Sidley hit back to claim draw

SIDLEY United recovered from a Halloween night first half horror show at home to Ringmer to claim a third successive 1-1 draw in the Sussex League.

Scott McDonald netted five minutes from time to reward an enterprising performance after the break at Gullivers on Tuesday.

The striker swept the ball home from 12 yards after good work down the right by Steve Morris.

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Ringmer started like a train and if luck had been on their side would have had more to show for their efforts than a long range drive on 14 minutes from Dan Evans which curled past John Saunders and into the top far corner.

The visitors dominated the opening period as Sidley struggled to string two passes together. Mat Beeston looked to have doubled the lead just past the half hour but his shot cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and Steve Blake nodded over from the rebound, while Charlie Stagg was kept out by Saunders.

Sidley's only moment of encouragement came soon after the goal when Morris' header was fumbled by goalkeeper Matt May who was adjudged to have prevented the ball from crossing the line.

The Blues were a different animal after the break as they began to snap at the heels of their opponents. Morris forced a smart save out of May and then Perry Weedon hit a dipping 40-yard rocket onto the top of the crossbar.

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Sidley will be out for revenge when they entertain Worthing United in the third round of the SCFA RUR Charity Cup on Saturday November 4, kick-off 3pm.

Worthing enjoyed a lucrative run in the FA Cup after knocking the Blues out of the national competition the last time they were at Gullivers.

Sidley are back in league action on Wednesday when they visit Eastbourne Town.