There was plenty of local pride at stake and an above-average crowd of 91 filed into Selsey Road Rec to see Sidlesham carry on where they had left off on Boxing Day, when they won 4-0 at Rotherfield.

The home team outplayed Midhurst from the word go and the visitors were reduced to ten men just 12 minutes in when ex-Sidlesham player Paul Grantham saw red for swearing at the officials.

By then, Sidlesham had already got the ball in the net, but Joe Briggs' header was ruled offside.

It was no surprise when Sidlesham took the lead in the 32nd minute as Bradley Miles took a pass from player-boss Andy Probee and curled a lovely shot which was deflected in off defender Gary Norgate's head.

Three minutes later, Briggs skinned Jamie Buitenhuis down the left, crossed for Miles, and when his shot cannoned back off the bar, Chris Priest volleyed it in.

Midhurst had two other players booked as they struggled to stay in the game but Sidlesham were unable to add to their tally.

Priest blasted one easy chance well wide, Leon Barnett saw a cross-shot whistle just wide and Jordan Willis saw one good opportunities saved and another miss the target.

Probee was delighted, saying: "It was convincing and Midhurst were chasing shadows at times.

"Our good work started with the defence, and it was a bonus that we kept a clean sheet.

"Tom Foster is in great form at the moment, commanding the back line.
"Now we're only three points behind Midhurst and are aiming to end the season above them."

On Saturday, Midhurst shipped eight at Mile Oak.

A strong wind and sleet made conditions difficult and the match was preceded by a minute's silence for ex-Midhurst player Stuart Groves, who has died after a long illness.

Mile Oak had the wind behind them and soon had a penalty when Chris May was adjudged to have fouled Kieran Howard, but Howard blasted the kick over.

Tony Burnett put Mile Oak ahead on 20 minutes with a deflected effort but Midhurst levelled seven minutes later as Tony Stephens set up Gary Norgate.

Burnett restored the lead and Danny Curd made it 3-1 before half-time.

After the break, Midhurst were unable to use the wind to their advantage and goals from Curd and Titus Patterson made it 5-1.

Norgate's 11th of the season reduced arrears but Patterson, Burnett and Paul Eaton added insult to injury for Midhurst with further goals.

* Sidlesham end the season with four away games and visit Peacehaven on Saturday.

Midhurst host Wealden in a 2pm kick-off at Rotherfield.