. He has made over 250 appearances for has made over 100 appearances for the club the club. and has now scored 30 goals for the club.

Jack Ashton Ben Farrell

28-year old defender, who joined the 32-year-old midfielder who joined the club Diamonds on a dual registration basis with from Bedford Town in December 2016. He Stamford AFC in March 2014. Despite injury was the club’s top goalscorer in the 2017-18 problems during 2015/16 he picked up the season, scoring 19 goals. goal of the season award for his late winner that clinched the Hillier Senior Cup against Kettering Town FC.

Greg Kaziboni

26 year old midfielder currently on loan from Tamworth FC.

“It’s been brilliant,” said Steve Wilkes, The introduction of VAR is causing a significant stir at the top levels of the manager at Northwich Victoria, who saw midfielder Harvey Whyte sent to the sin- game, but how has the launch of sin-bins in bin as punishment for sarcastically Non-League faired this season? The FA applauding a decision by the referee when trialled the scheme, where a referee can temporarily dismiss a player for ten Vics visited Longridge for a Premier Division fixture in October. Elliot Pond minutes as punishment for dissent, across scored the winning goal for the hosts while 31 grassroots leagues during the two campaigns prior to this one. During that Whyte watched from the touchline. Wilkes time, 25 reported a reduction in dissent believes his players are even less likely to err as a result. with a 38 per cent fall in the competitions that took part in the pilot, with a survey It is a view shared by Joe Doran, his finding the majority of 1,500 participants counterpart at Bootle. Ryan Jones was the wanted the sin-bin rule to become first goalkeeper to fall victim of the new permanent. rule during the Bucks’ defeat at Runcorn Town back in August. However he returned Following the feedback, the FA chose to wearing an outfield shirt, having to wait for implement the change up to Step 5 of the National League System from this season a stoppage in play before putting his gloves back on. and figures so far have revealed it’s having a positive impact. By the end of November, Doran said: “When it happens to one of in the North West Counties League, there your players, it’s definitely an effective were 95 recorded instances of dissent that deterrent. He’s 6ft 5in and we put him up resulted in a player being dismissed top until there was a throw-in. I’m all for temporarily. At this stage last season, a nipping it in the bud, but dissent has total of 246 yellow cards had been shown always been a bookable offence, it’s just for the same offence. referees have been too scared to caution people for it. “This feels like a halfway “It’s hard to argue with the numbers,” the house.” league’s chairman Paul Lawlor told The NLP. “The bigger picture, beyond the data What do you think? Have you witnessed a collected so far, goes further; lads are player being sent to the sin-bin this changing how they conduct themselves on season? Email us at: the field. “The feedback we’ve had so far from our members it that the impact has [email protected] been positive. However it’s probably too early yet to draw firm conclusions.” By David Richardson

15 BetVictor Southern League Premier Division Central Premier Pos. Team P HW HD HL HF HA AW AD AL AF AA +/- Pts 1 Tamworth 21 8 1 3 27 12 7 1 1 18 7 26 47 2 Bromsgrove Sporting 24 4 4 3 19 13 9 2 2 43 17 32 45 3 Peterborough Sports 21 7 4 1 41 18 5 1 3 19 14 28 41 4 Banbury United 24 7 3 2 22 11 4 5 3 16 11 16 41 5 Coalville Town 22 5 4 1 22 12 5 5 2 19 11 18 39 6 Royston Town 21 6 3 1 21 9 5 3 3 19 13 18 39 7 Hednesford Town 21 7 1 2 21 9 5 1 5 17 16 13 38 8 Rushall Olympic 23 7 2 3 26 13 3 4 4 13 16 10 36 9 Nuneaton Borough 24 8 2 2 27 12 2 4 6 14 22 7 36 10 Biggleswade Town 21 7 0 4 18 17 4 3 3 15 12 4 36 11 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 22 7 1 2 22 17 3 5 4 14 18 1 36 12 Barwell 23 6 1 4 23 17 4 1 7 23 29 0 32 13 Stourbridge 19 5 2 3 17 14 4 2 3 18 19 2 31 14 Kings Langley 22 4 1 4 14 12 5 2 6 20 23 -1 30 15 Needham Market 22 3 6 4 17 18 4 1 4 10 9 0 28 16 Hitchin Town 22 3 3 5 14 16 3 3 5 13 20 -9 24 17 Lowestoft Town 22 5 2 5 13 13 2 0 8 15 31 -16 23 18 Leiston 24 2 3 7 16 36 3 2 7 16 38 -42 20 19 Stratford Town 24 5 1 7 23 28 0 2 9 7 30 -28 18 20 Alvechurch 20 2 3 4 13 14 2 1 8 9 25 -17 16 21 St Ives Town 24 3 2 6 13 23 1 2 10 11 26 -25 16 22 Redditch United 22 1 2 8 10 24 1 1 9 9 32 -37 9

16 1st Team Appearances 2019/20 BVSCP SLC FA CUP FA TROPHY SPC TOTAL Joshua Hitter 13(4) 1 1 1 (1) 16(5) Rhys Henry 11(8) 1 (1) 1 1 14(9) George Keys 12(4) 1 1 1 15(4) Jerry Kamanzi 11(8) (1) 1 1 (1) 13(10) Charlie Beckwith 14 1 1 1 17 Rob Eagle 15(1) 1 1 1 18(1) William Davies 14(4) 1 1 1 17(4) Harry Knights 13 1 1 15 Thomas Woerndl 10 1 11 Kyle Hammond 17 (1) 1 1 19(1) Siju Odelusi 15(3) 1 1 1 18(3) Kyran Clements 15(1) 1 1 17(1) Mason Sinclair 6(4) 1 1 1 9(4) Sebastia Pons Llado 2(5) (1) 2(6) Josh Cheetham 2(3) 1 3(3) Noel Aitkens 11(1) 1 12(1) Quevin Castro 2(1) 1 1 4(1) Rory McKeown 3 1 4 Jake Jessup 3 1 4 Louie Bloom 5(1) 5(1) Iuri Fernandes 1(1) 1 (1) 2(2) Albert Serra Parrondo (3) (1) (4) Ollie Saunders 7 1 8 James Gaffer 2 1 3 Ryley Scott 2 2 Jourdan Kiwomya (2) (1) (3) George Forrest 1 1 2 Thomas Hughes 2 2 Sam Allen 1(1) 1(1) Andy Fennell 5 5 Harrison Bacon (3) (3) Hamilton Bunga (1) (1) Luke Johnson (2) (2) Nathan Stewart 3(1) 3(1) Byron Lawrence 15 15 John Sands 5 5 Tom Debenham 4 4 Ben Stannard 1(1) (1) 1(2) Jake Hutchings 5 5 Sam Donkin 7 7 Matt Blake 6 1 7 Ryan Sharman 2(1) 2(1) 17

Leiston FC players’ sponsors 2019-20

Kyle Hammond Tom Woerndl Charlie Beckwith Sebastia Pons Llado sponsored by: sponsored by: sponsored by sponsored by Mr Alan Crane Mr Alan Crane Mr Steve Coulter Mr Reuben Gane

Albert Serra Parrondo Harry Knights George Keys Jerry Kamanzi sponsored by: sponsored by: sponsored by: sponsored by: Mr Reuben Gane Mrs Sue Tugwell Imperial Brickworks John & Debs Williams

Will Davies Josh Hitter James Gaffer Noel Aitkens sponsored by: sponsored by: sponsored by: sponsored by: Mr Simon Warr Mr & Mrs Douglass Mr Billy Muttock Mr Tim Jacobs

19 HDate 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 1—2 242 Jessup Hammond Woerndl* Kamanzi Knights Clements Mon. 26 Needham Market 0—3 474 Beckwith Hammond Woerndl** Kamanzi*** Knights Clements Sat. 31 Alvechurch 1—2 154 Beckwith Hammond Woerndl* Kamanzi Knights** Clements Sat. 7 Ware FC (FAC) 1—5 157 Beckwith Keys Saunders Eagle** Forrest Clements Sat. 14 Stourbridge 1—5 615 Beckwith Keys Saunders Eagle Forrest*** Clements Sept. Tues. 17 Biggleswade Town 0—4 166 Beckwith Keys Saunders Eagle Clements Tues. 24 Needham Market (SLC) 1—3 85 Jessup Sinclair Fernandes Eagle* Odelusi Clements Sat. 28 Peterborough Sports 1—8 270 Beckwith Sinclair Fernandes Eagle Odelusi Sat. 5 Stratford Town 1—3 170 Beckwith Hammond Woerndl Odelusi Knights Tues. 9 Woodbridge Town (SPC) 3—1 213 Beckwith Hammond Woerndl Odelusi Knights Sat. 12 Barwell 0—5 173 Beckwith Gaffer Woerndl Odelusi Knights Oct. Tues. 15 St Ives Town 4—4 139 Beckwith Sinclair Woerndl Aitkens Knights Sat. 19 Hitchin Town 3—1 201 Jessup Sinclair Woerndl Odelusi Knights Tues. 22 Kings Langley 2—1 153 Beckwith Sinclair Woerndl* Odelusi Knights Sat. 26 Tamworth (FAT) 0—4 385 Beckwith Hammond Sinclair Odelusi Knights Sat. 2 Bromsgrove Sporting 0—8 148 Beckwith Hammond** Stannard Canham Knights Tues. 12 Hednesford Town 0—3 168 Beckwith Hammond Eagle* Kamanzi Odelusi Clements Nov. Sat. 16 Banbury United 1—5 232 Beckwith Hammond Clements Hitter** Knights Sat. 30 Nuneaton Borough 1—1 238 Donkin Hammond Saunders Aitkens Clements Tues. 3 Royston Town 0—0 211 Donkin Hammond Saunders* Aitkens Odelusi Clements Sat. 7 Redditch United 6—0 175 Donkin Keys Clements Aitkens Odelusi** Hutchings Dec. Sat. 14 Peterborough Sports 2—4 165 Donkin Clements Eagle Aitkens*** Hutchings** Thurs. 26 Lowestoft Town 3—1 428 Donkin Clements Saunders Aitkens Hutchings Weds. 1 Needham Market 2—1 414 Donkin Hammond Saunders Aitkens* Clements Hutchings Sat. 4 Coalville Town 1—1 174 Donkin Clements Saunders* Scott** Odelusi Hutchings Sat. 11 AFC Rushden & Diamonds Jan . Sat. 21 Hitchin Town 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 Clements Lawrence Eagle Blake* Henry** McKeown Hitter*** Ppns Llado Parrondo** Sharman* Clements Lawrence Eagle Sharman* Henry McKeown Keys Hitter* Llado** Parrondo*** Clements Lawrence McKeown Hitter Sharman Pons Llado Keys** Henry*** Odelusi* Parrondo Clements Kamanzi Castro Blake Hitter * McKeown Parrondo Henry** Woerndl PonsLlado* Clements Kamanzi** Castro Blake Henry Pons Llado* Odelusi*** Hitter** Davies* Parrondo Odelusi Henry** Kamanzi* Blake Davies Hitter Pons Llado** Castro* Kiwomya*** Forrest Clements Hitter Gaffer*** Davies** Henry Castro Kamanzi* Pons Llado** Hammond*** Allen* Hammond Kamanzi Davies** Castro*** Hughes Keys* Henry** Pons Llado*** Clements Keys Kamanzi* Eagle Davies Henry** Hughes Cheetham* Kiwomya** Fernandes Sinclair Keys Eagle Cheetham Davies Henry 2 Sinclair Gaffer Hitter Kiwomya Kamanzi Keys Cheetham Hitter Davies Eagle Sinclair Aitkens Kamanzi Bloom Fernandes Keys Gaffer Hitter Davies Eagle Bloom Cheetham Bacon Allen Pons Llado Keys Aitkens** Hitter Davies Eagle* Bloom*** Henry* Cheetham** Bunga*** Fernandes Keys Aitkens Cheetham*** Davies Hitter Bloom** Stannard* Henry** Kamanzi*** Bunga Keys Aitkens*** Kamanzi* Davies Henry Hitter** Fernandes* Stannard** Canham*** Cheetham Keys Aitkens Hitter*** Davies Henry* Bloom Bacon* Odelusi** Kamanzi*** Bunga/Cheetham Clements Lawrence Hitter** Davies Sinclair Bloom*** Bacon** Pons Llado* Bunga Henry*** Odelusi Lawrence Fennell Davies Henry* Stewart*** Bacon Pearce*** Kamanzi** Sinclair* Odelusi Lawrence Hitter** Fennell Davies Sands* Stewart* Kamanzi** Andrews Gaffer Clements Lawrence Stewart Fennell Sands** Davies Bacon Sinclair* Andrews Kamanzi** Hutchings Lawrence* Stewart*** Debenham2 Sands3 Fennell Sinclair** Bacon Kamanzi* Davies*** Hutchings** Odelusi Lawrence Fennell* Debenham Sands Hammond Hitter* Henry*** Keys** Kamanzi Odelusi Lawrence Eagle** Debenham* Sands*** Hammond Johnson** Henry*** Hitter Davies* Hutchings Lawrence Scott Henry*** Odelusi Eagle** Johnson* Kamanzi** Keys*** Potter Hutchings Lawrence Aitkens Debenham*** Hammond Eagle Henry* Bloom** Kamanzi*** Hitter

21 Leiston FC goalscorers 2019/20 BVSCP SLC FA CUP FA TROPHY SPC TOTAL Rhys Henry 4 2 6 John Sands 4 4 William Davies 3 3 Tom Debenham 3 3 Matt Blake 1 1 2 Quevin Castro 1 1 2 Byron Lawrence 2 2 Siju Odelusi 2 2 Jerry Kamanzi 1 1 Kyle Hammond 1 1 Thomas Hughes 1 1 Rob Eagle 1 1 Thomas Woerndl 1 1 Louie Bloom 1 1 Josh Cheetham 1 1 Noel Aitkens 1 1 Andy Fennell 1 1 Joshua Hitter 1 1 Harry Knights 1 1 OG 1 1

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 award.

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

22 Match and Ball Sponsors 2019/2020

Match Sponsor Ball Sponsor Sat 10th Coalville Town SLCP Haven Logistics Aug Sat 24th Tamworth SLCP Mr Barry Spall Sat 31st Alvechurch SLCP Clever Cloggs Mr Barry Spall Tue 17th Biggleswade Town SLCP Sep Day Nursery Tue 24th Needham Market LCup

Tue 15th St Ives Town SLCP The Douglass Family Oct Tue 29th Hitchin Town SLCP

Sat 2nd Bromsgrove Sporting SLCP Ronald Baldry & Tue 12th Hednesford Town SLCP Barry Spall Paul Downey Nov Sat 16th Banbury United SLCP LFC Supporters Laurence Ball Barry Spall & Sat 30th Nuneaton Borough SLCP FGH Motorhomes Roger Smith Coldfair Wealth Dec Sat 14th Peterborough Sports SLCP Dale Revell Management Tim Jacobs Tracey Bacon Sat 1st Needham Market SLCP & Alan Crane Associates Jan th Steve Cooper, Ron Sat 11 AFC R&D SLCP Baldry, Gary Tibbenham Laurence Ball Sat 25th Rushall Olympic SLCP Paul Andrews

Sat 8th Stourbridge SLCP Sue Tugwell Steve Coulter Feb Sat 22nd Barwell SLCP Sat 7th Kings Langley SLCP Jet Projects Hoopers Tue 10th Needham Market SPC Architects Ltd. Mar Sat 14th Royston Town SLCP Sizewell C

th Marquis Tropic Skincare Sat 28 Stratford Town SLCP Motorhomes with Tracey Bacon Henry Paul Mon 13th Lowestoft Town SLCP Apr Construction Sat 25th Redditch United SLCP Sizewell C 23

25 Leiston U13s

Firstly, Happy New Year to you all, and I hope you’ve all had a fantastic Christmas.

Leiston 4-1 Stotfold Since the last report, we have only managed 3 games over the past 2 months due to the constant rain causing waterlogged pitches, and have had a mixture of different results. On 24/11/19, we welcomed Stotfold in the League Cup. They came with a A very strong side which consisted of 2 boys on trial: one with Tottenham and one with Leyton Orient. We started fast with great pressing, winning the ball in the last third and finishing well through Charlie. We continued to dominate, and Josh Yaxley finished off a great move through a brilliant 3rd man run which we had been working on in training. Their ever-dangerous winger caused us a couple of problems which allowed them to bring a goal back, but Oscar played fantastically out of position, forcing him so far back that he eventually became ineffective, which meant he was moved to right back. We continued to move the ball about well through the thirds, which led to two further goals for Charlie to secure his hat-trick. Man of the match went to Charlie for a superb hat-trick, and Oscar for keeping their best player quiet.

Lowestoft 3-3 Leiston On 1/12/19 we played Lowestoft for the fourth time this season. We won our first 3 encounters, but this game proved to be much harder. They had changed their formation and gone from 4 to 5 at the back, cutting out the spaces for our dangerous front 3. Although we found it hard to get in behind, we managed to go 2 goals ahead with 2 great long distance strikes from Charlie and Sam. We then took our foot of the gas, which enabled them to get back into the game and get level. We thought we had won it in the last few minutes when Charlie struck a great free kick, but they managed to nick a late goal, which they deserved. Man of the match went to Ollie for linking the play superbly and barely giving the ball away.

Leiston 0 - 2 Hornchurch On 5/1/20 we welcomed Hornchurch in the quarter finals of the League Cup. This was a game that we didn’t really want straight after Christmas, and it proved to be a big part of the reason for our loss. We struggled with fitness and their physical presence, which meant we ended up losing 2-0. We learnt a lot from this game and are already taking steps at training to improve in certain areas. Man of the match went to Billy J for a commanding defensive performance.

We still have plenty to look forward to this season as we are in a good position in the league with games in hand on the teams above us. We are in the quarter finals of the County Cup and in the semi-finals of the midweek cup.

Our Semi Final of the Midweek Cup is on Leiston’s First Team Pitch on Tuesday 14th January 2020 (weather permitting). It is a 7:30pm kick off. We would love to get as much support for the boys as possible. Come and watch this talented bunch of boys, and cheer them on as we look to reach the final! Owen Hammond (Leiston U13s Manager). 26

Happy belated New Year, one & all, & made even more special by the rivalries local welcome to Victory Road for this afternoon’s derbies throw up, the larger gates & real sense visit of AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Our of occasion this all creates. I was somewhat ambitious opponents today need little or no surprised when I read a tweet that the Bostik introduction & are likely to bring a large North clubs seemed to vote against playing following with them to Suffolk, so enjoy your games on Boxing Day when asked by the short stay with us, just not too much, eh! league, but I guess they must have a reason Fingers crossed today, the Blues will be able to for doing so. build on those encouraging results we all So, onto New Years Day & the visit of enjoyed over the holidays. Needham Market, another Suffolk derby & Our Christmas schedule began with the Boxing another fantastic 3 pts for the Blues. The Day fixture at Crown Meadow after the St Ives management team had to deal with a couple away game fell foul of the weather the of late cry-offs due to illness, so were forced Saturday before Christmas, & it began in some to push defender Siju Odelusi up front, & he style with an impressive 3-1 victory over the certainly didn't let the team down. He bravely Trawler Boys. On a poor playing surface, due, battled away up top on his own all game & in part, to a torrential downpour shortly proved a real handful for the visitors’ defence before kick off, the Blues fully deserved their & even managed to score the winner with an second away win on the spin, &, despite falling acrobatic effort that sent the home fans behind midway through the first half, goals behind the goal delirious. He was nailed on to from 'pantomime villain' John Sands (yes, get the Man of the Match award in my opinion that's how he was referred to on the if it hadn't been for an inspired performance Lowestoft fans’ forum), strike partner Tom from young keeper Sam Donkin, who pulled Debenham, & super sub Rhys Henry ensured off some crucial saves, & whose handling & the 3 points came back down the A12. The distribution were generally impressive way Rhys shifted the ball out of his feet & out throughout. What a start to the new year then of the mud showed great composure, & the for the Blues as they closed the gap on the finish & celebration weren't bad either, Rhys! other 2 Suffolk clubs! With results going their Really pleased the game wasn't lost to the way later in the day, it meant we finally weather as I think football over the festive moved out of the relegation places. period is such a fantastic tradition, one that is

I can't deny it certainly was satisfying to get the Leiston badge on his jacket & screamed one over on the Marketmen as, while we 'get in', I genuinely heard someone behind have generally had the better of our me shout out 'You’re the f****ing Messiah, encounters with them over the last few years, Glen!' I was so tempted to turn around & in both our meetings this season to date we correct the gentleman by saying 'he's not the had been comprehensively beaten, & Messiah, he's a...... (wasted if you’re not a conceded 3 goals on both occasions. Monty Python fan) But perhaps he's not too However, this is a very different Blues side far off with his sentiments, though! now & we look forward to welcoming the Marketmen back to Victory Road later in the Back to today, & with another tough away season in the Suffolk Premier Cup as we fixture next Saturday at current leaders continue our defence of the trophy we've Tamworth, it is vital we keep playing well & won the last two seasons. That will make it keep picking up points as we look to climb four games against Needham this season. away from the bottom end of the table. Come on you Blues! I did have to laugh at the end of the game on

New Year’s Day when the jubilant home fans Enjoy this afternoon’s game, everyone. congregated around the players tunnel to clap the team off the pitch. As Glen thumped 50/50 DRAW

Our match against Needham Market on New Years Day brought in sales of £305.

The winning ticket was number 1777 and we paid £152 to the winners, John & Debbie Williams.

This was the highest amount paid so far this season. Steve Coulter

Away with the Blues

Follow the team to our forthcoming away fixtures. No need to book in advance. Adults: £12 Under 18s: £5

Tues. 13 January @ Hitchin Town KO 7.45pm

Leiston LTAA 3.30 pm Martlesham Black Tiles 4.00 pm Claydon Premier Inn 4.30 pm Bury (if needed) 9.30 pm

Sat. 18 January @ Tamworth FC KO 3.00pm

Leiston LTAA 8.00 am Martlesham Black Tiles 8.30 am Claydon Premier Inn 9.00 am Bury (if needed) 9.30 am Impington Holiday Inn 10.00

Today’s squads

Leiston FC AFC Rushden & Diamonds Blue shirts, white sleeves Yellow shirts Blue shorts Black shorts Blue socks Yellow socks

Glen Driver Manager Andy Peaks Tony Kinsella Asst. Manager Neil Champelovier

Sam DONKIN Ben HEATH Kyle HAMMOND Zack REYNOLDS Ollie SAUNDERS Sam BROWN Noel AITKENS Jack ASHTON Siju ODELUSI Liam DOLMAN Kyran CLEMENTS Jesse AQUBUINE George KEYS Ben ACQUAYE Josh HITTER Matthew SLINN Andy FENNELL Nabil SHARIFF Tom DEBENHAM Gregory KAZIBONI John SANDS Nathan HICKS Robert EAGLE Patrick CASEY Byron LAWRENCE Ben FARRELL Ryley SCOTT Tom LORRAINE Will DAVIES Ryan HUGHES Luke JOHNSON Jordan MACLEOD Mason SINCLAIR Ryan DOVE Owen ANDREWS Alex COLLARD

Referee: George Laflin Asst. referees: Dario Matthewson, Richard Pace

Match sponsors: S. Cooper, R. Baldry,40 G. Tibbenham Ball sponsor: L. Ball