Mac: Blame me for defeat

McCreadie said: 'I sat on the bench and said nothing because I keep getting in trouble with officials.

'I was a good boy and never criticised anything, never motivated my players.

'It was the worst game I have had in my life, I'm a passionate guy and shouting at my players keeps them on their toes.

'It was the flattest game I've ever seen, the place was like a morgue and Wick deserved to win, I take full responsibility. I'll be back to normal for Saturday's game at home to Worthing United.

'But we're doing okay and are still there despite not having a big budget.

'I've got lots of injuries and have just heard Nick Whiteman is going to Sidley, but at least the reserve and youth team players are getting a chance.'

Lowly Wick gave Hailsham the runaround at times but Stuart Lewis was unlucky to see his effort headed off the line.

Wick went ahead on 27 minutes when a Lee Howard free-kick beat goalkeeper Russell Tanner, but Hailsham were level two minutes later thanks to Simon Stevens's cracking shot.

Wick went ahead just before the break when Adam Burton was too quick for the Stringers's defence and headed home.

The visitors got a third on 63 minutes when Danny Gurd raced though and fired in as the Hailsham defence appealed vainly for offside.

Town were then most unfortunate when Rory Newby fired in a 35-yarder but referee David Spain disallowed it for offside.

Hailsham: Tanner, Hunt (Done), Early, S Lewis, Spencer, P Richardson, Skan (Newby), S Stevens, Cooper, M Richardson, Scamardella (Whiteman).

Division Two Cup 1st Round

Saltdean 2 Wealden 3

SALTDEAN boss Mark Smeaton takes some positives from this cup elimination even though his side lost a two-goal lead.

Smeaton said: 'I was disappointed with the defeat but they are top of the league and running away with it so there is hope.

'Over the first team and reserves I've got 12 injured while Craig Bunch and Dave and Pepe Martin were all suspended, and we were also fielding a very young side.

'To cap it all the player I brought in to add experience, Damien Dobbyn, has a long-term injury.

'I've made a seven-day approach for Leo Day at Three Bridges. He is going back to Burgess Hill eventually but said I can use him in the meantime.

'We were all over them in the first half and should have been 3-0 up at the break as Mark Saxby put a great chance over from six yards though in fairness to him it did bobble.

'And we had a goal disallowed in the second half when Saxby headed in. That was ridiculous as the player given offside was standing over by the linesman.

'Their first goal was definitely offside and that started their revival.'

Pole Michael Pietzak opened the scoring for Saltdean on 19 minutes when he met a cross from youth team player Harry Coaker and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Smeaton said: 'Michael works on a Saturday and doesn't finish until 2pm so I can't use him for away games which is a shame.'