2024/25

Sidley United 1 - 3 Sandhurst - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 12th March 2025

The 2024/25 season came to an end for Sidley United as they suffered a harsh defeat to Sandhurst in manager Mark Linch's final game in charge of the Blues.

Having struggled for a consistent side all season, Sidley had a half-fit Tony Atkin as their only sub but they started well enough, battling with Sandhurst and having the better of the chances with Andy Atkin having at least two good opportunities to open the scoring.

However it was the visitors who took the lead with their only forray forward on 31 minutes as a move down the right saw the ball squared and evade Ritchie Gray's gloves for a tap in for Thomas Thomson to give Sandhurst a half time lead.

Sidley struck level on 56 minutes with a terrific Will Witham strike and the Blues were on top and looked the more likely to grab a winning goal. However, with Andy Atkin having to be withdrawn after an hour, Tony Atkin came on to take over in goal with Gray moving into a midfield position.

And with 10 minutes to go Sandhurst restored their lead as Adam Hsuan's shot struck the near post and rolled across the line to go in off the far post. That goal deflated the Blues and Sandhurst wrapped up the game 2 minutes later as a cross from the right was missed by a Sidley defender and Alfie Field had a simple task to slot home the third goal.

Whilst this defeat feels harsh on the Blues, they have already done enough to ensure safety with both Sedlescombe Rangers and Bexhill A.A.C unable to catch the Blues with their remaining matches.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Freeman, K.Atkin, May, Martin, Witham, Van Wyk, Brett, Ball. A.Atkin (T.Atkin).

Westfield II 6 - 1 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 29th March 2025

A threadbare Sidley United side tasted defeat in the league for the first time in 2025 as they were beaten by Westfield II.

The match started at a frantic pace with two goals in the opening two minutes as Sidley opened the scoring within the first minute through Tony Atkin only for the home side to bring the scores level almost immediately.

The match settled down and the home side struck a second goal on 12 minutes to take the lead although the Blues did well to keep the game in the balance as they took that score to the break.

But with only 11 players available, Sidley were always going to struggle and the home side took the game away from them in the second half. An own goal from Will Witham on 48 minutes made it 3 - 1 before Westfield scored a direct free kick on 70 minutes.

A penalty was won and converted on 83 minutes and Westfield scored a sixth goal on 86 minutes as tired Sidley legs who hadn't played in a month found it tough going.

Credit must go to the Blues for fielding a side but this always looked like a step too far to take much from the game, bar not conceding a point for not being able to fulfil the fixture.

The Blues play their final match of the campaign - which will be manager Mark Linch's last in charge - on April 12th at home to Sandhurst.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Hempe, May, Martin, Van Wyk, Witham, S.Atkin, Ball, Dawes, T.Atkin.

Bexhill A.A.C 1 - 2 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 22nd February 2025

Sidley United emerged from the local derby victorious to all but secure another season of Premier Division football thanks to goals from Casey Ham and Lewis Hole.

With the game switched to Hooe Rec, the Blues began well against an Athletic side featuring a number of former Blues players. On 17 minutes, good work by Lewis Hole saw strike partner Ham get in on goal and he buried his low strike past Athletic goalkeeper Aaron Holloway.

The Blues back line, marshalled well by George Aston, contained Athletic and could have doubled the lead but Ham blazed over on the stroke of half time. 

Bexhill started the second half strongly and levelled on 53 minutes when a corner found Zac McEniry who headed home. The match was in the balance at this stage with both teams attacking looking for a winner.

As it was it was another corner that settled the game. Ham's delivery was flicked on and found Ham at the back post who steered the ball home on 78 minutes to restore Sidley's lead. 

Athletic kept coming and a deflected effort looped up and clipped the Sidley crossbar as the game ticked into stoppage time. But Sidley held on for the three points, continuing their impressive recent form to move comfortably away from the two sides at the bottom of the table.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Hempe, May, Aston, Barton, S.Atkin, Ball, Ham, Hole. Subs: T.Atkin, Freeman.

Sandhurst 2 - 1 Sidley United - ESFL Challenge Cup Quarter Final - Saturday 1st February 2025

Sidley United exited the ESFL Challenge Cup at the Quarter Final stage as a stoppage time penalty saw Sandhurst squeeze through.

On a sunny day yet sticky pitch Sidley began positively and battled well as they looked to continue their recent good form yet it was the hosts who took the lead as a Sandhurst player broke through to square the ball and a deflected strike beat Ritchie Gray to nestle in the bottom corner on 21 minutes. 

Then came the big minute of the half as Sandhurst won a penalty when a free kick into the box ended up with Gray bringing down a Sandhurst player. However Gray made amends diving low to his right to keep out the spot kick.

And Sidley took full advantage to draw level within a minute. A great run by Ian May saw him evade a couple of challenges and he poked the ball through to Casey Ham to slot home on 38 minutes. 

An even game continued into the second half with both sides showing plenty of endeavour although a little less quality. Gray was called into action to make a great save, tipping a shot onto the post on 57 minutes to keep Sidley level.

The game appeared destined to go to a penalty shoot out but in the final minute, a rash challenge from Jack Freeman earned Sandhurst another penalty. This time there was no reprieve for the Blues as Sandhurst converted to steal the game and a spot in the semi finals.

Sidley have 2 league matches remaining; away to Westfield II and relegation threatened Bexhill A.A.C. 

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Hempe, May, Freeman, S.Atkin, H.Thompson, Lyne, Van Wyk, Ball, Ham.

Sidley United 3 - 2 Punnetts Town - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 18th January 2025

Sidley United recorded a huge win to continue their recent upturn as they moved up to fourth place in the ESFL Premier Division and, more crucially, further away from the sides at the bottom.

The match - being played at Punnetts Town after the earlier fixture was reversed to Hooe Rec - saw Sidley coming off the back off of 2 positive results but they knew a strong Punnetts side sitting third in the table would prove a real test.

The first half was an even affair although the match swung in the Blues' favour on 32 minutes when Punnetts' Nick Moore was shown a red card. Sidley made use of their man advantage as Casey Ham struck on 42 minutes to give them a half time lead.

Just a minute into the second half, Ham grabbed his second goal of the match and Sidley seemed to have put the contest to bed when Ham completed his hat-trick on 54 minutes with the Blues comfortably in control.

But Sidley don't believe in making things easy for themselves and Punnetts grabbed a goal on 59 minutes with a direct free kick. The next half an hour was again fairly even with Sidley always seeming to be able to control the match until Punnetts again struck on 87 minutes to set up a nervy final few minutes.

Thankfully from the Sidley perspective however there was no further threat to their goal and they managed to take a narrow victory in the end but nonetheless a vital three points in the battle for Premier Division survival.

Next week it is the ESFL Challenge Cup Quarter Final for the Blues as they travel to Sandhurst.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, May, Hempe, Freeman, Eldridge, Van Wyk, H.Thompson (Dawes), S.Atkin, Barton, Ham. 

Jesters Town 1 - 2 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 11th January 2025

Sidley United earned a huge three points to leapfrog their hosts and rise up the ESFL Premier Division table.

On the smallest pitch Sidley will play on this - or possibly any season - the Blues began well and took an early lead through Archie Ball on 8 minutes. But Jesters drew level on 12 minutes through Muss Camara as the frantic start promised plenty of goals.

That didn't materialise but what did was plenty of cards with the referee brandishing four in the first half - two to each side. However, an even affair meant that at the break the sides went in level.

Jesters are a different side to the one that narrowly earned victory at Hooe Rec earlier in the season and Sidley knew this was a great chance to earn the points that would lift them further clear of the bottom two and on 57 minutes leading scorer Casey Ham notched another to restore Sidley's lead.

The Blues could have wrapped up the game but spurned good chances and the home side were given a further lift on 80 minutes when a rash challenge earned Sam Thompson a second yellow card and Sidley went down to 10 men.

The final 10 minutes saw Jesters pumping the ball into the Sidley box looking to fashion a chance but resolute defending and goalkeeping meant Sidley saw out the match to claim the points. 

The Blues face Punnetts Town next week and will hope to continue their recent positive performances in a bid to ensure safety.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, May, Hempe, B.Atkin, S.Thompson, H.Thompson, Lyne, Cornwall (Freeman), Ball, Ham.

Sidley United 2 - 2 Rye Town - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 4th January 2025

A battling second half comeback saw Sidley United earn a valuable point against double champions Rye Town.

The Blues performed well in the first half but it looked as if mistakes were going to put paid to their chances of taking anything from the game. A free kick into the box was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Gary Hempe on 10 minutes. 

Sidley kept plugging away and created some half chances with Rye enjoying more of the possession but failing to create too much threat on the Sidley goal. However 2 minutes before half time, Sidley goalkeeper Ritchie Gray failed to clear a backpass allowing Rye's Callum Hadaway a simple task to tap home to double the visitors lead.

Into the second half though Sidley kept plugging away and when a free kick from the left was played in, Andy Atkin rose to head home on 50 minutes to reduce the arrears.

With their tails up Sidley went on the front foot and after another a free kick was played in, a bit of pinball in the box eventually saw Archie Ball stab home an equaliser on 70 minutes.

The Blues felt the game was there to win but some flashpoints saw bookings on both sides which raised the tension in the final moments. Both sides hit long balls to try and fashion a late winner but in the end time ran out and the match finished level.

A valiant performance and comeback from the Blues who will take heart from this against one of the top sides in the league. They will hope to replicate that when they travel to face Jesters Town next week as they approach the final 4 league matches of the campaign.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Hempe, May, K.Atkin, Lyne, S.Atkin, Robb, Ball, Dawes, A.Atkin. Sub: Witham.

Sidley United vs Sandhurst - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 14th December 2024

Match not played.

Punnetts Town 5 - 0 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 7th December 2024

Sidley United faced up to the elements once again but came away empty handed as Punnetts Town swept away with the match in stormy conditions.

With Punnetts' pitch unplayable the match was switched to Hooe Rec but the visitors made themselves at home fairly early on, taking the lead on 24 minutes.

A penalty was won and converted by Tristan Jarvis right on the stroke of half time to double Punnetts' advantage.

Into the second half and things only got worse from a Sidley perspective as Punetts grabbed three further goals including another penalty. The Blues have just 6 league matches left in their season and are going to have to dig deep to pick up enough points to retain their place in the Premier Division.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Baldock, Aston, Freeman, May, S.Atkin, Barton, Ball, Robb, Ham. Subs: A.Atkin, Witham.

Sidley United 3 - 2 The J.C Tackleway - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 30th November 2024

A hat-trick from the returning Casey Ham helped earn Sidley United a huge three points as they closed on the pack above them in the ESFL Premier Division. 

It began well for the Blues against a team they drew 4 - 4 with earlier in the campaign. Ham opened the scoring on just 5 minutes with a lovely lobbed finish over the Tackleway goalkeeper before doubling the lead after he was brought down in the penalty area and he picked himself up to slot home the spot kick on 19 minutes to double Sidley's lead.

But the Blues never do things easily and Tackleway won a penalty of their own for handball which they converted on 27 minutes to reduce the arrears. Sidley namely held on to their lead to get to half time with a goal advantage.

In the second half, both teams battled for the next important goal and it was Tackleway who levelled the scores on 79 minutes. They were level only moments though as immediately Sidley won another penalty when Archie Ball was brought down and Ham slotted home his third to restore Sidley's lead.

Tackleway battled and their defender was shown a red card in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Last season Tackleway claimed a 3 - 3 draw with the final kick of the game but there was to be no repeat this season as Sidley held on to claim the win and put some breathing space between themselves and the two sides below them.

Next week the Blues travel to in form Punnetts Town before a home tie against Sandhurst ahead of the Christmas break.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Freeman, Hempe, Cooper, Lyne, May, S.Atkin, Ball, Robb, Ham.

Sidley United 1 - 2 Hollington United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 23rd November 2024

Sidley United put in a real gutsy effort; not only against title favourites Hollington United but also atrocious conditions on Saturday and can feel unlucky they didn't take a point from the game.

Without a recognised striker in the starting line up, Sidley found the first half tough; going against the wind and Hollington took an early lead with a goal on 7 minutes when Jordan Ray heading home from a corner.

The visitors certainly had all the ball in the first half in worsening conditions but Sidley defended resolutely with some good blocks and saves from goalkeeper Ritchie Gray ensuring the first half ended only with the Lions 1 up.

In the second half, Sidley used the conditions to their advantage and on 60 minutes saw a pathway to taking at least a point. A free kick was awared on the byline which saw goalscorer Ray sin-binned and from the resulting free kick, new addition George Aston slotted home to bring Sidley level.

However, renewed hope was dampened just 5 minutes later as the ten men of Hollington took the lead when another corner from the left was turned home by Karl Tomlin.

Sidley threw on an unwell Andy Atkin looking to use his aerial threat to force an equaliser and despite some balls in the box leading to a bit of a scramble, Sidley were unable to find the leveller and Hollington held on for the win.

The Blues can be pleased with their efforts in awful conditions and a depleted side and if they can take heart from that then they may see results pick up before long.

Sidley Team: May, L.Mote, Freeman, Hempe, Aston, Lyne, Thompson, May,  Rispoli, Brett, Laver. Subs: Baldock, A.Atkin, S.Atkin.

Sandhurst 3 - 1 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 16th November 2024

That old achilles heel - defending - once again cost Sidley United as they saw an early lead turn to defeat in Kent.

The Blues started well and Archie Ball had already missed a glorious chance to open the scoring before he did just that in the 33rd minute, getting onto Ben Barton's flick on and slotting past the Sandhurst goalkeeper.

But as is the story of Sidley's season, they were unable to keep the ball out of the back of their net and just a minute before half time the home side levelled through Matthew Goldsmith to reflect an even half of football.

The Blues may have felt a point would have been an acceptable result but the game unravelled for them in the second half as Goldsmith completed his hat-trick with two quickfire goals on 60 and 63 minutes.

Sidley kept plugging away but failed to put the hosts under enough pressure to force another goal. As a result the bottom three sides in the division, Sidley included, have now drifted further from the rest of the pack and will have work to do if they are to rise up the table.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, May, Hempe, McCue, Freeman, Witham, S.Atkin, Lyne, Ball, Barton. Sub: Laver.

Bexhill A.A.C vs Sidley United - Macron Hastings Challenge Cup Second Round - Saturday 9th November 2024

Match not played as Sidley United unable to raise a side. Walkover win for Bexhill A.A.C.

Sidley United 2 - 5 Bexhill A.A.C - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 2nd November 2024

Halloween may have been this week but it was a defensive horror show from a depleted Sidley United side that allowed Bexhill A.A.C to pick up a first league win of the season on Saturday.

The Blues were missing all their recognised strikers as well as Gary Hempe and a makeshift side struggled to find any goal threat in the first half. But it was at the back that the damage was done. The visitors struck on 14 minutes when a corner clipped the crossbar and the striker reacted quickest to tap home.

Then static defending allowed Ben Ferguson to turn in the box and slot home a second goal on 16 minutes before a calamitous short goal kick routine allowed a third to be struck home on 22 minutes.

Sidley got a goal back on 38 minutes when Joe Lyne's free kick flew past the player elected to go in goal for the visitors who themselves were struggling and there was real hope for Sidley five minutes into the second half when the 'goalkeeper' fumbled Lyne's free kick allowing Archie Ball to stab the ball over the line to bring the arrears down to a single goal.

However, further defensive frailties cost the Blues as A.A.C sprung an offside trap and a cross from the right was headed home on 67 minutes before another error when an attempted backpass to Gray was too short and allowed the Athletic striker to slot home with ease on 82 minutes.

Sidley toiled but the damage was done and self-inflicted it was too. The Blues will hope for a better faring when they face the same opposition next week in the Second Round of the Macron Challenge Cup.

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Freeman, May, Lyne, S.Atkin, Carey, Thompson, Witham, Ball, Robb. Subs: Van Wyk, K.Atkin.

The J.C Tackleway 4 - 4 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 26th October 2024

Sidley United will come away from this match not knowing if it was one point gained or two points dropped as a dramatic game against J.C Tackleway eventually finished all square.

With the match switched to Bexhill Road the Blues began well and Archie Ball put Sidley in front on 20 minutes. However that goal seemed to see the momentum shift and Tackleway found a deserved leveller on 40 minutes through Toby Payne.

But the second half saw the majority of the drama. Two minutes into the half, Sidley went back in front when Andy Atkin's header hit the bar and Tackleway half cleared the ball to Ian May, he unleashed a thunderous strike which arrowed into the top corner for a goal of the season contender.

However, Tackleway levelled on 54 minutes when a long throw saw Blues goalkeeper Ritchie Gray come to claim only to not get there and the Adam Reilly had a simple job to slot home. Things got worse as the home side took the lead on 60 minutes as Will Witham missed a clearance and the striker beat Gray to the ball on the byline and lifted it across for Reilly to tap in at the back post with Gary Hempe being sin-binned for his complaints in the aftermath.

Sidley levelled though after Hempe returned to the pitch and delivered a great free kick for Atkin to thump home a header on 77 minutes. The lead didn't last long though as Tackleway were awarded a penalty for handball against Ian May which was converted on 83 minutes by Reilly for his hat-trick.

But the Blues kept coming forward and levelled again on 85 minutes when a long throw landed at Atkin's feet and he smashed home an equaliser with a Tackleway player being sin-binned for complaining excessively.

There was still time for Sidley to almost win it in injury time as a long kick forward set Ball through on goal but the goalkeeper kept his effort out and Sidley had to settle in the end for a point.

Next week it's a crunch game as the Blues welcome basement side Bexhill A.A.C to Hooe Rec.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, L.Mote, McCue, Carey, Lyne, Barton, T.Atkin, Ball, A.Atkin. Subs: Witham, S.Atkin, K.Atkin.

Sidley United 4 - 3 Sedlescombe Rangers - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 12th October 2024

An ill disciplined Sedlescombe Rangers lost their heads as Sidley United scored two late goals to come from behind and win a topsy-turvy game in the ESFL Premier Division.

The visitors began well and took the lead on 8 minutes when they sprang the Sidley back line and Ben Steadman beat Ritchie Gray to the ball to slot home.

Despite that, the remainder of the half was a fairly even affair with neither side dominating the action but Sidley levelled when a cross into the box was handled by a Sedlescombe defender and Casey Ham stepped up to slam the ball into the bottom corner on 41 minutes.

The fact this game could have gone either way was reflected by the second half. Sidley took the lead on 52 minutes rather fortuitously as Charlie Laver attempted a cross from the left only to find it float over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net for his first Sidley goal.

But the soft defensive underbelly Sidley are prone to showing reared its head as Sedlescombe levelled on 56 minutes as Callum Ludlow was left unmarked at a corner to slam home before 2 minutes later some soft defending allowed Bradley Najair to dance his way through to round Gray and slot home to put the visitors in front.

But Sidley kept plugging away and equalised on 80 minutes when Tony Atkin went on a great run, cut inside and thundered a shot over the top of the Sedlescombe goalkeeper and into the net. Then Sidley went in front as Andy Atkin did well to get into the area and was brought down by a challenge from behind. Brother Tony Aktin took the spot kick and rolled the ball home to put the Blues back in front.

Sedlescombe were furious and saw a player sin-binned for dissent. They threw everything forward to find an equaliser but Sidley held on to claim a third success against Sedlescombe this season.

Red cards were shown to the Sedlescombe manager and a player after the final whistle with no doubt some action to be taken against them for their actions. For Sidley though it's a second league win of the season to move them up the table.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, Jack, Carey, McCue, Lyne, Barton, Ball, Ham, A.Atkin. Subs: Laver, T.Atkin, S.Atkin, L.Mote, Rispoli.

Sidley United 2 - 2 Sedlescombe Rangers (Sidley United win 5 - 4 on penalties) - Macron Challenge Cup First Round - Saturday 28th September 2024

Sidley United produced the perfect penalty shoot out performance as they squeezed past bottom side Sedlescombe Rangers to progress into Round Two of the Macron Hastings Challenge Cup. 

The visitors enjoyed success in the league against Rangers earlier this month and seemed to get off to the perfect start here as Andy Atkin headed home a corner on 31 minutes to put Sidley in front but the visitors equalised almost immediately through Brooklyn Pennells as the first half ended level.

Pennells then grabbed a goal on 49 minutes to put Rangers in front and it looked as if Sidley might be heading for an early cup exit until a Rangers player headed a cross into his own net on 82 minutes to bring Sidley level. Both sides pushed for a winning goal but the game ended all square setting up a penalty shoot out.

Whilst Sidley scored all five of their penalties, goalkeeper Ritchie Gray's save meant that the Blues prevailed to set up a tie against Bexhill A.A.C in Round Two.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, Jack, Carey, McCue, Lyne, S.Atkin, Ball, T.Atkin, A.Atkin. Subs: Laver, L.Mote, Rispoli.

Sidley United 1 - 2 Jesters Town - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 21st September 2024

Two quickfire goals for Jesters Town was enough for them to claim three points as they held off a second half Sidley United fightback in the ESFL Premier Division. 

The visitors got off to a perfect start after 3 minutes as a throw in was flicked on and smashed home by Jake Barker. The Blues didn't learn that lesson as just 3 minutes later the visitors repeated the trick from a throw on the other side to double the lead, this time a scuffed strike from Muss Camara.

After that the game settled down and Sidley created some half chances with strikes from Archie Ball and Casey Ham coming closest as the sides got to the interval.

The second half saw Sidley having the better of the pressure and they pulled one back on 55 minutes as the ball found Ham just inside the left of the penalty area and he executed a lovely lobbed finish over the Jesters goalkeeper and into the net.

Sidley pushed for an equaliser with Ricky Mote heading over from a corner although Sidley were indebted to Ritchie Gray for at least 2 fantastic stops to deny Jesters a killer third goal with them also hitting the post late on.

A battling performance from the Blues who, aside from the opening 6 minutes, were worthy of at least a draw. However they finish the first quarter of their league campaign with 3 points on the board.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, Jack, Carey, Witham (K.Atkin), S.Atkin (L.Mote), R.Mote, Rispoli, Ball, Ham.

Sedlescombe Rangers 0 - 2 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 14th September 2024

Sidley United got off the mark for the season after an away win at Sedlescombe Rangers for their first points of the ESFL season.

Sedlescombe dropped down from the Mid Sussex League and are going through a period of rebuilding - similar to the Blues a few years ago - and on this basis they may find the ESFL tough going. Casey Ham got Sidley in front after 6 minutes and they had chances to extend the lead in the first half.

After the half time interval, the game continued the same pattern and Ben Barton headed in Sidley's second goal on 58 minutes for his first goal for the club to double the lead.

Sidley saw more chances come and go and had they been more clinical the scoreline could have been more convincing but they did enough and were defensively solid to ensure three points on the road and finally get their ESFL campaign underway.

Next week it's another tough task as we welcome last season's Division One champions Jesters Town to Hooe Rec.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, McCue, Jack, Carey, Thompson, Ball, Barton, Ham, A.Atkin. Subs: K. Atkin, S.Atkin, L.Mote, Rispoli, Witham.

Rye Town 4 - 2 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 7th September 2024

Sidley United may still be without a point in the ESFL Premier Division but they can take much heart from a battling performance as they gave double champions Rye Town a real battle.

The Blues have been beset by absent players and injuries at the start of the season but debutants Casey Ham and Ben Barton offered Sidley some fresh impetus and they battled well in the first half. Despite seeing Rye strike through Tom Hughes and Dan Kearley, goals from Sam Atkin and Ham saw Blues go in at the break level at 2 - 2.

Unfortuantely the second half saw Rye take the game away from the Blues with 2 soft goals that were scored by Alfie Weller and Bailey Phillips but Sidley can be pleased with a much improved overall performance as they seek some stability to get their campaign up and running.

Next week they have the chance to do just that as they travel to an also struggling Sedlescombe Rangers.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, McCue, Carey, Rispoli, Thompson, S.Atkin, Barton, Ball, Ham. Subs: K.Atkin, L.Mote.

Sidley United 1 - 5 Westfield II - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 31st August 2024

Sidley United remain without a point after a second half implosion saw Westfield run away with this match to claim victory.

Andy Atkin returned to lead the Sidley line and the first half was an even aware with Sidley making much of the early pushing. However a quick Westfield counter saw the visitors get in on the right hand side and slot beyond Gray in the Sidley goal after 19 minutes.

Blues rallied and some neat intricate play around the edge of the area won a free kick. Joe Lyne stepped up to curl a beautiul free kick into the top corner to level the scores on 26 minutes. Sidley had chances through Tony Atkin and Archie Ball but were unable to get in front as the half came to an end deadlocked.

Sidley may have felt this was the game to get their season up and running but it all started to go wrong when Jay Tomlin headed Westfield back in front on 52 minutes. Then on 61 minutes Sidley switched off at a free kick expecting the shot at goal and instead the ball was slid into the striker who eventually forced the ball past Gray.

Then, Lyne was shown a rather harsh straight red card as he went in with his studs to win the ball when yellow may have been more appropriate. Two goals and a man down, Sidley then were overran as Westfield struck a fourth with a player left in space on the left hand side on 72 minutes before Sidley conceded a fifth on 75 minutes as Gray scythed downthe down the striker, the referee chose not to award the penalty as the ball was cut back and fired into the net.

Blues continued to battle but with players unavailable and others strugggling with injuries, it proved too much today against a well structured Westfield side.

It doesn't get any easier for the Blues as next week they travel to 2 time champions Rye Town.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, Carey, McCue, Lyne, S.Atkin, Rispoli, T.Atkin, Ball, A.Atkin. Subs: Freeman, K.Atkin, L.Mote.

Hollington United 5 - 0 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division - Saturday 24th August 2024

Sidley United began the 2024/25 campaign with defeat to local rivals Hollington United.

The Blues fielded some new faces and had some early chances to open the scoring but fell behind to Archie Baker's goal. Two further strikes from former Sedlescombe Rangers Reserve player Zak Boutwood gave the home side a commanding lead at the break.

Sidley continued bravely to battle against the circumsances but an own goal made it 4 - 0 before Danny Woodley wrapped up the scoring for Hollington. Tough for Sidley with a number of players still unavailable.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, Jack, McCue, Eldridge, Rispoli, Carey, Lyne, Brett, T.Atkin. Subs: S.Atkin, Freeman, Witham, L.Mote.