Ten man Sidley United lose out to Forest Row in crazy encounter

Sidley United were edged out by Forest Row in yet another crazy encounter between the sides as the Blues finished with 10 men for the second meeting in a row.
The Sidley United squad prior to kick offThe Sidley United squad prior to kick off
The Sidley United squad prior to kick off

The match, sponsored by Hastings Direct, saw a remarkable start as Elliot Benton fired the visitors into the lead in the first minute with a strike into the top corner from just inside the penalty area.

However Sidley responded 90 seconds later as Charlie Cornford drove down the left and from the tightest of angles he somehow found the far corner of the net to level. And the drama continued as Sidley went in front after 4 minutes as Sean Baldwin's shot was fumbled by the goalkeeper and Lee Carey was on hand to mop up the rebound.

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The visitors drew level on 22 minutes though as the home side failed to clear their lines and George Holah took full advantage and slotted home from the edge of the area. And the goals continued as Alex Evans' overlapping run saw him finish low past Joe Rogers to put Forest Row back in front on 34 minutes.

The game then took another turn in favour of the visitors as a scuffle saw Alan Foster shown a second yellow card and the Blues were reduced to 10 men for the entirety of the second half.

In the second period, another flashpoint occurred after 55 minutes. Sidley thought they had levelled but the flag belatedly went up for offside. After consulting with the linesman, the referee pulled the play back to award Sidley a free kick for a foul earlier in the move.

Both sides created chances to alter the scoreline as Rogers made a good save with his feet to deny Forest Row while Cornford went close with a powerful drive before his stoppage time free kick from the edge of the area was deflected and the goalkeeper did well to change direction and keep the ball out.

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A tough match against a side who no doubt will be at the sharp end come the business end of the season. The Blues have another tough match next week as they travel to Ringmer AFC.

Sidley Team: Rogers, Clifford, Walker, Saunders (Taylor), Elliott-Noye (Ellis), Bristow, Wells (Trickett), Foster, Cornford, Carey, Baldwin.

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