Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Jason Hopkinson’s men finally broke their duck in their pre-season programme with a 3-0 win at home to Sidley United this evening. This was a great improvement on Saturday’s performance, when the U's slumped 1-0 away to Westfield.

Yani Camara was given his first start between the posts and did well to keep a clean sheet, as the visitors threatened on a number of occasions. United looked much brighter going forward, but there were still a few concerns at the back, as John Lambert’s side created a number of openings.

The U’s broke the deadlock after fifteen minutes, when Fred Foreman curled a free kick into the top right hand corner of the net from just outside the area.  The hosts continued to enjoy most of the possession, but could not add to their tally before the break.

Both sides made a number of substitutions during the second half, when there were chances at either end. United increased their lead on fifty-three minutes, when Arron Hopkinson fired an angled shot past keeper Harry Killick, and they added a third near the end, Mark West finishing off from around eight yards.

A good work-out for both sides then, and Sidley should not feel too disappointed, as they gave a good account of themselves. It took two or three good stops from Camara to keep the home goal intact.

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Attendance: 150

Referee: Stuart Green (Eastbourne)

Assistants: Ken Brook (St Leonards on Sea) & John Walker (Eastbourne)