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Elphick strike secures Rangers draw

Eastbourne Rangers 1 - 1 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division 

Sidley United will come away pleased to get a point in the end from this game but will still feel this was 2 points that got away.

On a sticky pitch Sidley had a chance to go in front inside the first minute but Arron Scrace couldn't get the ball out from under his feet. And as so often seems to be the case, Blues were punished immediately. 

A ball forward found Josh Harris whose first time strike beat Rogers in the Sidley goal to give the home side an early lead. Despite this, Sidley continually carved out chances as Scrace was denied when through one on one before he, Bailey and Elphick all had good chances which went begging.

Some strong words were held amongst the Sidley squad at half time, with the feeling being that they should have been out of sight, let alone behind. They came out in the second half determined to put right the wrongs of the first half.

The game continued in much the same vein with Sidley getting into good positions but the final ball or shot not having the quality needed. That changed though on 65 minutes.

A great crossfield ball from substitute Jack Brockhurst found Elphick who turned his man and fired into the net off the inside of the post to bring Blues deservedly level.

As both defences tired, Rangers had their best spell in the last 15 minutes and Sidley had to thank Rogers for making a terrific save from point blank range to deny a Rangers player converting a cross from the right.

Both sides pushed for a winner but were unable to find one. Blues could reflect on a dominant yet fruitless first half and perhaps a second half where Rangers could have stolen the win.

Sidley Team: Rogers, Gardner, Day (Brockhurst), Copley, Eldridge, Carey, Cole, O'Callaghan, Scrace, Elphick, Bailey.

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