Another home victory on Saturday against Burgess Hill Town saw Leiston beat their previous best points tally of 73 in the Bostik Premier Division to move on to 75 points with three league games to play, writes Craig Cooper.
The first half saw the Blues create few chances, but the second half saw Leiston dominate possession and chances.
Jake Reed’s goal was chalked off after the referee consulted his linesman, however, Jack Ainsley gave Leiston the lead in the 69th minute, smashing home the loose ball after Patrick Brothers’ shot was saved by away custodian James Shaw.
Burgess Hill tried to get back in the match but Marcus Garnham claimed balls well into the area, and in the third minute of added on time, Reed was fouled in the penalty area.
Ainsley stepped up to stroke the penalty away and he is Leiston’s top goal scorer again with 17 goals for the season.
Thanks to match sponsors Mills Heating who selected Seb Dunbar as man of the match and also to Mr Jimmy Girling who sponsored the match ball.
The first team have had no game during the week, and face a tough trip to Leatherhead tomorrow afternoon.
They finish the season with two home games next week. First, Needham Market visit on Tuesday night while on the final day of the season, Hendon make the trip to Victory Road.
The Reserves went down to Holland FC 4-1 on Saturday in the Thurlow Nunn First Division. Adam Blades had levelled late in the first half and it looked like the Reserves might gain a point.
Three late goals though meant they went down to another defeat. They won their first league match since the start of February on Tuesday night as they beat Diss Town 1-0 at Victory Road, with Kyle Cassell’s 52nd minute strike the difference.
The U18s beat Ipswich Wanderers last Thursday 3-0 at Humber Doucy Lane. Alfie Norman and Blades (2) were the scorers to put three more points on the board.
On Monday, they lost 6-5 on penalties to Bury Town in the County Cup semi-finals. The match finished 1-1 with Blades putting Leiston ahead at one stage. Last night, a win at Bloomfields against Needham Market would see the league title won.
On Monday, Ipswich Wanderers come to Victory Road for the U18’s final home league fixture of the campaign.
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