Sidley clinch impressive draw

The Blues, who had won two and lost 12 of their previous 14 fixtures away from Gullivers, achieved possibly their finest away result of the season from a contest of high drama.

"I thought we got the minimum we deserved," said joint manager Andy Laskey. "I would say it's the best we've played midweek away from home and defensively I would say that's the best we've played away from home without a doubt.

"It's good to be back in the top half of the table. We've beaten last year's points total already and the run we've had over the last couple of months or so has been superb. The results, the performances, the commitment, the application of the players has been absolutely brilliant."

While the point extended their run to 23 points from a possible 33, the match will be remembered for the sending-off of Sidley goalkeeper Peter Newstead.

The 21-year-old was shown a red card for the first time in his career for 'denying a goalscoring opportunity' by bringing down Ryan McBride.

Referee Darren Eaton, described as "too whistle-happy and overly officious" by Laskey, blew for the offence before the ball rolled into the net, but nonetheless elected to give the goal as well as dismissing Newstead.

"Surely he's got to do one or the other, not both," Laskey commented. "Pete did grab him, but he definitely blew before the ball was in the back of the net. Their bench thought the linesman was flagging for handball against their centre-forward."

Physio and occasional player Adie Lusted donned the goalkeeper's gloves for the remaining 18 minutes and comfortably dealt with all that came his way.

Sidley, who were without the unavailable Peter Baker, Dave Ward, Simon Corke and Chris Steward, had taken the lead three minutes before half time when Graham Morris' free kick was glanced into his own net by a home defender.

Third-placed Whitehawk, who also had a player sent-off in the second half for two bookable offences, had successive goalbound strikes brilliantly blocked by the in-form Kevin Rose prior to the controversial equaliser.