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Second half Battle comeback denies Blues

Battle Baptists 3 - 1 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Division

Sidley United saw a half time lead overturned but could consider themselves somewhat unfortunate to lose to Battle Baptists.

Kicking with the wind at their back in the first half, Sidley opened the scoring on 24 minutes when Josh Elliott-Noye beat the home goalkeeper with a strike from 25 yards out.

The Blues could have doubled their lead but the woodwork twice denied them as Gary Hempe's header from a corner came back off the crossbar before Sean Baldwin struck the post with a low free kick just before half time.

With the wind strongly in Battle's favour in the second half, Sidley found themselves being pushed back and they conceded in the 65th minute when the ball was given away and Finlay Garlick equalised, despite Sidley claims that Adam Day had been fouled in the build up to the goal.

Sidley won an indirect free kick from a backpass which came to nothing before Battle took the lead in fortuitous style as Dale Vinall's 76 minute shot from distance took a deflection which left George Aston stranded.

And just 2 minutes later Caleb Spicer Dreeling tapped home after Aston had parried out an initial shot. The Blues continued to push hard but couldn't get back into the game with the final scoreline not truly reflecting the nature of the match.

Sidley Team: G Aston, Elphick (May), Hempe, J Aston, Cole, Copley, Garman, Elliott-Noye, Thompson (Scrace), Day (Miller), Baldwin.

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