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Battling Blues bow out of Macron Cup

Sidley United 1 - 2 Westfield II - Macron Hastings Challenge Cup First Round 

Despite a late surge the young Sidley United side bowed out of the Macron Challenge Cup at the first attempt at the hands of local rivals Westfield II.

The Blues fielded a couple of new signings but found themselves familiarly going behind as Westfield were awarded a penalty for a foul tackle by Charlie Croucher on 8 minutes which was tucked home by Baxter Orchard.

The Blues found it difficult to sustain attacks in the first half and spent more of the game on the back foot as Westfield carved out a number of good chances and only some smart goalkeeping from Ritchie Gray and some wayward finishing prevented the visitors from running away with the game in the first half.

They did however double the lead on 32 minutes as a free kick from the right was flicked on before being tucked home at the far post by Cameron Woodley. The Blues best moment came from a fierce effort by Logan Copley which flew just over the bar.

Sidley may have hoped the second period would bring about a change of momentum but faced another hurdle when Westfield were again awarded a harsh penalty for a handball by Gary Hempe. However Gray brilliantly kept out Orchard's spot kick to keep Blues in the game.

And Sidley then got a proper foothold in the game when they won a spot kick after a Westfield handball in the area and Copley steered home the penalty on 56 minutes.

Thereafter the game was more even with Westfield still creating numerous chances but failing to finish them - including an extraordinary miss from within the six yard box which went over the bar - but Sidley were also enjoying some pressure on the visitors goal as well with a James Bailey effort blocked before Copley placed his effort over the bar.

As it was Sidley huffed and puffed as they pushed forward but ultimately came up short and Westfield progressed, deservedly over the course of the game.

Next week Sidley turn their focus back to the league as they travel to basement side Robertsbridge United. 

Sidley Team: Gray, Hempe, Hilder, Croucher, Carey, Haffenden, Wade, Witham, Bal, Dovla, Copley. Subs: Bailey, Shaw.

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