United enjoy the high life

The point moved them up to second in the table - although by the next night they slipped a place to third as a result of leaders Rye & Iden United's win at Southwick.

Sidley's hugely creditable draw at last season's runners-up, achieved with several players unavailable, served as a graphic illustration of the extent of the improvement they've made.

Joint manager Andy Laskey said: "It was a decent point but we were just a bit down that we didn't get all three. They are a good side but we played very well and I'm very pleased with them. We had a lot more movement off the ball, a lot more passing and more penetration. We created a lot more chances and looked a lot better going forward."

Sidley took the game to their hosts from the off and Mark Freeman hit the bar with a volley on the turn. Chris Copley also forced a good save with a header as United enjoyed the better of the first half.

Their reward came on the hour mark when Shae Spreafico wriggled past his man near the by-line and squared for Dave Ward to slide the ball home.

The Hawks responded 10 minutes later when Buss lost his man to head home from a corner. James Duffell made a superb double save from a one-on-one and the home team went close with another header at the death but United were full value for their point.

The previous Saturday Adam Day grabbed the only goal as Sidley won 1-0 at Selsey.

Sidley visit Haywards Heath Town in the second round of the John O'Hara League Cup on Saturday September 6.