Peacehaven’s frustrating start to the season continued on Tuesday night. Again they dominated the match, but again they failed to provide a serious goal threat, and remain pointless and goalless after their first three league matches.

After collecting a morale boosting FA Cup win at the weekend Peacehaven had hoped to push on against a side tipped by many to make a swift return to Division Two. Yet despite having the vast majority of the play they never looked likely to make a breakthrough.

With Craig Bunch, Ashley Rees and Carl Dunk all injured, Peacehaven are badly missing a physical presence up front, and it is that which is blunting most of their attacking edge. Clive Snell made a return to the starting line up following a brief sojourn at Bognor, but Lee Newman and Aaron MacMillan were both ruled out.

Peacehaven dominated early on, and should have taken an early lead when Craig Hall played in Tom Levitt, but his first time shot was tipped wide. Scott Marshall blasted wide from the edge of the box shortly afterwards, as the home side’s pressure increased, but then they pressed the self destruct button.

Possession was squandered high up the pitch and a quick breakaway culminated in Danny Woodley going to ground from Adam Kneller's tackle. From the penalty spot Kevin Rose put Sidley in front. It was a carbon copy of the incident which decided last weeks match against Shoreham, and exactly the kind of mistake you cannot afford if you are struggling for goals.

Peacehaven started the second half looking for a quick response, but were instead hit with a sucker punch. Again they over elaborated in attack, allowing Sidley to counter attack at speed. With Aaron Gunn stranded upfield no one had tracked the run of Paddy Cody, and he slid in to double his side’s lead.

That was a killer blow for Peacehaven, who despite dominating the rest of the game never looked like turning things around. Their night was summed up in injury time as Levitt somehow contrived to clear the bar from point blank range.They now face a rejuvenated Crowborough knowing that they badly need to get some points on the board.

Report by Alex Panton

Peacehaven:- Adams, Hall, Hill, Kneller, Cullinane (Clarke 68), Gunn, Snell, O’Toole (Gilmour 90), Levitt, B Dartnell (Facer 68)

Unused Subs:- Rees, Heyburn.  (Rees injured in warm-up)

Sidley United:- Bourne, Whiteman, Rea, Spice, Cruikshank, Kelly, Cody, Whyebourne, Rose, Woodley, McMingal.

Subs:- McEnery, Elliot, Grinhole, Miles, Hertitaze.