Diamonds make the long trip to East Suffolk tonight to take on Leiston FC in Southern League Premier Central action. It’s one of the longest trips Diamonds will make this season and they are looking to continue an unbeaten start to the season against a side who have lost all three games.
Ticket Arrangements
The game will be played at – Leiston FC, Watson & Hillhouse Victory Road Stadium, LTAA, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ
Tel: – 01728 830308
We are advised the game will be “pay at the gate” with ticket prices as follows – Adults 11, Concessions 7, Students with ID 6, U16’s 2
COVID ground regulations will be advised on entry.
Leiston FC
Leiston FC are another of Diamonds opponents who have been around since 19th century. Founded in 1880 and like many at that time linked to a local industry in this case Engineering Works. Playing mostly in local Suffolk leagues they moved through Eastern Counties League and into the Ryman League in recent years before being allocated to Southern League Premier Central. A best finish at Step 3 was achieved in 2017/2018 season with a 5th place finish and a play-off tie which saw a close defeat to Dulwich Hamlet.
Leiston made FA Cup first round proper in 2008 as one of only three teams to have made that stage from the extra preliminary round. Fleetwood Town were the opponents who were held to a home draw in front of over 1200 before defeat in the replay.
Diamonds vs Leiston
The two sides have competed 4 times in league action with Diamonds unbeaten. The only game not won was the first at Hayden Road that finished 1-1 with Jack Ashton on the scoresheet. In the three victories Diamonds have scored 12 goals with the other game at Hayden Road won 5-1 last season with goals from Alex Collard, Tom Lorraine (2), Ben Aquaye and Nathan Hicks.
The first contest between the sides at Leiston was won 4-1 with goals from Albie Hopkins, Tom Lorraine, Ben Diamonds and Ben Farrell. Last seasons game was a 5 goal thriller won by Diamonds with late goals from Greg Kazaboni and Liam Dolman.
Current Form
Diamonds come into the game off the back of an incredible 7-1 win at Hayden Road last Tuesday with Chris Wreah scoring 4 goals in 10 first half minutes. Two earlier 1-1 draws at Nuneaton and at home to Barwell means Diamonds stay unbeaten on 5 points and in 7th place in the league table. The only reverse came in a dramatic FA Cup shock when Diamonds were beaten by Newark FC 5-0 at Hayden Road.
Leiston have the reverse form having scored 12 goals in 3 games in the FA Cup to reach the third qualifying round where they will play AFC Telford. League form has been the complete opposite with three defeats seeing Leiston bottom of the table. A 1-0 home reverse to Rushall was followed by a 4-1 defeat at Colaville Town and an incredible 7-4 reverse at Biggleswade Town.
Can’t Make The Game?
Radio Diamonds won’t be able to broadcast tonight unfortunately but twitter updates will be active along with other social media output and AFCRDTV will have highlights and post match interviews. Links below
