Dogged resistance not enough for Sidley

A fortunate late goal from Shaun Loft finished the home side off and the scoreline was probably an accurate reflection of the difference between the two sides.

But for disappointing finishing and inspired goalkeeping the visitors could have sewn the game up within the opening 25 minutes.

It was to Sidley's credit that they retained belief and battled their way back into the match but the fact that they only mustered one shot on target during the entire match meant they were always fighting an uphill battle.

Joint manager Andy Laskey said: "I could have asked for a little bit more quality in the final third but the game could have been over within half an hour to be fair. But in the second half when it stayed 1-0 we had a five or 10-minute spell towards the end when I thought we were going to nick a point which we would not have deserved."

Former Sidley player Peter Baker forced two smart saves from James Duffell before Neil Maplesden somehow scrambled the ball off the line. Baker should have made more of another effort from the edge of the box but he did open his account in the 52nd minute when Paul Tuppenney's blocked drive fell invitingly.

The hosts stuck to their guns but were finally killed off in the second minute of stoppage time when Phil Rhodes' mishit throughball went straight into Loft's path and he made no mistake from 15 yards.

Sidley make the long trip to Selsey on Saturday August 30 before travelling to Whitehawk on Tuesday.