Chichester's challenge goes awry at Rye

Rye extended their unbeaten run to 13 games by giving Chichester a sound 5-0 thumping at The Salts - before City gained a perhaps-fortunate point at home to Lancing.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Apr 2013, 11:56 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:55 BST
City put the Lancing defence under pressure in the 0-0 draw at Oaklands Park Picture by Chris HattonCity put the Lancing defence under pressure in the 0-0 draw at Oaklands Park Picture by Chris Hatton
City put the Lancing defence under pressure in the 0-0 draw at Oaklands Park Picture by Chris Hatton

The Rye pitch has suffered more than most others this season and, despite being in a poor and bumpy condition, apparently it was the best it’s been since the start of winter for this final fixture.

City played against the breeze in the first half, and had a good opportunity to score on 13 minutes when Oliver Brookes played the ball to Aran McCarthy, who set up Ken Hagan for a well-struck shot that was saved by the home keeper.

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A few minutes later there was a let-off for Chichester when keeper Matt Dann’s clearance struck an opponent and the ball rebounded towards an open goal but went just wide of the post.

On 19 minutes Rye broke the deadlock after a corner wasn’t effectively cleared and a lobbed return ball into the goalmouth bounced perfectly for Olly Lockyer to volley home powerfully from six yards.

There was more panic on 28 minutes when Dan Smith was forced to clear the ball off the goal-line before Chichester had an equal share of possession for a spell.

But then Rye’s Alex Sarkiss hit a wind-assisted lob from 35 yards that deceived Dann and flew into the top corner to make it 2-0.

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Shortly before the interval Brookes struck for City but the linesman waved him offside.

In the second half, City resorted to long-ball tactics in an attempt to get back into contention.

However, Matt MacLean claimed Rye’s third with a free header from a corner on 57 minutes, and from then on it was all one-way traffic with Dominic Clarke adding two further goals for the hosts, both in similar style to MacLean’s earlier effort.

CITY: Dann, Heath, D Smith, Tribe, Hibbert, Brookes, Hagan, Blatchford, McCarthy, Watts, Forry. Sub: M Smith.

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CHICHESTER can count themselves fortunate after obtaining a point against Lancing on Tuesday night.

The City forwards never seriously threatened the opposing goal throughout the contest.

Lancing went perilously close to scoring on two occasions. On 54 minutes Darren Boswell was denied by home keeper Dan Roberts, who made a superb double-save, and six minutes later Adam Hunt cracked a fierce shot that hit the bar.

CITY: Roberts, Heath, Northeast, Hagan, Tribe, Hibbert, Walters (debut), Brookes, Goodge, McCarthy, Watts. Sub: Groom.

* Chichester visit AFC Uckfield on Saturday.

CHESTER BROWTON

Related topics:RyeLancing