Sidley gunning for FA Cup glory

The preliminary round clash promises to be a real cracker because both Sussex Division One teams will fancy their chances of progressing and picking up a tidy 1,000 in the process.

Joint manager Andy Laskey said: "Hopefully as it's on a Sunday and it's our first home game of the season we should get a bumper crowd."

If either team needs an added incentive, the draw for the next round should provide it because the winners will be at home to either Hamble ASSC or East Grinstead Town in the first qualifying round.

Laskey went on: "The match against Worthing is huge. It's the money involved which is very important for the club because we're still without a main sponsor for the season, it's the prestige of possibly going further than we've gone before and it's the added bonus of another home tie."

Although Sidley did play one FA Cup tie at Gullivers last season, the ground has rarely been graced by the world's most famous knockout competition. This might have something to do with the fact that until last year they hadn't taken part since the 1978-79 campaign when Admiral kits and shaggy perms plagued the local soccer scene.

Sidley should be at full strength because Lee Wood and Nick Whiteman are expected to recover from back injuries, while it's hoped Graham Morris will be back to his best after suffering from jetlag following his return from the USA. Owen Ball and Dave Ward could also come into contention.

The tie could also mark the final match of supremely-talented forward Shae Spreafico who is due to return to Liverpool. Sidley had hoped to offset his impending departure by signing Scott McDonald from Eastbourne United Association, but neighbours Bexhill United have managed to acquire his sought-after signature.

Kick-off on Sunday is 3pm. Any reply would take place on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm, which would take precedent over the scheduled Sussex Senior Cup first round tie at Hailsham Town.