United ace Russell plays for Sidley

Nathan Russell returned to Sidley United Football Club in the 1-0 defeat away to Crowborough Athletic on Tuesday night.

But unlike last season when the powerful centre-half made just a couple of appearances after parent club Hastings United had completed their matches, this time it looks like he will feature on a regular basis.

Russell, 24, was an unused substitute in Hastings' first three games of the new campaign behind captain Sean Ray and John Beales, a summer signing from the 2009-10 Ryman League Premier Division champions Dartford.

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Ray was suspended for Hastings' fourth game of the season on Bank Holiday Monday and Rhys Whyborne, who is dual-registered with Rye United, got the nod to replace him so Russell decided to make the switch to Sidley.

Blues boss John Lambert said: "I can only go on what Nathan's told me, but he said he's spoken to (Hastings manager) Tony Dolby and he realises where he is in the pecking order and doesn't want to be sitting on the bench.

"He said he's told them he will play in an emergency if they're short and he's told me he's a Sidley player now. We're glad to have his experience and knowhow on board. I think it can only benefit us and benefit the players."

Russell lined-up alongside Danny Spice in an imposing Sidley central defence that was only breached by a wonder goal from Sam Carrington - which Lambert said "three goalkeepers wouldn't have saved" - just after the hour mark.

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