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Blues implode as Westies claim win

Sidley United 1 - 5 Westfield II - ESFL Premier Division

Sidley United remain without a point after a second half implosion saw Westfield run away with this match to claim victory.

Andy Atkin returned to lead the Sidley line and the first half was an even aware with Sidley making much of the early pushing. However a quick Westfield counter saw the visitors get in on the right hand side and slot beyond Gray in the Sidley goal after 19 minutes.

Blues rallied and some neat intricate play around the edge of the area won a free kick. Joe Lyne stepped up to curl a beautiul free kick into the top corner to level the scores on 26 minutes. Sidley had chances through Tony Atkin and Archie Ball but were unable to get in front as the half came to an end deadlocked.

Sidley may have felt this was the game to get their season up and running but it all started to go wrong when Jay Tomlin headed Westfield back in front on 52 minutes. Then on 61 minutes Sidley switched off at a free kick expecting the shot at goal and instead the ball was slid into the striker who eventually forced the ball past Gray.

Then, Lyne was shown a rather harsh straight red card as he went in with his studs to win the ball when yellow may have been more appropriate. Two goals and a man down, Sidley then were overran as Westfield struck a fourth with a player left in space on the left hand side on 72 minutes before Sidley conceded a fifth on 75 minutes as Gray scythed downthe down the striker, the referee chose not to award the penalty as the ball was cut back and fired into the net.

Blues continued to battle but with players unavailable and others strugggling with injuries, it proved too much today against a well structured Westfield side.

It doesn't get any easier for the Blues as next week they travel to 2 time champions Rye Town.

Sidley Team: Gray, May, Hempe, Carey, McCue, Lyne, S.Atkin, Rispoli, T.Atkin, Ball, A.Atkin. Subs: Freeman, K.Atkin, L.Mote.

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