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First half goals enough to win at Wadhurst

Wadhurst United 1 - 2 Sidley United - ESFL Division One

Two first half goals from Sidley defenders were enough to seal 3 points at Wadhurst.

The game faced a major obstacle even before kick off after the appointed match official was unavailable and so Wadhurst were forced to supply a substitute referee.

Sidley started brightly, forcing early corners and putting the Wadhurst goal under pressure. Unfortunately, Ben Eldridge had to be substituted early on due to a hamstring problem and he was replaced by Sidley legend Chris Copley, who soon showed that he has lost none of the will to win that he is known for. 

With Sam Thompson and John Carey dominating the middle of the pitch and pacey Aaron Scrase and Ian May raiding down the wings, Sidley were strong in every area and only needed to start converting the chances that would come their way.

Sidley opened the scoring on 35 minutes with a fine free kick from Aaron Cochrane into the box ending up at the feet of centre back Mark Funnell to tap in. 

Sidley then doubled their lead from another right on half time when Gary Hempe launched a rocket of a shot which clipped the inside of the post, then hit the underside of the bar before bouncing down over the line.

Playing down the slope in the second half, Sidley virtually camped in the Wadhurst half. Despite this, they found it hard to create chances, with many through balls running away down the slope. 

Wadhurst got a goal back on 84 minutes when on a rare counter they benefitted from a lucky bounce of the ball and scored. This gave the home side a lift and they played their best football of the match in the last ten minutes as they looked for an equaliser. 

The introduction of Ashley Elphick livened up the Sidley side though as they saw the game out and held on for the win. Back to back wins and another good performance from the Blues, showing a great work ethic and team spirit which bodes well for an exciting season.

Sidley Team: Rogers, May, Hempe, Funnell (c), Eldridge (Copley), Carey, Sanderson, Cochrane (Bailey), Thomson, Godden, Scrase (Elphick).

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