Witham maintains Sidley's winning start

The Blues went third in the fledgling Division One table after bagging their second away win in the space of three days, courtesy of a 1-0 success at Eastbourne United Association.

Joint manager Andy Laskey said: "We've started where we finished off last season and we're very pleased with the way it's gone so far. The new players have slotted in very well and it's been two good performances.

"The players have done everything that we wanted them to do, but it's early days. All we've done is get six points and we're not going to get carried away."

The decisive blow came in the form of a fluke goal on the half hour mark from one time Eastbourne player Darren Witham. It was a moment to forget for home goalkeeper Sam Reed, who seemed confident that Witham's hopeful lob would sail over the crossbar only to find the ball nestle in the back of the net behind him.

The first half proved to be a scrappy affair, despite some industrious wing-play from Eastbourne wide men Nathan Crabb and Ben Billings.

Sidley seemed happy to play the long ball, utilising the pace of their rapid hit-man Shae Spreafico, who was a constant threat to the home defence.

Eastbourne's best chance came on the stroke of half time when Sam Edwards forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Peter Newstead.

Just moments earlier, Sidley captain Jimmy Watson saw his curling shot beat the home goalkeeper, but his celebrations were premature as the ball came back out off the post.

Sidley spent much of the second half camped outside their goalmouth as Eastbourne mounted constant pressure. The final ball was lacking, however, and Bradley Manton's drilled effort was the only real test for Newstead.

Laskey continued: "Considering the state of the pitch, we did play some good passing football, but it was a fairly hard-fought sort of result which we ground out."