Farrier ahead of schedule

It was originally thought the recurrence of an old knee injury would keep him out for several months, but the latest prognosis is he might be back in time for the hectic Christmas programme.

Joint manager Peter Heritage said: "Depending on how it goes in training he is looking to play in the next two to three weeks. We would like to see him back before Christmas but we don t want to push him."

Farrier captained Sidley to a momentous league and cup double last season.

Sidley will be looking to get last weekend s disappointing FA Vase defeat out of their system when Whitehawk visit Gullivers on Saturday November 17.

The Hawks have hit something of a purple patch in the league, scoring 21 goals in their last four games including a 10-1 drubbing of bottom-of-the-table Saltdean United.

Adam Day (sore Achilles tendon) and Mark Funnell (infected leg) are rated very doubtful, but Russell Eldridge (sore groin) and Dave Ward (ankle injury) should both be okay.

Sidley also face a tricky trip to Three Bridges in the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup on Tuesday.