Chenery wants Leiston focussed

LEISTON manager Carl Chenery will have his players focussed on Saturday so that they can take advantage of a 'decent' draw in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The Ridgeons League, Premier Division title contenders will pocket £3,000 prize money from the FA if they win at First Division Cornard United.

“We beat March Town in the previous round, and they were also from a division below us in the Ridgeons League,” said Chenery.

“It was not a straightforward victory as we took our foot off the pedal. And we must ensure that we do not fall into the same trap tomorrow, and remain focussed from start to finish.

“We have been given a decent draw but must guard against complacency as a good run in the FA Cup can improve our finances - and also public awareness.”

Leiston are capable of competing with the likes of Lowestoft Town, Kirkley, Wroxham, Wivenhoe and Needham Market for the league title, and Halesworth-based Chenery sees this as the measure of his team's performance.

“Doing well in the league shows you have been consistent throughout the season,” he added. “The league has to be my main target, and hopefully we can keep a fit squad.

“You need some good fortune to make lengthy progress in one-off competitions, but we cannot disregard the FA Cup and the FA Vase.”

The A12 north heading north is full of traffic heading for Leiston on Saturday lunchtimes with many of Chenery's squad based in the Ipswich area.

Goalkeeper Jamie Stannard, plus Marc Lowe, Mark Goldfinch, David Head, Brett Girling, Shane Wardley, Stuart Boardley, Tesfaye Bramble and Lee McGlone are joined in the squad by young players from the Leiston district.

Chenery has particular praise for Goldfinch - 'a bulldog, gives nothing away' - and McGlone - 'has kept his head down to show his hunger for goals' - while striker Bramble has a knee niggle and is a doubt at Chris Symes' Cornard tomorrow.