Leiston begin their seventh season at Step 3 level tomorrow afternoon in a new league as Leicestershire-based Coalville Town visit Victory Road for the hosts’ first-ever game in the Southern League Premier, writes Craig Cooper.
It’s a new era for Suffolk’s top sides in general as Lowestoft Town and Needham Market have also moved into this new competition.
Speaking at training on Thursday night, boss Glen Driver said: “We have had some indifferent results pre season, but there have been many positives. All the friendly matches have been gearing up for Saturday’s first league game.
“I personally don’t have any expectations going into the season, but I’ve set myself goals and the players will do their best to try and buy into them. We have given the club their best two years in their history and we will work hard to continue to improve that.’
The last time Leiston played Coalville Town at home was in October 2008, when they hosted tomorrow’s visitors in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.
Stuart Boardley’s penalty just before the half-hour mark gave Leiston the lead, and the away side missed a spot kick of their own at the start of the second period.
In the end, Leiston held on for the win in front of 481 spectators that day and famously went on to reach the First Round of the FA Cup.
Driver continued: “Coalville will be like every other side at this level and we expect a tough test. We will prepare and work hard to a level that can help win us the game.”
Meanwhile, Driver also watched Leiston Reserves defeat Felixstowe & Walton Reserves 4-1 in midweek.
He said: “There was lots of positives come out the game the other night in the Reserve game. It’s not all about the results but also development of the younger players. Our U18’s continue to grow and let’s hope a few of them filter through our system.”
The Reserves head to Norfolk tomorrow to take on Mulbarton Wanderers, while the U18’s have an away match at Hadleigh United on Wednesday night in their first league match.
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