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Late goals send Blues through in cup

Sidley United 4 - 2 St Leonards Social - ESFL Premier Travel Challenge Cup

Sidley United battled through the difficult wet conditions to see off league rivals St Leonards Social in the ESFL Premier Travel Challenge Cup in a rip roaring game. 

It was a bad start though as some scrappy defending eventually saw the ball fall to Greg Bennett who beat Joe Rogers from outside the area with a shot into the top corner of the net on 7 minutes. 

But Blues responded almost immediately as Ash Elphick beat the offside trap and, despite a heavy touch, squared for Arron Scrace to tap home from a couple of yards on 10 minutes. 

Sidley went on to dominate the half and Scrace had 2 good chances before they did eventually take the lead when Chris Copley headed home Scrace's 24th minute corner. 

The game could and should have been over but Social goalkeeper James Glavin made a terrific save to deny Gary Hempe before half time and Scrace again early in the second half. 

But despite a wealth of chances in the driving rain it looked like Sidley could be made to pay for failing to convert their chances when Billy Rixon met a ball in from the left and headed Social level on 82 minutes. 

However less than a minute later Sidley were back in front as a good run by the lively Andy Garman saw his low ball in find young striker Jordan Uttley who turned and fired home with practically his first touch. 

And Sidley made sure of their passage into the next round in the final minute as Josh Elliott-Noye struck the fourth goal. 

A composed performance from Sidley with an impressive display by debutant Rosh Wells and a thoroughly deserved win. Blues will play Robertsbridge United in the Quarter Finals. 

Sidley Team: Rogers, May (Kelly), Hempe, Cole (Uttley), Copley (Funnell), Elliott-Noye, Wells, Garman, Elphick, Scrace, Baldwin. 

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