Sidlesham made the long trip to Westfield on Saturday and came away with a point although on their second half showing should of gain three. Westfield were looking to avenge the cup final defeat against them last season, they started brightly and within minutes they were awarded a penalty when the ball was smashed against Raff de Santos hands from all of 3 yards and to everyone's amazement the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped the experienced Scott Ramsey to slot home. Within minutes Sidelsham were almost level and apart from a smart save from the home keeper Dan Byles would of opened his account for the season. Sidlesham now settling into their stride and went at Westfield and with a little more composure in front of goal chances from first Tom Atkinson, Matt Roberts and again Byles they could have found the net.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first, Westfield looking to counter attack and Sidlesham looking to break down a stubborn defence. The away side did have the ball in the back of the net but Byles was adjudged to be offside when running onto a through ball from Tom Jenkins and slotting home. With the game entering into the last 5 minutes Sidlesham again thought they were hard done by when Israel Matonga got through into the box and although getting his shot away there were shouts for a penalty when his legs were clipped on the way through. With 2 minutes remaining of normal time up stepped Jenkins to fire his team level after great interplay between the away side. This was no more than the away team deserved over the whole game.

On reflection a good point gained against a well organised Westfield side who I'm sure will take points off teams at home this season. This weekend also saw Sidlesham reserves win at home against Steyning 2-1 and the newly formed Youth U18s team won 2-0 against Fepham Colts on Sunday.

This Saturday sees Sidlesham play in the fa vase. Where they travel to Knaphill ko 3pm. The reserves are at home against Arundel ko 3pm and Sunday the youth u18s are at home ko 11am.
Sidlesham u12s also kick off their league season with a home game ko 10am