Sidley contest Vase cracker

The Blues take on Sussex Division One rivals Shoreham on Saturday October 29 in the first round proper on the back of four straight league defeats.

But Saturday's slightly unfortunate 2-0 reverse to Whitehawk was the first time they've been beaten in seven home fixtures this season.

"It's a massive game," Barham said, "and I'm positive about it. It was a disappointing end to our FA Cup run (they lost their preliminary round replay at Deal Town to a late goal) so I would like to get a bit of a run in the Vase.

"This is an ideal opportunity for us because our home form has been very good apart from Saturday. We go into our games at home confident and it's all about us. We've got to try and make sure we're not too jittery, not too impatient and we'll be okay."

Kevin Rose returns from suspension and Paul Henty is free of work commitments so Sidley should be at just about full strength with the exception of Graham Morris (holiday). The Tivoli Auto Services-sponsored match kicks-off at 3pm and, if the scores are still level after extra time, a replay will take place at Shoreham on Thursday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Bexhill United boss Bill Trivett admits his team is lacking in confidence after dropping to the foot of Sussex Division Two in light of an incident-packed 3-1 loss to Lancing on Saturday.

"Confidence is not completely down," he commented, "but we've not won for a while so, until we get back into that winning formula, it's very difficult. We're honest enough to admit that there's one or two things that still need tightening up, but I think the scorelines at the moment don't do us any justice."

Trivett sent-out a pair of seven day approaches for players at Sussex County League clubs and a third for someone at an East Sussex Premier Division outfit this week as he bids to arrest a run of three straight defeats.

They go to top-half Storrington without Chris Storrs (wedding) and Billy Trickett (work), but defender Daniel Couch, signed on-loan from Eastbourne Borough, will feature.

Little Common manager Ken Cherry is hoping to resolve his striking problems with a mystery new frontman.

The Commoners haven't scored in any of their last three games in the absence of Mark Freeman, who was due to resume training on Tuesday night with a view to returning next weekend.

"I've got someone coming training," Cherry stated, "and that will help us out up-front. He will make a difference."

Common entertain East Sussex Premier League strugglers Bodiam in the second round of the Hastings & District FA Intermediate Cup, kick-off 2.30pm.