Sidley sink to single goal defeat

A misunderstanding at the back between goalkeeper Greg Thurstans and defender Kevin Rose seven minutes before half time enabled Mark Warren to nip in and grab the only goal of the game.

Sidley manager Andy Laskey said: "We were well worth a point to be honest. Up until the goal went in I would have said we just shaded it in terms of possession but we just lack a little bit of quality in the final third, and the goal they got was a little bit disappointing.

"It was a cross from the left inside the six yard box and it was in the air for a long time and I think both Greg and Kevin were under the impression it was going out of play but the ball held up in the wind. The annoying thing was their forward reacted to it and I suppose we were caught ball watching."

Other than the goal, neither goalkeeper was really tested in the first half, but Sidley, who adopted a 3-5-2 formation for this Sussex top flight derby, posed more of a threat after the break.

Chas Lister was particularly unlucky not to get on the scoresheet because he had one shot brilliantly turned onto the crossbar by the Eastbourne stopper. The Sidley players also felt they should have had a penalty when Lister was dragged back in the box.

"The players swore blind we should have had a penalty," said Laskey who admitted he did not have a clear enough view of the incident.