Leiston face their biggest test of the new season on Saturday as they travel to Margate, unbeaten league leaders and favourites for the title.

It will certainly be a big ask to maintain the current form against a side full of ex-league and conference players but the Blues go into the game in a healthy third position after collecting four points from a possible six over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Last Saturday the side produced an outstanding attacking display to defeat newly promoted Peacehaven & Telscombe in the Victory Road sunshine.

Chief tormentor for our Sussex visitors was Craig Parker who scored twice and provided two assists in the five goal romp. Other scorers on the day were Joe Francis, Gareth Heath and Leon Ottley-Gooch.

Unsurprisingly match sponsors Haven Logistics selected Craig Parker as Man of the Match. Fast forward 48 hours and another fixture against a newly promoted side this time Witham Town.

Conditions were in stark contrast to Saturday with the game played in near constant rain and on a difficult surface. The alert Cliff Akurang gave us an early lead in the second half after Gareth Heath’s penalty had rattled against the post but our hosts deservedly claimed a point ten minutes later. The Reserves have suffered two defeats in the past week. Rob Stephenson grabbed our consolation in the 4-1 defeat at Saffron Walden while a first minute opener from Virgilio Leitao couldn’t be built upon as Great Yarmouth Town fought back to win 2-1 on Wednesday night despite the heroics of Ben Vincent who had an inspired game between the posts including a fantastic penalty save. Tomorrow the Reserves are in home action again as Dereham Town Reserves are the visitors, kick off 3.00pm.

Midweek action sees East Thurrock United at Victory Road on Tuesday in the Ryman Premier Division with the Reserves at Stowmarket Town. Next Saturday the Blues host Met Police.