MATCH REPORT: LEISTON 3-0 NUNEATON BOROUGH

Festive Blues for Boro as Leiston get playoff revenge.

In the clubs last meeting, Nuneaton were the ones who ran out victorious after a goal in extra time from Tyrell Waite sent them to the Playoff Final against Rushall Olympic. Leiston’ goal scorer on the day George Quantrell started in the last game of 2023 however he wasn’t the player to bag the all important goal.

Boro began the game with some aggressive pressure closing down every player as soon as they had taken a touch of the ball.

The visiting side found themselves in a good position to take the lead only a few minutes in as Matt Stenson broke forward but a vital challenge from the defender ended the attack.

The hosts had their first clear cut chance after 10 minutes. A nice move saw Ross Crane get on the end of a through ball that split the Boro defence. Lathaniel Rowe-Turner then had to put his body on the line to block the cross leading to a corner which came to nothing.

Boro worked the line very well creating numerous chances by exploiting space on the wings. Jaden Charles did well to beat the defender before releasing the ball. His cross into the box was flicked on by Lita but the defender intercepts and clears his lines.

Against the run of play the Blues took the lead through Joseph Marsden on the 28th minuteAn in swinging corner was parried off the post by Jezeph which then came back to hit his back before going in.

On the stroke of half time, the visitors had a chance to equalise as McWilliams rifled a cross along the edge of the 6 yard box but a heavy touch allowed the Blues defender to regain possession before clearing his lines.

Half Time: 1-0

Nuneaton came out for the second half looking for an early equaliser which nearly came through Matt Stenson just a few minutes into the half, however his effort from distance was easily saved by the keeper. Veteran striker Leroy Lita had an effort palmed away before Leiston extend their lead. A well worked fake put Jamar Loza through on goal, his initial effort was saved by Jezeph before the rebound was turned in on 59 minutes.

The second goal only spurred Nuneaton on in their attempt to stage a come back. Dead all specialist Jaden Charles stepped up to take a free kick from just outside the box unleashing a powerful effort that went just over the crossbar.

The 74th minute was the point when Leiston further extended their lead. A fully stretched dive from Jezeph couldn’t stop the powerful strike from Jack Manly nestling in the bottom right corner

With just 5 minutes left of normal time, Dan Jezeph came storming off his line covering almost the full half of the pitch before a good challenge on George Quantrell halted the counter attack.

Full Time 3-0