Sidley set shining example in thriller

The Blues were finally able to return to the normality of a 3pm kick-off for the first time since the turn of the year after the lux test was carried out on the lights in midweek.

Sidley have had to postpone four matches during this time which has left them playing catch-up in the lower reaches of the division, and for a while it looked as though this game might go the same way as heavy rain put it in serious doubt.

Thankfully for the neutrals in the crowd, the contest was given the go ahead and right from the off both teams decided a positive approach was the best option with Sidley surging into a 2-0 lead inside the opening quarter of an hour.

Adam Day struck the first blow on 10 minutes with a delightful chip after he had dug the ball out of the mud some 20 yards from goal and soon after Mark Funnell netted with a thumping header. Funnell might have scored again during this opening onslaught, while Scott McDonald was denied by a good save.

The visitors turned the match on its head by scoring four goals during a devastating 17-minute spell.

Liam Aherne halved the deficit on the half hour with the aid of a deflection which sent his shot looping over stranded goalkeeper Peter Newstead before Bridges netted twice in as many minutes just before half time.

Aaron Hay equalised with a shot from the edge of the box and Aherne claimed his second in somewhat controversial fashion with Sidley calling for the ball to be put out of play so the injured Day could receive treatment.

Hay also bagged his second just a couple of minutes into the second period and they should have stretched their advantage even further when they were awarded what Sidley joint manager Andy Laskey described as a "stonewall penalty" for a foul by Dave Henham.

Michael Death failed to take advantage and struck the spot-kick against the post.

The miss seemed to rejuvenate Sidley who were soon back on level terms. They were awarded a penalty of their own on 57 minutes when Peter Baker was chopped down and the same player got up to make no mistake from 12 yards.

A couple of minutes later McDonald tied things up with a close range header.

Both sides had chances to win the game with Funnell, Baker and Steve Morris all going close for Sidley, while Newstead pulled off a top drawer save - the pick of a clutch of fine stops from the in-from number one - to ensure honours finished even.

Laskey said: "On the whole a draw was a decent result, but that was the second game running we have given a two-goal lead away. It does, however, show character to be able to come back."