Blues beaten by title hopefuls

The Blues lost 2-0 at the hands of Sussex Division One title-chasing Whitehawk - the same result as the corresponding fixture last season.

Both goals also came during the same half and at the same bottom end of the Gullivers ground as they did during the 2005-06 campaign.

The first one was again controversial too because Sidley believed Matt Allen was standing in an offside position when he latched on to a long ball over the top before blasting home.

The 52nd minute strike from one-time Eastbourne Borough forward Allen rather knocked the wind out of Sidley's sails and they never looked capable of finding an equaliser.

Chris Honey's header from Peter Baker's corner bounced comfortably into the arms of visiting goalkeeper Ross Standen two minutes later in their only shot on target of a windswept contest.

FA Vase quarter-finalists Whitehawk got stronger as the game progressed and it came as little surprise when they doubled their money in the 86th minute.

Allen was again the scorer, prodding home at the second attempt after Peter Newstead had done well to keep out his initial effort from point blank range.

Sidley gave a pretty good account of themselves during a first half they possibly shaded with the strong wind at their backs, but neither goalkeeper was required to make a save.

Their best moment against a team which ended the afternoon having conceded only 13 times in 27 league games was probably a far post shot by Darren Witham which went just wide.

Sidley entertain Crowborough Athletic in a rehearsal of their forthcoming John O'Hara League Cup Final at Gullivers on Monday April 2, kick-off 7.45pm.