Super Sidley stun high-flying Hassocks

The Blues opened the scoring after 10 minutes through Nick Whiteman’s first goal of the season and a stunning volley from Jason Taylor made it 2-0 after half-an-hour.

Both teams played the second half of this Sussex County League Division One fixture with 10 men after Whiteman and Hassocks defender Ashley Marsh were shown straight red cards shortly before the break.

Taylor made it three with another terrific goal in the 63rd minute, and although Hassocks pulled one back four minutes later, they were unable to prevent a second league defeat of the season.

Elsewhere, Rye United will have to replay their John O’Hara League Challenge Cup third round tie against Pagham after the clash of two Division One high-flyers finished 1-1 at the end of extra-time.

Danny Leach put Rye ahead with his 10th goal of the season on the half-hour, but Michael Frangou equalised in the 85th minute and neither side was able to force a winner during the additional half-hour.

Westfield remain second in Division Two after coming from 2-0 down at half time to earn a very creditable 2-2 draw away to Worthing United. David Pugh scored both goals to make it a remarkable 18 for the season.

Bexhill United are just a point behind Westfield in fourth after making it 25 points from a possible 27 with a 3-2 win at Oakwood. On target were Ben White, Scott McDonald and Marc Munday.

But Little Common’s struggles continued with a 1-0 defeat away to Midhurst & Easebourne. Although Common remain fifth, they are now five points behind their crosstown rivals Bexhill.

Full reports on each of these games will appear in Friday’s Observers.