Season preview - Sidley United

Having been promoted to Sussex County League Division One in 2010, the Blues finished 13th in 2010/11 and 11th in 2011/12. They will kick-off the 2012/13 campaign at Worthing United on Saturday.

Sidley manager John Lambert, who is about to begin his fourth season at the helm, said: “Our first aim is always to stay up because we’ve not got what you call a budget like most sides in our league.

“We can’t be looking to win it, but I want to finish as high as we can. That means improving on last year and I would like to win a cup as well. I want to upset a few teams along the way.”

As with most summers, several players have come in and several have gone out. The arrivals include the return of Chris Agutter, Matt Darby, Zack McEniry and Kevin Rose, plus the capture of prolific striker Dominic Clarke.

Sidley started last season with four consecutive away league wins and clean sheets, and they will be hoping to again hit the ground running at Worthing before visiting Peacehaven & Telscombe on Wednesday night.

Dan Cruikshank is currently on holiday, but should return in time for the Peacehaven game, while Lawrence Brand goes away for two weeks after tomorrow’s match. Paddy Cody is struggling with a knee injury.

Sidley will have four more league games this season following the expansion of Division One to 22 teams. Three clubs have come up from Division Two, while Three Bridges have been promoted to Ryman Division One South.

See tomorrow’s Bexhill Observer for the full article.