Sidley up for the cup

The Blues have been included among an all-time record line-up of 674 clubs in the world's most famous domestic cup competition for the 2005-06 season.

"It's the first time I can remember us being in the FA Cup," said chairman Dickie Day, "but other people have said we were in it years ago. We look forward to participating in the FA Cup and we're really pleased with the way the draw has turned out."

That draw has handed Sidley a home tie with Sussex Division Two side Pagham in the extra preliminary round on Saturday August 20.

Whilst that may sound an attractive prospect, it has the makings of a logistical nightmare for Gullivers chiefs because Sidley Cricket Club has use of the ground on that day for a Sussex 2nd XI Division Two fixture against Three Bridges.

"We're playing with the idea of a possible Sunday kick-off," Day continued. But even that has its problems because the ground is again scheduled to be used by the cricketers for a friendly fixture.

If the football club does not receive access to the ground, the match will have to be played at the nearest suitable venue or it will be switched to Pagham. Either eventuality would have to be approved by the FA Council.

The predicament draws parallels with that of neighbours Rye & Iden United, who were drawn at home to East Preston last season. They too were unable to use their home ground as it was in the hands of Rye Cricket Club and the game was switched to East Preston.

If Sidley were to get past Pagham in a match worth 500, the same problem would again present itself the following week when they would entertain Deal Town, who finished fourth-bottom of the Kent Premier League last season, in a 1,000 preliminary round tie.

Successive wins would earn Sidley a trip to Southern League Dartford or Ryman League Dorking in a 2,250 first qualifying round encounter on September 10.

United, meanwhile, have been handed a bye through first round qualifying in the FA Vase and a trip to Wessex Division Two club United Services Portsmouth awaits in second round qualifying on October 1.

Sidley's newly-formed under-18s side begin training on Wednesday. Players should either turn up opposite the Bexhill Angling Club at the foot of Galley Hill from 7pm or contact Geoff on 07787 810589.

THE last time Sidley were involved in the FA Cup was believed to be in the 1978/79 season when they were beaten 4-1 by Medway in the 1st qualifying round.