Leiston’s recent struggles in the league continued as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Merstham on Saturday.

Manager Glen Driver made one change from the midweek win over Ipswich Town in the Suffolk Premier Cup as Dominic Docherty replaced Byron Lawrence, who dropped to the bench.

The first half was a largely uneventful affair with both sides lacking a goal threat.

Merstham came closest to breaking the deadlock when Hall forced Garnham to make a save low down to his left hand side with a 25 yard free kick.

Leiston had a great opportunity to take the lead in the 47th minute when Dominic Docherty was brought down in the box but Jack Ainsley saw his penalty saved by ex-Leiston goalkeeper Ashlee Jones.

Matt Blake struck a post in the 53rd minute as Leiston took the game to their hosts. However in the 68th minute a near post corner was not claimed by Leiston goalkeeper Marcus Garnham and Merstham centre back Harwood bundled the ball home.

This seemed to knock Leiston off their stride and they failed to create a clear chance for an equaliser in the remainder of the match.

Elsewhere in the Premier, Needham Market’s trip to Leatherhead was postponed after the pitch failed an inspection on Saturday morning.

Lowestoft Town too were left without a game as their home clash with Dulwich Hamlet was called off due to a frozen pitch.

Down in Bostik North, AFC Sudbury returned from a trip to Tilbury with a point after an entertaining 0-0 draw.

Both sides had early chances. Tilbury’s Kris Newby saw a shot from 25 yards deflected wide, before Jake Clowsley went close with a header for the visitors on 13 minutes.

Tilbury had the best chances during the remainder of the half. On 21 minutes, Kurt Smith crossed onto the head of Adam Vyse and Sudbury keeper Paul Walker made a fantastic save to deny the striker.

The second half was quieter period, before Tilbury stepped it up inside the last five minutes as Newby again was denied by Walker.