Football rivals rising to the Challenge

The first leg of the derby takes place at Gullivers on Thursday April 17, with a 7.30pm kick-off. The return at the Polegrove will be next pre-season.

Now a date has finally been agreed upon the next item on the checklist was just who was going to referee the match. With Bexhill chairman Dave Harris putting the case for a Bexhill official and Sidley joint manager Peter Heritage doing likewise for a man in black from his neck of the woods this was never going to be an easy decision.

Harris admitted: "There was a heated discussion and Dickie Day (Sidley chairman) had to step between us. We eventually thought let's get a Premiership referee and that's what we are doing." The identity of the top official is being kept under the wraps but it's believed he has kept order at top grounds such as Highbury and Old Trafford.

The David v Goliath confrontation promises to be a spectacular occasion complete with fireworks, rock music to welcome the teams onto the pitch and a clown to entertain the children. Heritage said: "There is a lot of rivalry between the two clubs. It will be a great occasion."

Tickets are 3 for adults and 1.50 for children (under-16) and pensioners.