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Sidley Sunk By Social's Second Half

Sidley United 1 - 4 St Leonards Social - ESFL Premier Travel Challenge Cup

Sidley United exited a second cup competition this season after conceding 3 second half goals to fellow Premier Division side St Leonards Social. 

Blues were forced to reshuffle before kick off as regular left back Gary Hempe pulled a muscle in the warm up, meaning Scrace shifted to full back and Jason Taylor, returning to a Sidley shirt for the first time in almost 3 years, started up front.

And Blues suffered a nightmare start as just 4 minutes in, a cross from the right was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Ian May, continuing Sidley's run of conceding in every match this season.

Despite that early blow, Sidley started to play themselves into good positions and won a succession of corners. It was from one that they equalised on 20 minutes as the ball broke to James Bailey who coolly finished. 

The rest of the half was an attacking affair with both sides creating good chances but the second half was to take a different format.

Social started the second period stronger and retook the lead on 52 minutes with a goal from former Blue Brett Patton. Sidley did have the ball in the net 2 minutes later but were denied by the offside flag.

Social then scored a third, catching Sidley sleeping with a free kick as Patton ran through to score. Blues were still in the tie though and had the sense that a comeback was still possible. However that was extinguished on 83 minutes as Social scored a fourth with a breakaway goal which was finished well by Ross Southwood.

Another player with experience of playing for Blues at County League level, Jack Aston came off the bench as Sidley looked to get back into the game but they were unable to recover. 

Blues couldn't complain about the result in the end and will have to step up the performance levels if they are to exact revenge in the league against the same opponents next week.

Sidley Team: Rogers, May, Scrace, Eldridge, Cole, Sanderson, Day, O'Callaghan,  Corke (Aston), Taylor, Bailey (Brockhurst). 

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