Sidlesham 2 - 1 Roffey

By Caroline Henry Evans

A great 3 points at home

Sidlesham welcomed a strong Roffey side to the Memorial Ground on Saturday. With the home side looking to maintain the pressure on the top sides, whilst for the away side it was their chance to close the gap at the top. It was to prove a very tough game of limited chances with both sides looking to give nothing away.

The game started with Roffey looking bright and up for the challenge ahead and it wasn't long before the home side were indebted to their goalkeeper Connor Kelly who somehow managed to make an incredible save low down to his right as it looked certain the Roffey striker was going to give his side the lead.

This stunned Sidlesham into action and it wasn't long before they went in front, Tom Bayley was fouled out on the left and Callum Dowdell sent over a fine free kick to the impressive John Phillips who rose highest at the far post to head in and give his side the lead.

Another free kick from Dowdell was a again delivered with great accuracy which Matt Roberts couldn't quite get his head too. Back came Roffey again with some good attacking play but again Kelly was up to the job with safe hands and presence in his area to keep his side ahead.

The away side however did get their equaliser when a corner was only half cleared and their striker turned and poked the ball past Kelly in the Sidlesham goal. This ensuring they went in level at the break.

The second half started with Sidlesham looking to put their stamp on the game and with the industry in midfield and dominance at the back it was them who took the lead half way through the second half Bayley raced clear down the left hand channel and with the keeper to beat he fired a first time shot beyond him and into the far corner, striking home his 20th goal of the season.

Sidlesham now started to control the game with fine passing and desire of not being beaten. Roffey were finding it hard to get back into the game and with limited possession and chances Sidlesham looked to see the game out, defending well when called upon and creating more chances to go further ahead. The away side piled on more and more pressure in the final third of the match, but with Sidlesham defending well and Kelly in fine form Sidlesham hung on and got the result they deserved in second half.

Sidlesham are on their travels this Saturday with a away fixture at Ferring FC KO 2pm