Sidley shoot down Saints

Patched-up United saw off the team from the Firs in the semi-final of the Hastings Senior Cup 18 days previously and two goals in as many minutes did the trick in a somewhat different encounter this time around.

The winner came from Jason Finch and it was worthy of winning any game. The strapping midfielder, much to the astonishment of a sizeable gathering of spectators, flew through the crisp December air to unleash a stunning scissors kick which sped into the top corner of James Lightfoot's net with 20 minutes remaining.

Joint manager Andy Laskey said: "I thought we deserved it. I think we created more chances, I think we had more of the ball and we were fairly good defensively. It was pleasing to come back from a goal down especially when it was another silly goal really."

There was a touch of irony about the sudden turnaround as Sidley themselves have been guilty of conceding two goals in quick succession on several occasions this term.

And the strikes came just as St Leonards appeared to be growing in confidence after taking a 50th minute lead through Jody Ricketts which the makeshift striker should have doubled on the hour when clean through.

A captivating second half, in stark contrast to the drab first in which United shaded the possession stakes, was soured distinctly though when Saints' Keith Miles was ridiculously sent-off for what the referee saw as an intentional elbow on Matt Dadswell, who swept home the hosts' equaliser, when contact was clearly accidental.