Scott scores key goal on his debut

SCOTT McDonald made an immediate impact on his Sidley United debut by scoring a cracker of a goal in the draw at Three Bridges on Saturday.

The recent signing from Bexhill United fired the Blues in front on 39 minutes after receiving the ball from Jimmy Watson.

McDonald still had plenty to do but his half volley from 25 yards flashed beyond the grasp of the goalkeeper. "It was a corker of a goal," said Sidley joint manager Andy Laskey.

This was the second time in the Sussex Division One match that the striker had the ball in the net, because he also fired home very early on but his effort was ruled offside. McDonald also had a one-on-one opportunity soon after half time but was denied by a good save.

Bridges levelled things up four minutes after falling behind when hesitant defending allowed Russell Mortimer to score.

Despite being without a host of first team players including in-form marksman Peter Baker, who failed a late fitness test, Steve Morris, Josh Brown, Graham Morris, Lee Wood and Michael O'Callaghan, Sidley continued to play their part in an encounter which really opened up in the second half.

Both teams had chances to grab all three points but it was Bridges who came closest 10 minutes from time when a shot thundered against Peter Newstead's crossbar.

"Before the game I would have been happy with a point because Three Bridges is a difficult place to get a result, but it's a measure of how far we have come that we are disappointed we didn't win," said Laskey.

"Overall a draw was a fair result because although we had two or three good chances, Peter Newstead had to make a couple of smart saves and they also hit the crossbar when they should probably have scored."

Sidley: Newstead, Ball, Whiteman, Temple, J. Wood, Witham, Willard, Watson, Ward (Weston), Miles (Johnson), McDonald. Subs not used: Phillips.