Shock defeat hits Sidley hopes

SIDLEY United's hopes of retaining the Sussex title are rapidly fading after they slipped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to lowly Sidlesham on Saturday.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Feb 2002, 10:59 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:40 BST

The match was only United's second league fixture of 2002.

With runaway leaders Burgess Hill defeating Wick 2-0 the Blues are now a massive 19 points adrift in sixth place with only three games in hand. Only a victory against the Hillians on Tuesday night can revive any hope of a late assault on the leaders.

Peter Baker netted for Sidley in the first minute but the lack of match practice took its toll on the Gullivers side as Sidlesham equalised almost immediately through Owen and stole the points with a 44th minute penalty converted by Barnes.

Bexhill Town also had a miserable time, losing a relegation six-pointer to Ifield 2-0 at The Polegrove.

Town are now third from bottom, level with Ifield and Hurstpierpoint, but Uckfield Town below them are just a single point behind with four games in hand.

Cooper put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute and Dhiman converted a penalty in the 67th minute to secure the points.