Spot-on Sidley reach final

The Blues went through to the John O'Hara League Challenge Cup decider after a nerve-jangling 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Eastbourne Town. The match itself had finished 1-1 after extra time.

Joint manager Andy Laskey said: "It was a nail-biting finish, but it was a superb all round team performance."

United held their nerve during the spot kicks and booked a Good Friday showdown against Crowborough Athletic when debutant Stuart Playford drove home their final effort.

Peter Baker, Scott McDonald and Steve Morris also netted, while goalkeeper Peter Newstead saved two attempts, including the final one from former Tottenham Hotspur man John Piercy.

Sidley went into the all-Division One semi-final on a freezing evening at Hailsham Town's Beaconsfield ground as heavy underdogs.

Town are bidding for the title and promotion to Ryman Division One South, while United are down in 15th position and hadn't won any of their previous four games.

But Sidley fought hard throughout the original 90 minutes and forced the additional half-hour when Nick Whiteman struck with the very last kick.

Chairman Dickie Day commented: "It's brilliant. We came here as underdogs and we deservedly got the equaliser at the end."

The two teams were evenly matched throughout, but Eastbourne had gone ahead by virtue of a well-worked 74th minute goal from Steve Dallaway.

United came close to scoring during a goalless first half after Peter Baker turned the Town defence but couldn't capitalise on it.

Sidley, who were beaten at Town's Saffrons ground by Rye & Iden United in the corresponding stage two years ago, played the match with strength and pushed Eastbourne until the very end at a ground where they have lost three times this season.

United's defence was sharp and did not falter, while they caused Town problems from crosses and long balls into the area.

The last time Sidley reached the final of a county event was in the 2002-03 SCFA RUR Charity Cup and their most recent John O'Hara decider came during their double-winning season of 2000-01.

"This time last week we conceded 10 goals in two games, so big credit to the team for the result. The team thoroughly deserve a good day out as a reward for their cup-run performances," added Laskey.