Subs: 12 R Martin (on for N Russell 55mins), 14 D Cole (on for B Ridgeway 80mins), 15 M Chapman (on for D McArthur 55mins), 16 L Harman, 17 J Saunders
Yellow: B Radley, S Loft, D Ellis
Red: None
Goals: N Russell 11mins, D Clarke 14mins, B Ridgeway 17mins, D Ellis 90+3
Final Score: 4-2
.......................................
Rye United Win

Rye U 4 - 2 Midhurst & E

Rye were expecting a hatfull today as Midhurst had only scored a handful in
the league this season but had conceded 38. Leach off due to flu meant
Lofty was up front with the recovering Dom Clarke. However it was Midhurst
who from a FK in their own half won a corner in the 4th min which fortunately
went straight out for a goal Kick. A few moments later and Rye got into
their stride with a trademark Dom Clarke header from McArthurs cross. Gardner
being called to jump into action first to gather at a Midhurst strikers feet
at the edge of the area only for another identical move and gather one
minute later.

Ryes then hit the net 3 times in a 10 minute period of dominating play all
provided by McArthur. First goal on 11 mins came from a McArtur FK swung
onto the head of dual signed Russell. Ryes second was a corner that Russell
this time headed across the goal and Clarke diverted it in. Number three
came from another corner and Ben Ridgway got his first goal for Rye since
joining recently from Westfield.

Midhurst on 24 mins managed to round Gardner but the shot was blocked by a
defender and out for a corner . Lofty 2 minutes later at the other end saw
an effort with his left foot go narrowly past the post.

Luke Woodley then made a defensive tackle that saw the ball go to gardner
but had Midhurst players screaming for a penalty. Midhurst followed up with
another shot on target but this was easily caught by Gardner down low.
Mcarthur let fly with a fire cracker that was wide but it was Ellis seconds
before the whistle who hit one over the bar when as a result of good running
found himself clean through. So half time Rye were 3-0 up and looking very
good value for the entrance fee.

Second half and Rye started where they left off with Ellis twisting and
turning to draw afoul one yard from the line in reach of the corner flag.
McArthurs kick had too much swing and curled past the goal and out . A few
moments later and Rye had the play of the game with 8 or 9 consecutive
passes with a dummy by Lofty leaving the ball for McArthur to shoot. One
minute after that Luke Woodley hit across that Clarke headed wide but
encouragingly there was Ellis and Radley sniffing about in the area as well.
Ellis who was having another great match swept a curling shot just under the
bar but the keeper managed to tip over. McArthur replaced by Max Chapman and
N Russell replaced by R Martin.

On 55 mins Rye were on the attack again Ellis’s shot was repelled only for
Lofty to thump a header against the bar from 2 yrds out. That could have
proved costly as Midhurst scored in the 57 minute when a FK was parried out
by Gardner but not out of danger and a Midhurst boot infront of goal.
Midhurst enjoyed that so had another go when from good passing play scored
on 60 minutes

The next 20 minutes saw Midhurst increase their tenacity but Rye still
created chances with Clarke headers. Midhurst should have drawn level when
they took a short FK and the ball was bundled against the post. Luke Wodley
still providing crosses for Clarke and Ellis stung the keepers hands. B
Ridgwayr replaced by D Cole.

Tuppenny said to his team mates that Midhurst were still working and we’ve
stopped as they watched a Midhurst head nod one just over the bar. However
it was Ellis who had the last word when after several solo runs in this half
he managed to get to the byline and then turn back across goal and slammed
home from 5 yards.

To summarise Rye were cruising in this game until on 70 minutes the team was
changed about. However Rye still created the chances to score and can take
comfort from the fact that they were in control for almost the whole of the
first half. Second half Midhurst came out stronger until Rye wore them down
with quality plays. Both teams had 8 shots in the second half.

Shots Rye - 15

Midhurst - 10

Cards Yellow Loft, Ellis, Radley