Latest News

Blues thrashed at Balcombe

Balcombe 6 - 1 Sidley United - MSFL Premier Division Mini

Sidley United's hopes of winning the MSFL this season took a huge dent as they suffered a heavy defeat at Balcombe.

On a bumpy, lopsided pitch Sidley could have felt aggrieved at another soft penalty decision going against them when the referee gave a handball. But this time Phil Hawkins was unable to keep the spot kick out as Will Howes netted on 9 minutes.

Sidley did draw level though when Josh Elliott-Noye headed home a corner on 18 minutes but that turned out to be as good as it got for the Blues. Balcombe went back in front on 26 minutes as a ball through the centre of the Sidley defence found Howes and he slotted home via the inside of the post.

And Balcombe made it 3 - 1 before half time as left back Ted Hoare somehow got through a number of Sidley players to slot past Hawkins. The nearby Zumba class may have distracted the referee who bizarrely chose to blow for half time a minute early. 

The second half didn't offer any shift in momentum and the game was effectively killed off on 62 minutes when a long kick from the Balcombe goalkeeper bounced all the way through to Howes who headed over Hawkins to complete his hat-trick.

Further gloss was added to the score as Brandon Pugh netted a terrific free kick from easily 25 yards on 71 minutes before Tom Tolfrey curled in a left foot finish on 85 minutes from just inside the area to round off the scoring for a fully deserved home win.

A toufh afternoon for the Blues who now find the title charge out of their control. Sidley will welcome Sporting Lindfield to The Pilot Field on Saturday.

Sidley Team: Hawkins, Clifford, Walker, Whybourne, Elliott-Noye, Bristow, Thompson, Foster, Ellis, Carey, Baldwin. Subs: McEniry, Elphick, Ranson, Funnell. 

Click here to return to the News page