A last minute switch of venue due to a waterlogged Salts pitch saw Rye’s match versus 4th placed Bexhill Town played at The Bulverhythe recreational ground following a morning inspection on Saturday January 26.
And how Rye made it count, Sam Richardson broke the deadlock in the 9th minute with Kenny Butchers increasing the lead on 36 minutes. As half time approached Richardson bagged his second for a wonderful brace which gave Town a commanding 3-0 lead at the interval.
When play resumed Bexhill rallied and in a pulsating second half they pulled a goal back on the hour, before Alfie Weller restored the three goal cushion in the 72nd minute. Bexhill again demonstrated why they are in the fourth in the league and reduced the gap to two goals with 78 minutes played, 4-2.
However, this was to be Rye’s day, a 90th minute effort from birthday boy Sammy Foulkes completed an excellent performance and wrapped up a fine win, with a final scoreline of 5-2. Man of the match was Town’s skipper Sam ‘Teks’ Henham and what a treat for Town’s Manager Shane Ridgers who was also celebrating his 35th birthday.
Saturday February 3 Town travel to Crowhurst, playing at the Recreation ground TN33 9AS for a 2pm kick off. The match sponsor is Cinque Ports Sweep.
This is the first of three consecutive away games over the next 3 weeks, with the other two games versus Hawkhurst Utd in the league and Hollington in the Hastings FA Intermediate Cup Quarter Final respectively.
Photo: Micky Day