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Sidley hold on to march into semi finals

Wadhurst United 1 - 2 Sidley United - ESFL Premier Travel Challenge Cup Quarter Final

Sidley United booked their place in the last four of this cup competition and a tie against league rivals Robertsbridge United with victory at Division One promotion hopefuls Wadhurst United.

Wadhurst began the match with a direct style of play which forced Sidley to defend deep early on. However the Blues took the lead in the 19th minute as the referee spotted a shirt pull at a corner and awarded a penalty which Sean Baldwin cooly converted. 

The match continued with both sides battling for control but with few clear chances created. Towards the end of the first half the referee awarded Wadhurst an indirect free kick for the Sidley goalkeeper holding on to the ball for longer than the allocated 6 seconds. Whilst unusual to see such a decision given, the free kick came to nothing as the Sidley wall did its job. 

In the second half the Blues had the advantage of the slope and they used this to push Wadhurst back into their own half. On 57 minutes a goalmouth scramble ended with Rosh Wells poking the ball home to double the Sidley lead. 

Wadhurst were awarded a penalty of their own on 75 minutes despite Sidley appeals that the defender won the ball cleanly. But the penalty was scored and Wadhurst pushed late on to try and take the game into extra time. 

However Sidley held on and sealed their place in the semi finals where they will face Robertsbridge United. If they come through that tie they will face either Sedlescombe Rangers or Rye Town in the final. 

Next week it is back to league action and a crucial match at home to Battle Baptists. 

Sidley Team: Langley-Fineing, Walker, Scrace (Hempe) Copley, Funnell (Cole), McEniry, Dadswell, Ellis (Elphick), Wells, Carey, Baldwin.

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