Town rivals ready for big kick-off

The players of Bexhill United and Sidley United will take to the Gullivers pitch on Thursday April 17 amid a spectacular scene of fireworks and noise to contest the Bexhill Observer Charity Shield.

The match, the brainchild of Bexhill chairman Dave Harris, has captured the imagination of the local footballing fraternity and a mammoth crowd is expected to gather for the first meeting of the millennium between the two sides.

A plethora of pre-match entertainment is lined up including a clown performing tricks, fireworks and balloons galore making it a real family occasion.

Harris can't wait for the action to get underway and hopes to break the stadium record of around 1,300. He said: "I just want to see the record broken. Hopefully it will be the biggest crowd ever seen at a Bexhill derby. "

Sidley joint manager Peter Heritage said: "It's going to be brilliant, everyone's looking forward to it."

Among the former players who will greet the teams onto the pitch will be 84-year-old Jinks Wheeler who played for Sidley in the 1948 derby. Any other ex-players wishing to be a part of what promises to be a night to remember should contact Harris or John Huggett on 212099.

The match kicks-off at 7.45pm and gates will open an hour beforehand. Admission is 3.50 for adults and 1.50 for under-16s and pensioners.