Results Saturday 20th December

[blueboybird]

Sidley United 1 - 0 Mountfield United - Division One

Sidley United became the first side this season to inflict defeat on leaders Mountfield United as Will Dunstall's late goal sealed a well earned win for the Blues.

Sidley started the brighter and hit the post through Mark Funnell's shot on the turn. Mountfield grew into the game and had some good play without causing too many problems during the first half. Indeed Sidley's problems were caused by injury as Mark Chandler had to be withdrawn and within 2 minutes of taking his place, Owen Ball suffered a heavy injury to his knee and also had to be replaced by Keith Miles with Mark Funnell moving back into defence.

Sidley again started well in the second half but Mountfield had a couple of chances of their own. James Bailey was played through and rounded the goalkeeper but the covering defender cleared off the line. However on 77 minutes a similar story this time saw Will Dunstall take the ball past the goalkeeper and slot home.

There was still time for Miles to strike the bar with a smart volley and Mountfield had a shot sail just past the post but the Blues were worthy winners of this one and held on for an impressive victory. The spirit and togetherness of the team was key today and if Sidley can maintain this, then the rest of the season bodes well.

Sidley team: Skelton, May, Chandler (Ball, Miles), Walker, Short, Cochrane, Sanderson, Bailey, Briscoe, M Funnell, Dunstall

[Ore Exile]

St Leonards Social 3 - 0 Ore Athletic 0

Once again the Ore's managements plans were frustrated by players dropping out on the morning of the game. The game itself wasn't a classic, too many errors made by Ore players who with a couple of exceptions failed to maintain their recent good form. Social won the game without getting out of second gear, they are a well organised side who have a direct style of play where they keep 3 players up at all times and play the channels. This gave Colton Alleyne the chance to score 2 goals and a contentious penalty by Sean Noble gave them the points to see them enter the Christmas break on 36 points and a 100% record, factor in that apparently they have been given the 3 points for the abandoned game against Hollington, and in my opinion they have now won the league, as I can't see Hollington catching them now. Well done to Social.

[Nomad]

A thoroughly enjoyable game, with Sidley worthy winners I thought. Just working through all the pics now, with a full photo essay hopefully online tomorrow - watch this space