Mixed opening week for Sidley

A 2-1 win at Shoreham on Saturday was followed by a 2-0 defeat at St Leonards the following Wednesday.

A late goal from substitute Mark Freeman saw the Blues clinch the points at Middle Road.

Sidley made a bright start and deservedly took the lead on 23 minutes through Dave Carey only for the hosts to respond when Kelly headed home.

But just two minutes later Freeman timed his run to perfection and drove home from the edge of the box.

Sidley lacked an attacking threat at The Firs in mid-week and goals from lively Saints strikers Andy Cyrus and Dave Flemming sent them tumbling to defeat.

United joint manager Andy Laskey said: "I've got no complaints but we just didn't play very well the whole night. Just before they scored their first goal I thought we were just getting on top a little bit. Both the goals we let in were not the best and after the second went in I wouldn't say our heads dropped but they thought 'we're not going to come back from this'.

"In some ways it was almost evenly matched with not many clear-cut chances. But they were definitely the better side on the night."

Sidley visit Three Bridges on Saturday August 23 before hosting their first home game of the season against Rye & Iden United on Monday, kick-off 11am.