Latest News

Final friendly sees Blues draw

Sidley United 2 - 2 Little Common U18's

A stiff test this for Sidley, against a fit and lively squad of Little Common youngsters clearly keen to impress the Common 1st team manager who was in attendance. The Commoners started brightly, knocking the ball about and soon forced Kevin Rose in the Sidley goal into a smart save. Sidley found it hard to get into the game early on, struggling to match the visitors sharpness and failing to win many, if any, second balls.

An early injury to Aaron Cochrane meant that he could take no further part in the proceedings, adding to Sidley's woes. However, despite the passing and movement of the Commoners, it was one long ball over the top that provided them with their opening goal, after Sidley failed to deal with it and the Common forward latched onto it and fired home. Lack of communication between the players continued to dog Sidley, but gradually they worked their way back into the game, winning more tackles and finishing the first half strongly, although without any serious efforts on goal. However, the Sidley equaliser came early in the 2nd half when a fine cross from Aaron Tudor was met by an equally fine header from Mark Funnell to level things up.

Sidley looked the stronger for a while and it looked as if the Common youngsters used up all their energy in the 1st half. However, they remained dangerous on the break and one of those breaks resulted in the 2nd goal for Common as the ball ran though for the forward to run onto; the Sidley keeper's decision to come out merely made it easier for the Common forward to score. After, that the game was fairly even, with both sides having their chances. Sidley's 2nd equaliser came from a cross whipped into the box, which evaded Mark Funnell (who seemed to be bundled over, shouts for a penalty were ignored by the Ref.) but was met by James Bailey and despatched clincally into the net.

 As the light faded, so did the match, both sides still looking for the winner which never came. All in all, a draw was a fair result and although Sidley did not show their best form, they can start the season knowing they were unbeaten in pre-season matches. The real thing starts this Saturday - come on you Blues!

Click here to return to the News page