Sidley exact revenge over FA Cup heroes

SIDLEY United exacted some sweet revenge on Saturday with a 3-0 victory at home to Worthing United.

Although convincing winners this time around, The Blues were frustratingly beaten at home to the same opposition in the preliminary round of the FA Cup back in early September.

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That result was made all the more depressing by the fact that Worthing went on to reach third round qualifying and reap all the financial rewards which went with it.

Joint manager Andy Laskey said: "All in all it was a pleasing result, but it still rankles that that side did so well in the FA Cup."

Sidley let bygones be bygones, though, and made sure of their place in the quarter-finals of the SCFA RUR Charity Cup where they will visit Hailsham Town or Lingfield on January 16.

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They opened their account in the 15th minute when a Peter Baker corner was met by Lee Wood at the far post and Scott McDonald headed his third goal in four games since rejoining the club from Bexhill United last month.

But Sidley became sloppy for a while after that and endured a couple of scares, one of which resulted in Jon Saunders saving with his feet, before preserving their advantage going into the break.

The second half was a different story, however, because Sidley played some attractive football as they cruised past their Sussex Division One rivals.

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Their cause was helped by Worthing being reduced to 10 men not long in after Warren Levy was shown a second yellow card for a foolish challenge from behind on Stuart Weston.

Sidley used the extra man well and were unlucky not to go two-up when Steve Morris headed Baker's resulting free kick against the crossbar.

Morris had a subsequent effort saved by Richard Branson before Baker clinically dispatched Weston's low cross from the right in the 65th minute.

Jimmy Watson then fired over from a good position, but made amends by teeing up substitute Jordan Wood for a splendid 82nd minute third goal following a pinpoint diagonal ball from McDonald.