Finch gets the ball rolling as Leiston win on the road once more to close in on play-offs

Byron Lawrence of Leiston, in blue, in good form on Saturday. Picture: James Bass (Image: (C)James Bass 2017)

Leiston picked up a fine win on the road with victory at Kingstonian.

The victory moved Glenn Driver’s side upto seventh in Bostik Premier, and just two points off the play-off places.

The Blues made one change to their starting line-up with Christy Finch coming in for Matt Blake up front.

On a sticky pitch, the game came to life as early as the second minute.

Jack Ainsley chipped ball to Finch who brilliantly smashed into the net from just inside the area to give home custodian Rob Tolfrey no chance.

Another good chance fell to Tom Bullard but his shot was well blocked, while after a good team move, Chris Henderson’s strike was saved by Tolfrey with his feet.

In the 17th minute, Kingstonian thought they had levelled but the referee’s assistant had his flag raised for offside and a minute later Andre McCollin was through on goal but Leiston ‘keeper Marcus Garnham stood up well to palm the ball away for a corner.

Michael West cross was well dealt with by Garnham moments later, before the away ‘keeper gathered from Manolis Goganas’ corner.

Leiston’s next opportunity came when Darren Mills put Tolfrey under pressure that allowed Kyle Hammond to have a shot but Tolfrey was equal to it.

In the last chance of the half, Mills hit straight at Tolfrey from Byron Lawrence’s free-kick.

Lawrence struck well wide at the start of the second period for Leiston, and after another good move, Jake Reed volleyed over the top on the angle.

A few moments later and the combination of Hammond, Henderson and Finch saw the latter deliver a decent ball that Tolfrey claimed from the sliding Reed.

Kingstonian substitute Greg Cundle spurned a great chance when he sliced wide of the target, but it was Leiston who got the all important second goal.

Lawrence’s dangerous cross was put into his own net by defender Rob Bartley.

The visitors, however, got back into the match as substitute Toby Ajala netted a cracking goal from 25 yards, the ball finding Garnham’s top corner. The hosts applied late pressure but with four minutes left, Reed turned Hammond’s cross into the net as Leiston took the points.