Back-to-form Rye stun Hillians

Sussex County Football League Division One high-flyers Rye shocked a Burgess Hill side lying sixth in Ryman Division One South thanks to goals from Sam Crabb, Anthony Storey, Andy Atkin and Sam Adams.

Rye drew first blood in this Sussex Senior Cup second round tie when Crabb cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the far corner.

One became two as a corner came out to Storey, who dummied a defender before unleashing a left-foot shot which took a slight deflection on its way into the net.

The Hillians pulled one back almost immediately as a cross went in off the knee of Rye defender Jack Hope, but Rye restored their two-goal cushion just before the break when Atkin headed in a terrific cross by Matt Maclean.

Rye were comfortable during the second period and after the home side had a player sent-off for a two-footed tackle, Maclean was scythed down for a penalty which Adams, playing at right-back, converted to seal the win.

With the vast majority of the second round ties scheduled for next week, the third round draw has yet to be made but Rye could find themselves up against one of the county’s big guns in the last 16.

See Friday’s Rye Observer for a full report and reaction.

A Sidley United XI, meanwhile, will contest a friendly away to Seaford Town tonight (Wednesday). Just four players who started Saturday’s 2-0 win against Dorking Wanderers are in the squad, providing others with a chance to catch the eye of manager John Lambert.