A STRONG Leiston line up quickly seized the initiative against visiting Witham Town who finished runners up last season in the Essex Senior League.

It took the home side just 10 minutes to press home their advantage with an audacious Boardley strike from fully 40 yards that sailed over Chris Elad in the Witham goal.

Leiston went further ahead on 25 minutes when Heath swept the ball home from the edge of the area after a penetrating run from Brothers. Leiston continued to look lively and move the ball around confidently and it was no more than they deserved when Cunningham tapped home the third from an Ottley-Gooch pull back five minutes before the break.

Somewhat against the run of play the spirited visitors pulled a goal back when a cross from the right somehow found Niki Love who finished from close range. 10 minutes later Elad spectacularly tipped over a Boardley free kick that was destined for the top corner, but it didn’t take long for the home side to get there fourth of the evening. Kerslake cleverly played in Heath and he finished comfortably past the advancing keeper. Leiston went ‘nap’ on 80 minutes when the impressive Ottley-Gooch curled the ball home after more good work from Heath.