Early leaders in FA Cup action

The Blues go to Arundel in the FA Cup extra preliminary round tomorrow (Saturday) top of the embryonic Sussex County League Division One table with two wins and two clean sheets out of two.

With Gavin Bourne serving the last match of his suspension, Harry Killick injured and Burgess Hill Town not wanting Callum Christie cup-tied, defender Carl Morris may well don the goalkeeper’s gloves.

Lewis Hole could be doubtful after turning his ankle against Crowborough and seeing it swell up like a balloon afterwards. Paddy Cody is attending a christening, but fellow full-back Chris Rea has completed a two-game ban. Kevin Bird is on holiday.

With Sidley and most of the other teams in the division in FA Cup action, Rye United have the chance to go top of Division One if they win away to Worthing United.

The Quarterboys have picked up four points from their opening two games, following up their 2-0 win at Horsham YMCA on Saturday with a 3-3 draw away to AFC Uckfield on Tuesday night.

Allan McMinigal is unlikely to feature after injuring a hamstring against Uckfield, while the dead leg sustained by Nathan Russell in the second half of the same game was due to be assessed last night.

Paul Watson is unavailable, Jack Franklin is expected to be out for a while and Matt Maclean probably won’t make it. Duncan McArthur was due to train last night and may come into the reckoning. Jono Richardson and Liam Upton have returned from the United States, and Upton will almost certainly play.

In Division Two, Bexhill United are away to Steyning Town, Little Common go to Loxwood and Westfield are at home to Midhurst & Easebourne. All matches will kick-off at 3pm.

See today’s Observers for full previews on all five clubs.