Sidley finally taste victory in FA Cup

The Blues, who lost in the first qualifying round for six successive seasons (one of which went to a replay) during the 1970s, made it eighth time lucky in their first appearance in the competition for 27 years.

"I was very, very pleased," said the Sussex Division One side's manager Liam Barham. "We needed that (on the back of successive league defeats during the preceding eight days). To be fair they gave us a bit of a game, but I thought we looked pretty comfortable for most of the game.

"First half we missed two or three good opportunities, but second half we came out very positively and scored some great goals. I was disappointed to give away the penalty because I would have liked to have kept a clean sheet, but we're into the next round of the cup and we've got a win under our belt."

That win was earned by three goals in the first 22 minutes of the second period, two of which were of marvellous quality.

Peter Baker set the ball rolling by following up Keith Miles' well-struck left-footed drive from 25 yards that Pagham goalkeeper Byron Kearns could only parry.

Baker was at it again on the hour mark, smashing an unsavable volley into the roof of the net after being released by Jordan Wood.

Steve Morris made sure of Sidley's progression six minutes later by planting a powerful header beyond the dive of Kearns from a pinpoint cross from Graham Morris.

But it wasn't quite as straight-forward as it may appear because Sidley stopper Greg Thurstans pulled off three brilliant saves during the second period.

And Pagham, relegated from Sussex Division One at the end of last season, certainly deserved their 89th minute consolation. Brett Forden drove home from the spot after Sidley substitute Paul Henty had conceded his second penalty in as many appearances.

There were few chances of note during a relatively even first half, although the Morris cousins had the best sights of goal for the home side.

Sidley's reward is a preliminary round showdown with Kent League side Deal Town, a match which will be played at Hailsham Town on Sunday.