Latest News

Carey at the double as Blues down Town

Sidley United 3 - 1 Bexhill Town - ESFL Premier Division

A Lee Carey double helped Sidley United maintain their perfect home record in the league as they saw off local rivals Bexhill Town.

Having ended the 100% record of Hawkhurst United and Battle Baptists earlier in the season, Bexhill were next to see their winning sequence halted by an excellent Sidley performance.

The Blues opted to play with three centre backs and two full backs for this game. This counteracted the Bexhill tactic of looking to exploit the pace of Doni Dovla in the first half as the Blues defended the long balls forward with relative calm.

At the other end Sidley almost took the lead when Kingsley Parsons curled an effort which cannoned back off the crossbar. That was as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock in an even first half.

But after the break, as has often been the case this season, Sidley came out stronger than their opponents and they took the lead on 59 minutes. Carey's initial corner was cleared straight back to him on the left and his next cross into the area evaded everyone and nestled in the far corner.

Carey would double the lead on 72 minutes when another free kick at goal seemed to deceive Bexhill goalkeeper Harry Killick who palmed the shot straight to Carey who had a simple task to head home from six yards out.

Town were rattled and some frequent clashes between Parsons and Dovla saw bookings for both although the Town striker may consider himself fortunate not to see red for a swing out off the ball. But the football was all with Sidley and they added a third in stoppage time when the unmarked Zac McEniry headed home a corner from close range.

There was still time for Town to get on the scoresheet as with almost the last kick of the game a free kick slipped from the grasp of Blues stopper Joshua Langley-Fineing and was followed up from a tight angle by Bill Trickett. However this was a minor frustration on an otherwise terrific afternoon for the Blues who were worthy winners and showed a great togetherness and determination to get the result.

Next week they will look to replicate the quality of their home performances on the road as they travel to Rye Town.

Sidley Team: Langley-Fineing, Walker, Copley, K Parsons (Funnell), McEniry, Hempe, Elliott-Noye, Wells (Dadswell), Ellis, Carey, Baldwin (Scrace).

Click here to return to the News page