Dean means business as Sids sink Bosham

Dean Bennett was in the right place at the right time to snatch victory for Sidlesham in the highly-anticipated derby at Bosham.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Feb 2015, 14:00 BST
Alex Barnes stretches for the ball in Bosham's defeat to Sids Picture by Kate Shemilt C150021-4Alex Barnes stretches for the ball in Bosham's defeat to Sids Picture by Kate Shemilt C150021-4
Alex Barnes stretches for the ball in Bosham's defeat to Sids Picture by Kate Shemilt C150021-4

The result blew the Sussex League division-three title race wide open, although Bosham remain three points clear at the top.

The visitors started brightly with Bennett and strike partner John Phillips looking dangerous. With numerous ex-Bosham players facing the Reds the pressure was really on to impress.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the early stages it was Sidlesham asking the questions. Nick Edgington, restored to the Bosham line-up, stood firm and, along with Matt Docherty, kept Sids at bay.

Defences were winning the battle but close to the break Dave Storey had a wonderful chance to break the deadlock for Bosham when he was put through on goal after a rare move of quality, with Neil Redman providing the key pass. Sadly Storey shot wide, but he was to make amends after the break,

Minutes after the restart, Bosham took the lead through the redoubtable Storey. It was a move that started in their own penalty area.

Edgington set Alex Barnes free down the right-hand side and he fed Jake Lafferty, who found the perfect pass to set Storey away – and the Bosham top scorer confidently shot past keeper John Pope.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, within a minute the green army were level. Dan Bassil benefited from Bosham’s defence momentarily going AWOL and with only Kieran Magee to beat showed tremendous calmness to find the back of the net.

With conditions worsening the players were slipping and sliding and control of the ball was becoming more and more difficult.

Chances came for the visitors and home fans’ worst fears were realised soon after the hour when Edgington contrived to undertake a Steven Gerrard moment by slipping over at the wrong time, allowing Bennett to burst clear and fire exquisitely into the back of the net.

Bosham brought on substitutes Jack Antony, Danny Mullen and newly-acquired Andy McCrossan as they sought an equaliser. But chances were not taken and Sidlesham held on to secure a valuable three points.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

BOSHAM: Magee, Probee, Edgington, Docherty, Wilson, Lafferty, Giambelardini, Storey, Redman,Bailey, Barnes. Subs: Antony, McCrossan, Mullen.

SIDS: Pope, Carragher, Robinson, McCoy, Grantham, Millins, T Jefkins, Phillips, Bennett, Bassil, Bayley. Subs: J Jefkins, Reed, Pearce, Kelly.

ALAN PRICE