Stoppage time equaliser holds Blues; Reserves in big loss
(October 23, 2021)
Sidley United 1 - 1 Cuckfield Rangers - MSFL Premier Division
Sidley United missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the MSFL as a stoppage time equaliser ensured that Cuckfield went away with a point.
After strolling to a huge victory last week, Cuckfield presented a far more determined and resilient opposition. However it was looking good for the Blues as their early pressure brought about an early goal for Paul Rogers on 9 minutes.
After this, the game became more of a battle with both sides looking to dominate with neither really succeeding. Chances were few and far between; although did Cuckfield force Sidley goalkeeper Dan Hutchins into an excellent save to preserve the narrow lead going into the half-time break.
The second half continued where the first half had left off; with scoring opportunities limited by dogged defending by both sides. Sidley made a triple change but could not find that second goal which would kill off the game.
But as the game approached stoppage time it looked as though Sidley had done enough to hold for a narrow victory. However in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, Cuckfield won a corner kick which was evenutally bundled home by Jamie Weller to earn the visitors a deserved share of the points.
The Man of the Match was Peter Featherstone. Next Saturday it's a local derby for the Blues as they travel away to face Westfield.
Sidley Team: Hutchins, Walker, McEniry, Featherstone, Elliott-Noye, McCue, Ellis, Carey, Cumming-Bart, N Crabb, Rogers. Subs: Foster, S Crabb, Hickman-Smith.
Sidley United II 0 - 4 Bexhill A.A.C - ESFL Division One
The Reserves suffered a first league defeat of the campaign as local rivals Bexhill A.A.C got revenge for their opening day loss.
A generally below par performance by the Blues wasn't helped by a half constantly disrupted by the blow of the referee's whistle as both sides cancelled each other out with neither creating any real chances of note.
The second half was one to forget for Sidley as, even though Bexhill A.A.C went down to 10 men early on, the home side failed to capitalise and became victims of their own ignorance and soon found themselves put to the sword by the clinical visitors as they ran out 4 - 0 winners with the goals coming from David Ammoun, Oscar Hammond (2) and Dave Pugh.
A day to forget for the Blues who will be hoping to get back to winning ways next week against Battle Town II.
Sidley Team: Crittenden, Davies, Hempe, Dangerfield. Carey, Wells, Stovell, Elphick, Baldwin, Williams. Subs: Opaye-Tetteh, Hardy.
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