Cole sinks former club

The left-midfielder scored the only goal of the Sussex County League Division One match at home to Hailsham Town which ended Rye’s four-game winless run.

After Dominic Clarke had headed over for Rye and Shane Saunders failed to get his shot away when through at the other end, Cole flashed a terrific strike past Russell Tanner at his near post in the 25th minute.

Clarke headed just wide from a Jack Dixon corner, but Hailsham squandered two good chances to equalise before the break. Jamie Salvidge nodded over and Tristan Jarvis was denied by Josh Pelling when through.

Neither side fashioned a genuine opportunity in the second period as Rye, who signed Andy Hales from Bexhill United earlier in the day and handed a debut to Kevin Rose, held on fairly comfortably.

Rye (4-4-2): Pelling; Radley, Rose (Gall 59), Richardson, Tuppenney; Upton (Woodley 79), Dixon, J. Watson, Cole; Leach (Martin 61), D. Clarke. Sub not used: Maclean.

Top seven (played-points): 1 Crawley Down 27-70, 2 Three Bridges 32-61, 3 Pagham 32-59, 4 Hassocks 34-59, 5 East Grinstead Town 29-57, 6 Peacehaven & Telscombe 31-55, 7 RYE UNITED 26-52.