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Blues bow out of Sussex Cup to Sedlescombe

Sedlescombe Rangers 5 - 2 Sidley United - Sussex FA Intermediate Cup Third Round

A dreadful first half an hour cost Sidley United as they bowed out of a cup competition for the second time this season to Sedlescombe Rangers in an action packed match.

On a wet and windy afternoon Sedlescombe raced into a four goal lead. First Kasey Smith ran through to slot beyond Langley-Fineing after 6 minutes before a second was added when a cross from the right was flicked home by Ryan Edwards a few minutes later. A third soon followed as Mark Funnell turned a cross into his own net when attempting to clear while the fourth came when a corner from the left was allowed to bounce and was nodded home from almost on the goal-line by Luke Graham Davies. 

However despite the awful start Sidley started to get a foothold in the game and Arron Scrace reduced the arrears as he beat the goalkeeper to the ball to lift it over him and into the net to make it 4 - 1 on 37 minutes. Then just before half time Sedlescombe's Smith was shown a straight red card for a dangerous over-the-ball tackle.

Early in the second half Sidley looked to be back in the tie as Sean Baldwin scored a terrific volley which flew into the top corner. However a serious looking injury to a Sedlescombe player and a lengthy stoppage seemed to disrupt Sidley's rhythm. 

The Blues thought they were back within a goal as Josh Elliott-Noye put the ball in from close range but the referee deemed he used his hand to push it over the line and ruled the goal out. Despite constant Sidley pressure and a number of corners, Sedlescombe caught them on the break and put the game beyond doubt with a fifth goal through Philip Hatch. 

A disappointing afternoon for Sidley who will hope to be more resolute when the two sides meet again next weekend in the league.

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

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