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Blues nab stoppage time winner, Rye bruise Reserves

Sidley United 4 - 3 Balcombe - MSFL Premier Division

A stoppage time goal from Lee Carey earned Sidley United all three points from a topsy-turvy game against a determined Balcombe side. 

Sidley didn't get the start to the match, which was sponsored by Sky Blue Water Solutions, that they would have wanted as Balcombe struck the post after 2 minutes to signal their intent before Sidley were forced into an early change when Dom Bristow picked up an injury.

On 31 minutes Balcombe got the goal they had threatened from the start but just 7 minutes later the Blues levelled when Jason Taylor turned his defender and slotted the ball home. Shortly after this Balcombe had William Howes 'sin binned' for dissent but the sides went into the interval level. 

Sidley began the second half the stronger though and took the lead on 51 minutes as a strong run down the right by Alan Foster saw him cross for Taylor to get his second goal. 

The Sidley pressure continued and when Sean Baldwin scored on 73 minutes it looked as if the result was beyond doubt. However the visitors obviously didn't think so and they pulled a goal back on 80 minutes through Howes. 

Balcombe pushed for the equaliser and with 2 minutes to go Blues goalkeeper Michael Platt did well to tip a shot around the post. Unfortunately for Platt though from the resulting corner which was whipped into the near post he could only help the ball into the net.

Both teams pushed for the winner in the eight minutes of stoppage time but it was Sidley who found it halfway through the added time as Lee Carey executed a delightful lob over the Balcombe goalkeeper to seal the points for the home side. 

A pleasing win in the end against a Balcombe side who judging from this performance should soon be moving up the table whilst Sidley move up to second place. Next week the Blues are in cup action as they travel to Rotherfield in the Sussex FA Intermediate Cup. 

Sidley Team: Platt, Clifford, Walker, Elliott-Noye, Whybourne, Bristow (Foster), Thompson, Wells, Taylor (Cornford), Carey, Baldwin (Elphick).

Sidley United II 0 - 4 Rye Town - ESFL Division One

Report to follow.. 

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