Subs: 12 R Saunders, 14 L Ridgeway, A McCann (on for M Abdullahi 84mins), 16 N Godden (on for R Martin 72mins), J Saunders
Yellow: B Radley
Red: D McArthur
Goals: Rye United None - Hastings Carey (pen) 60mins, Philips (pen) 78mins
Final score: 2-0
Hastings United Win
Attendence: 170

Hastings U 2 - 0 Rye U

On a cold and frosty evening we were wondering if this game would be
cancelled for a third time, however The ref Mr Croft decided that the game
would be played. The air temp and ground temp both well below zero.

The game started lively and Rye actually had the first attack on 4 mins when
L Woodley sent an inviting cross over but he lacked support. However it was
Hastings who nearly scored when indecision in the Rye defence allowed a ball
to bounce, Hastings shooting wide with Gardner a spectator.

Hastings got behind the Rye defence but the ball was cut out and set up an
attack at the other end. Rye were unable to tame the ball which they over
hit on the hard surface. Hastings pressured Ryes left side as the ball was
surrended here on several occasions and on 14 mins Hastings had another shot
go wide that should have been buried.

!5 mins and Rye started to pass the ball better. McArthur cushioning the
ball on his shoulder and firing a shot that went out for a corner. 2 mins
later and Lee Carey had a good chance to score when his FK just outside the
penalty area went over the bar.

Sam Cole went on a run down the left but his heavy last touch pushed the
ball out for a GK.

Rye had 2 attacks ruled out for off side both were incorrect and frustrated
the Rye players especially as Rye attacks were very few. 24 mins and a T
Olorunda header wide was quickly followed by a cross cleared off the line by
Radley. A Hastings header was tipped against the bar by gardner.

Hastings still pressed and Rye dug deep and Leach nearly put Rye ahead when
his lob went wide. The half ended with Hastings having their shouts for a
penalty denied as Luke Woodley clattered into Elliott.

The second half saw Hastings straight on the attack with a header going wide
again followed by a shot from Rye from distance. Hastings then struck tamely
into Gardners hands after rounding the defence. McArthur sent Nessling
sprawling from 30 yards out.

Hastings then got a penalty when a sustained barrage on the Rye goal ended
in a Gall handball although it was only the ref that saw it. On 60 mins
Carey put the ball away.

Five mins later and Mo Abdulahi hit high and wide after a period of
sustained Rye pressure. Godden replaced Martin for Rye who then had a
penalty decision go against him. T Olorunda fell over on the ice and the
unfortunate Godden was blamed and received a yellow card. Olorunda after the
game admitted that there had been no contact. Nevertheless Phillips on 78
mins sloted the ball home via Gardners hand. The game was effectively over
and with players slipping over and having trouble staying on their feet
Hastings fans prayed the game would not be ended prematurely.

Abdulahi was replaced by McCann. A frustrated McArthur was shown a second
yellow on 85 mins after retaliating to constant fouling by Hastings players.
A cold night that brought Rye no xmas cheer but Hastings will have to get
their shooting boots on as they were gifted 2 easiy chances to score from
the spot and couldnt do it in open play.

Shots Hastings - 10

Rye - 4

Cards yellow Hastings 1

Rye Radley, Godden

Red Rye McArthur