Sidley United record first clean sheet in convincing win at Ringmer

The Blues gave first starts of the season to Rhys Whybourne, Sam Thompson and Jason Taylor and they took the lead after 5 minutes when Dom Bristow was knocked over in the area and Lee Carey stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.

Sidley doubled their lead on 18 minutes when Man of the Match Josh Elliott-Noye met a corner from the right with a crisp first time finish to send the ball back into the opposite corner.

Ringmer came into the game and hit the angle of post and bar with a shot from the left of the area before again finding the woodwork in the way as a low shot came back off the post before hitting Sidley goalkeeper Michael Platt and rolling out for a corner.

In the second half Sidley again played the neater football and Taylor had a couple of good opportunities to extend the lead. Eventually a third goal did arrive on 65 minutes as the ball bobbled around and fell to Rosh Wells who slotted home from 12 yards.

With the game effectively sealed, Sidley turned to the bench to give Simon Tomlinson a senior debut while Joe Rogers also earned a rare outfield appearance.

Ringmer must have known it wasn't to be their day when, in the final minute, they hit the underside of the crossbar but Sidley held on for the win and the clean sheet. The Blues are at home next week to Balcombe.

Sidley Team: Platt, Clifford, Walker, Elliott-Noye, Whybourne, Bristow, Thompson (Tomlinson), Wells, Taylor (Rogers), Carey, Baldwin (Elphick).

Man of the Match: Josh Elliott-Noye