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Blues bounce back to see off Social

Sidley United 4 - 3 St Leonards Social - ESFL Premier Division 

Sidley United produced a heroic second half performance to come from behind and claim a hugely important three points in the ESFL Premier Division.

After a heavy defeat last time out against Crowhurst, Sidley were desperate to get back on track but with a number of players unavailable, it was a makeshift team which took up the challenge and they soon found themselves a goal down as Social opened the scoring with a terrific effort on 5 minutes.

But the Blues worked their way back into the game and levelled when Mark Funnell headed home a corner on 15 minutes. Parity though didn't last too long and Social restored their lead in fortuitous circumstances as a clearance from the halfway line dropped over Sidley goalkeeper Ritchie Gray and into the net on 25 minutes.

Social then doubled their lead on 40 minutes as a scuffed shot deceived Gray to roll into the opposite corner to the goalkeeper's dive. The half time scoreline though was harsh on the Blues who came out in the second half determined to put things right.

Playing a direct game the Blues pressured the Sidley goal and debutant Matt Dann knocked home a second goal on 56 minutes before Funnell got his second of the game to level the scores on 62 minutes. 

With their tails up Sidley went looking for the winner and on 83 minutes Will Witham struck to put the Blues in front. Despite 7 minutes of added time, Sidley held on for their first home win of the season and three points to move two places up the table. A hard fought and deserved win given the grit and resolve the Blues showed.

Next week the Blues welcome Mid Sussex Premier Division side Ringmer AFC in the Sussex FA Intermediate Cup Second Round. 

Sidley Team: Gray, Britt, Hilder, Carey, Hempe, Aston, Ball, Dann, Haffenden, Witham, Funnell. Sub: Sam.

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