United lose their way on their travels

Andy Laskey and Keith Miles took over as joint managers from Liam Barham, who resigned after Sidley's defeat to Wick the previous weekend, but the outcome remained very much the same.

A 2-1 reverse at Arundel was their 10th defeat in 11 away league games - the worst record of anyone in Sussex Division One - and they remain in the bottom three of the table.

To make matters worse, several of their relegation rivals are starting to find some form. Fourth-bottom Shoreham are unbeaten in four league and cup games, Worthing United haven't lost any of their last four league matches and East Preston have been beaten just once in nine outings.

Laskey said: "I'm pleased with the lads. They gave 100 per cent effort and it was a better game attacking wise."

Fourth-placed Arundel took the lead after 17 minutes when Matt Huckett converted a penalty given for handball.

They almost had another penalty when a shot appeared to be blocked on the line by an arm, but referee Paul Barratt waved played on.

Arundel doubled their lead when a shot by Jimmy Smith looked to be going wide only to nestle in the corner of Peter Newstead's goal on 67 minutes.

The two-goal deficit forced the new Sidley managers into a tactical change, pushing centre-half Kevin Rose forward alongside Peter Baker and Dave Carey as a third striker.

The switch worked almost immediately when a good passing move found Dave Ward and he played a lofted ball in from the right which Rose headed home from 12 yards.

Armed with fresh hope, Ward came close with a half volley from a Baker corner and then a mazy run from Jordan Wood earned Sidley a free kick which 21-goal top-scorer Baker directed just wide.