Rye managed to leap frog over their local rivals to almost the summit of the
table in this midweek clash on a freezing cold night.

It took 2 mins for Rye to pull the trigger but Ellis's shot was easily dealt
with followed almost straight away by a shot from distance by sidley low to
gardners right. Sidley caught offside from a well directed pass, however
minutes later Sidley had a good chance when allowed a FK square in front of
goal about 5 yds from the area. The ball struck the wall on the first
attempt and the rebound hit the wall again.

The next 10 mins saw both teams testing the defences with an exchange of Fks
and corners. The best chances this early on were one from each side. An inch
perfect cross from Cole onto leach's boot but he volleyed over from close
in, followed by a shot by Mcminigal from a pass by Barden that Ryes Gardner
saved with his legs. The match was pretty even so far with Rye just edging
possession and Sidley gaining territory mainly from Fks. Ginge shot over
after good build up play and Sidley Rose picked up a yellow card as Rye
started to grab hold on the game.

Just on the half hour and McArthur who had taken 2 tame Fks did a piece of
magic but his turn and shot went straight to Killick in goal. McArthur was
setting his sights and a FK this time made Killick work to catch off Clarkes
head under pressure. Ryes Leach caught off side followed by 2 in quick
succession by Sidley.

Deadlock broken on 37 mins when Sam Cole cut inside from the left after
patient build up play and instead of passing unleashed a shot from distance
that went under Killick. Rye then swon a FK when McArthur was brought down
on the edge of the D plumb in front of goal. McArthur stepped up to take the
FK and the keeper had no chance when his shot curled into the top right
corner.

Rye could have made the score line higher except for brave defending by
Spicer to deny another FK from almost the same position as the previous
scoring FK. Also Leach called back for Off Side when he looked to be clean
through, a very tight decision.


Second half and Sidley started well they had an early shot after Rye wanting
to keep possession very deep instead of clearing out lost out from perssure
by McMinigal. Sidley had a couple shots at goal one Gardner made a good save
from. Rye soon got back into their stride and for some time it was end to
end stuff. Rye took off Radley for Loft and Ellis off for Luke Woodley.
Gardner had to make a double save once from Agutter and the follow up from
Pogue. Irish who left Rye 6 months ago was handed a red card for an ugly
challenge on Ginge.

Luke Woodley began some good moves but it was McArthur who sealed victory
when he was adjudged to have been brought down inside the area wide left by
another ex player Chris Rea. On 82 mins McArthur scored the penalty sending
the keeper the wrong way.

It was to be the last piece of real action other than the protests from
Sidley over the penalty decision resulting in the ref carding another red
and a few yellows. Rye had won the game before the penalty was awarded and
Rye came away with another clean sheet and only a few yellows. Ginge and
Ramsey were solid at the back and the forwards worked very
hard. Some fine saves by Gardner was the icing on the cake.

Shots Rye 8

Sidley 11

Cards Rye Yellows 3

Sidley Reds 2, Yellows 5