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Blue pay the penalty to exit cup

Sandhurst 2 - 1 Sidley United - ESFL Challenge Cup 

Sidley United exited the ESFL Challenge Cup at the Quarter Final stage as a stoppage time penalty saw Sandhurst squeeze through.

On a sunny day yet sticky pitch Sidley began positively and battled well as they looked to continue their recent good form yet it was the hosts who took the lead as a Sandhurst player broke through to square the ball and a deflected strike beat Ritchie Gray to nestle in the bottom corner on 21 minutes. 

Then came the big minute of the half as Sandhurst won a penalty when a free kick into the box ended up with Gray bringing down a Sandhurst player. However Gray made amends diving low to his right to keep out the spot kick.

And Sidley took full advantage to draw level within a minute. A great run by Ian May saw him evade a couple of challenges and he poked the ball through to Casey Ham to slot home on 38 minutes. 

An even game continued into the second half with both sides showing plenty of endeavour although a little less quality. Gray was called into action to make a great save, tipping a shot onto the post on 57 minutes to keep Sidley level.

The game appeared destined to go to a penalty shoot out but in the final minute, a rash challenge from Jack Freeman earned Sandhurst another penalty. This time there was no reprieve for the Blues as Sandhurst converted to steal the game and a spot in the semi finals.

Sidley have 2 matches remaining; away to Westfield II and relegation threatened Bexhill A.A.C. 

Sidley Team: Gray, L.Mote, Hempe, May, Freeman, S.Atkin, H.Thompson, Lyne, Van Wyk, Ball, Ham.

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