Sidley clinch vital win over Ringmer

The result came on the back of a 4-0 success over Pagham at the weekend. The six points lifted the Blues out of the relegation zone.

"Considering the opposition," said assistant manager Liam Barham, "it was the best performance (in the six games since he returned to the club). They're a good side, they've got experienced players and they like to play. But we asked them to show some fight, show some spirit and character. We're trying to get a pressing game, working hard across the pitch. We definitely wanted it more than Ringmer and I think we definitely deserved it.

"Two clean sheets (the Ringmer shut-out immediately followed the 4-0 win over Pagham the previous Saturday), that's the most pleasing thing. We look nice and tight and that gives us a chance. Concentration has made the difference.

"Without a doubt we're good enough to stay in this league. The players just need to believe that and I think they're starting to."

Steve Morris, who "more than made up" for his sending-off late in the Pagham game with an "outstanding" performance in the view of Barham, gave Sidley a 13th minute lead when his quickly-taken free kick went through the defensive wall and wrong-footed goalkeeper Ross Standen.

Ringmer played the better football throughout the opening period, but in keeping with their modest goalscoring record, they lacked potency in front of goal. Even though they looked more accomplished on the ball, they managed just four shots on target in the match, two of which were blocked, to Sidley's six.

Sidley began the second half positively and, after Ian Oliver poked the ball into the roof of the net following Stuart Weston's 58th minute burst into the box, the outcome was never in much doubt.