Sedlescombe Rangers 1st XI vs Sidley Utd
5 - 2
08 December 2018 · Sussex Intermediate Cup
Home cup match played on 08 December 2018.
Kicked off at 1:30 PM
5-2
vs Sidley Utd
Home cup match
The first team secured progression within the Sussex Intermediate Cup on Saturday, dumping fellow ESFL Premier side Sidley United out of the competition.
Coming off the back of a strong performance last week in the league, Rangers knew this week’s opposition would be a tough test against a Sidley side previously unbeaten in their last 5 matches.
It was a dream start for the home side, finding themselves 2 goals to the good inside 10 minutes! Kasey Smith opened the scoring on 6 minutes with a smart finish inside the box, which Ryan Edwards added to on 9 minutes.
An own goal for Sidley on 26 minutes following a Luke Davies cross made is 3-0 and kept Sedlescombe firmly in control of the tie. It was Davies who contributed again on 34 minutes making it 4-0 and leaving Sidley with a mountain to climb.
The visitors were handed a lifeline through Arron Scrace on 37 minutes making it 4-1, with another sucker punch for Rangers shortly after, losing Kasey Smith to red card after referee Katie Wilde was unhappy with a challenge from the front man.
A spurring half time team talk from manager Phil Smith sent Sedlescombe out with all guns blazing. With a man less, Rangers would have to work hard and dig deep with plenty of the game still to play.
After a long ball wasn’t dealt with by the Rangers defenders, Sean Baldwin found the back of the net on 54 minutes making it 4-2 and setting up a tense final half hour.
In a show of grit and determination, Rangers dug in and weathered the storm of a Sidley side throwing everything forward. Some solid defending and an inspired save from keeper Nathan Pagden kept Sidley at bay. A great show of reliance and team spirit from a young Sedlescombe squad.
The final nail in the coffin came on 84 minutes as Pip Hatch made it 5-2 relieving any late pressure and capping off a fine performance. The LCS Roofing and Cladding MOTM was deservedly awarded to Luke Davies.
Progression into the 4th round of the cup is a fantastic achievement for this team full of spirit, who are now finding a rhythm to their game. Rangers will play the winners of Hollington United V Balcombe in the next stage of the competition.
Up and coming first team fixtures:
15/12 – AWAY V Sidley United – ESFL Premier Division
22/12 – AWAY V Battle Baptist – Premier Travel Chauffer’s Challenge Cup.
05/1 – HOME V Northiam 75 – ESFL Premier Division
12/01 – Ground TBC – Winners of Hollington United V Balcombe – Sussex Intermediate Cup 4th Round.