Stuart Boardley’s Leiston side visit Coalville Town tomorrow as the Blues look to gain a much-needed victory, writes Craig Cooper.

The match will kick off at 1.30pm due to Coalville’s floodlights issues.

It will be the first time Leiston have gone back to the Leicestershire side after losing 1-0 to them in the FA Vase quarter-finals in March 2011.

The Blues have already beaten Coalville at the start of the season – 2-0 - thanks to goals from Christy Finch and Chris Henderson.

Last weekend they were drew with bottom side Bedworth United.

“We were under par last week at Bedworth in treacherous conditions that didn’t help,” Boardley said.

“We fell foul of defensive mistakes again and found ourselves two goals down at half-time with a mountain to climb.

“We did however get a positive reaction from the players in the second period and we levelled the match and could have even won it towards the end which probably would have been deserved.”

Dominic Docherty and Robert Eagle remain out injured, but Joe Jefford and Marcus Garnham return to the squad, while Matt Rutterford is unavailable.

“I don’t remember too much about the game at Coalville in the FA Vase when I played, but I do remember getting dragged off at half-time by Mark Morsley in that 1-0 defeat,” Boardley added.

That day, an Anthony Carney goal in the 56th minute separated the sides, in a match that manager at the time Morsley said Leiston, “were lucky to get 0”.

Memories are better for Boardley in the FA Cup match against Coalville Town at Victory Road, as a penalty secured a 1-0 win in October 2008.

Coalville are one place ahead of Leiston in the league table in 11th spot, with the teams only separated on goal difference but Coalville have two games in hand.

The Blues finish 2018 off with a local derby at home to Needham Market (1 o’clock kick off) on Boxing Day, and their final Southern League match is next Saturday as they host Royston Town.

Meanwhile, Leiston Reserves are at home to Haverhill Borough tomorrow afternoon.

The Reserves sit 13th at the minute, one place and two points behind today’s visitors.