Sidley stuck in the mud

Despite their opponents being reduced to ten men for most of the second half, United could not turn around a two-goal half time deficit.

The game was nearly 15 minutes old before the players dug out the first scoring opportunity, with Paul Balch shooting from the edge of the area.

The striker had a much easier chance a few minutes later but with only the keeper to beat he chose to pass and the opportunity was lost.

The miss proved costly as 32 minutes in Tony Holden placed a superb header past Danny Poole from an in-swinging cross.

Ringmer added a second when poor defending let in Graham Martin and he made no mistake with the generous space afforded him.

The second half saw Stuart Corlett sent off after kicking out at Russell Eldridge after the Sidley man had fouled him.

Bizarrely the free kick was awarded to United with Peter Baker hitting the set piece against the defensive wall before smashing the rebound in off the post.

Balch was twice denied an equaliser by outstanding saves from Keith Cheal.