Sidley gunning for victory

Joint manager Andy Laskey said: "We are definitely going there to get three points because that will put a bit of space between us and them. Where we are in the table you still have one eye on relegation but in my opinion we should not be anywhere near the bottom. If we play as well as we can we should have no problem.

"From their point of view they are probably thinking 'if we get a win we are only five points below Sidley and within touching distance of them'. They will be looking to climb clear so it's a big game for them as well."

A win on Saturday January 31 would go some way to meeting Laskey's criteria of what he sees as an improvement on last season. "I would like to pick up more points than last year. That would mean we are heading in the right direction and considering everything that's happened that would be a good season," he said.

Sidley's home match against leaders Chichester City United was postponed last weekend. Laskey admitted: "It was a bit disappointing as we were raring to go but in hindsight perhaps it might not have been a bad thing because we had one or two slight knocks so it probably won't do us any harm." The extra week's rest means Lee Wood should be fit for Pagham but Jason Finch is rated 50-50.

New signing Craig Ottley scored for the reserves who also fielded Kevin Rose, his first game back from a five-week suspension, Brad Poole and Liam Barham. Occasional player Matt Dadswell could be sidelined for some time after breaking his hand playing for his university.

Bexhill United are due to visit Hurstpierpoint in Division Three tomorrow and a win for Tony Monk's team would see them close the gap on their hosts to a manageable four points.

United's clash at Uckfield Town last weekend fell foul of the weather but the postponement has given a extra week's grace to injured duo Benjie Symes and Conrad Sparkes and both should play at Fairfield Recreation Ground.

Monk has added to his squad with the signing of left-sided player Steve Moat from Little Common.