Grant: Sidley were the better side

Sidley forward Matt Darby tussles for possession with Bexhill defender Josh Elliott-Noye. Picture by Simon Newstead.

Bexhill United interim manager Nick Grant conceded his team was beaten by the better side on the day against Sidley United.

Sidley ran out 5-1 winners in a Hastings & District FA Senior Cup semi-final between the two clubs at Westfield FC yesterday (Tuesday) evening with Kenny Pogue scoring a hat-trick.

Grant said: “We conceded in the worst possible moments; the first five minutes, a minute before half time and straight after we scored. I don’t think you’re ever going to win a game of football like that.

“It was a struggle getting a side together and I can’t fault our players’ effort. They could’ve stayed in bed recovering from May Day, but they chose to fight for Bexhill and we were just beaten by a better side on the day.”

Sidley manager John Lambert said: “The pitch wasn’t conducive to playing decent football, but I thought at times we knocked it around quite well and we mixed it up when we had to.

“When Ken’s (Pogue) playing we’re a different side. We’ve always got a threat there and he’s got that ability to get away from someone, but I thought everyone played well.

“They nicked last year’s final right at the death and I didn’t think they really deserved it so it was nice to put that to bed and get a bit of revenge.”

Grant added that he won’t be seeking to run the side next season, saying “the club needs someone with more experience than myself”.