PTFC battle to 3 points

Shaun Saunders had only intended to make one change from the side which narrowly lost at Rye on Saturday, and that was the inclusion Joe Adams in goal, making his first start in 2 months. Adams appeared from the changing rooms in a striking fluorescent kit - but that wasn't the only scare Saunders was to suffer before the game. He'd had word that Carl Dunk was severely delayed on the way to the ground, so Brad Murray was quickly promoted into his place with Dunk being named as a substitute. He was joined on the bench by Tom Levitt, returning from a lengthy injury, and Clive Snell, returning from Ringmer.

Peacehaven made their intentions clear from the start with crisp, fluent passing from the outset, and they were soon creating chances. First Harry Coker's perfect cross into the 6 yard box was well dealt with by the Sidley defence, and then a searching pass from Murray found O'Toole in the area and he controlled well before seeing his shot flash past the upright.
Haven were looking dangerous every time they won possession, and Brad Murray went inches away from his first goal for the Club before Sidley had their first chance of the game late into the half. Bryce Masters' low cross found Casey Ham in the area but his shot didn't trouble Adams.

In the final minute of the half came the first controversial moment of the game. The goal Peacehaven had been threatening to score finally arrived when Fenelon went on a startling run from his own half. He took the ball deep into the area before squaring to Ryan Bradley in the 6 yard box who seemingly fired Peacehaven into a valuable lead. As they started to celebrate, their attention was drawn to the linesman who'd raised his flag for offside, and the half ended goalless.

Peacehaven continued to push forward after the break, and they were nearly rewarded midway through the half when Matt Hill's corner triggered a scramble in the 6 yard box and the ball was eventually cleared off the line. Soon after came the second moment of controversy when Joe Adams' huge drop-kick cleared the away defence and Ryan Bradley and Josh Willis in the Sidley goal both converged on the loose ball. They both arrived at the same time, but Bradley received his 2nd yellow card for his efforts, and Peacehaven were down to 10 men.

Sidley pushed forward looking to press home their advantage but, despite having the odds against them, it was Peacehaven who were to break the deadlock. Substitute Carl Dunk combined with Rob O'Toole out wide, and Dunk's low shot crept under Willis to the relief of the home contingent.

With the clock ticking down, there was one more moment of controversy to round off the afternoon when Carl Dunk's fierce shot cannoned off the arm of the already-booked Dan Cruikshank, from point blank range, and he became the second player of the afternoon to take an early bath.

Shaun Saunders was full of praise for his side after the game saying, "It was all about character and belief today. Everyone's attitude was spot on, and it was a determined performance"