Football: Sids show they're just glad to be playing

Uckfield chose to kick off down the slope and after just a few minutes the Sids were caught off-guard when a high ball cleared their defence leaving a, Uckfield forward on his own with only the Sids keeper to beat - but he put the ball past the post.

Sids were caught out a couple of times, and but for some woeful finishing could have been behind.

The Sids began to push forward and with their first real attack gained the lead on ten minutes when a goalmouth scramble saw the ball fall to Andy Hounsome, who steadied himself and calmly slotted the ball past the Uckfield keeper.

On 30 minutes an Uckfield forward’s shot took a deflection, forcing Lee Arnell to tip the ball around the post for the save of the match. A ball was played into the Uckfield area and Sids struck the bar before thr rebound was superbly saved by the keeper.

The Sids had the advantage of the slope after the interval and began to create chances but were struggling to get into their stride and with Dean Platt having to lead on his own it was always going to be a hard task.

Uckfield were awarded a corner on 70 minutes and they snatched a well-deserved equaliser.

The Sids now began to push up with purpose and when the home keeper brought down John Phillips everyone thought a penalty had been given - but the linesman indicated it was outside the area.

A draw looked on the cards but on 90 minutes a through-ball down the left to Platt saw him turn his marker and his cross was met by Phillips, who put the ball out of the reach of the keeper to secure the points.

This was a game won with real grit and the whole team can take pride.

SIDS: Arnell, Low, Carrigher, Grantham, Chatfield, Hounsome, Hartley, Platt, Whitmore, Phillips, Newman. Sub: Brown.

This week, Sids visit TD Shipley.

TONY ROWLAND