Incredible night of football

Bexhill United, Little Common and Sidley United were involved in remarkable football matches last night (Tuesday).

Sidley stunned table-topping East Preston on penalties and Bexhill came from 2-0 down to upset higher grade Lingfield 3-2 after extra-time in round three of the Sussex County League John O’Hara League Challenge Cup.

Common were edged out on penalties away to higher grade Crowborough Athletic in round one of the Sussex Senior Cup after staging a rousing comeback in extra-time.

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Sidley took the lead through Andy Hales in the first period of extra-time, but former Hastings United striker Fred Foreman levelled for EP right at the death. Sidley prevailed 5-3 on spot-kicks, though, with goalkeeper Greg Nessling scoring the winning penalty.

Division Two club Bexhill claimed their third Division One scalp of the season in a match which ended nine-a-side. The Pirates looked in trouble after conceding twice in the closing stages of the first half.

There was a mass confrontation of players from both sides at the start of the second period which resulted in Lingfield having two players sent-off and Andy Garman seeing red for Bexhill.

Dom Bristow pulled one back and Bexhill equalised when Josh Elliott-Noye’s cross deflected in off a Lingfield defender.

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Jack Aston had a penalty saved in extra-time, but Elliott-Noye put Bexhill ahead and they held on despite having Bryce Masters dismissed for two yellow cards.

Common, of Division Two, drew first blood through George Palmer after a minute only for Division One club Crowborough to equalise just before the half-hour.

The visitors went 3-1 down in extra-time, but Lewis Hole cut the deficit with seven minutes to go and Crowborough had a player sent-off before Jamie Crone equalised in the second minute of added time.

Common won a penalty shoot-out against Hassocks in the Sussex RUR Charity Cup last month, but the tables were turned this time as they lost 6-5 on spot-kicks.

See Friday’s Bexhill Observer for full reports on all three matches.