Derby wins for Rye & Common

Dominic Clarke came back to haunt former club Sidley United by scoring Rye United's second goal this morning

Rye won 2-1 away to Sidley United in Sussex County Football League Division One, while Common triumphed 4-1 at home to Bexhill United in Sussex County League Division Two.

Rye did the damage with two goals in the first 19 minutes. Andy Atkin, playing at centre-half, gave them a seventh minute lead from the penalty spot after Greg Nessling fouled Matt Maclean and Dominic Clarke doubled their advantage by turning home Olly Lockyer’s low cross.

At that stage things ominous for a Sidley side which had won its previous three matches, but the Blues gave a good account of themselves thereafter and pulled one back out of nothing through Gregg Berry in the 28th minute.

The second half failed to produce a goal, although Dan Cruikshank produced a brilliant piece of defending to prevent Reece Johnson extending Rye’s lead before shooting over the crossbar at the other end from close range. Rye are now unbeaten in seven under joint managers Marc Gall and Anthony Storey.

Common, meanwhile, continued their push for a top three finish by exacting revenge over Bexhill for their 2-1 defeat at The Polegrove on Boxing Day. Chris Cumming-Bart gave Common a 15th minute lead with a header from Russell Eldridge’s corner.

Lewis Parsons got Bexhill back on level terms 20 minutes later only for Lewis Hole to put Common back in front on 40 minutes. Adam Smith made it 3-1 just after the hour and Eldridge completed the scoring with a deflected shot from 20 yards in the 79th minute.

Also in Division Two, Westfield went down 5-3 in an exciting game at home to third-placed Eastbourne United AFC. Gordon Cuddington put Westfield ahead with a long range strike after 10 minutes and Mike Booth doubled their advantage not long afterwards.

Westfield then had goalkeeper Carl Morris sent-off and Liam Baitup scored the resulting penalty past Bradley Owens, who took over the gloves. Baitup converted another spot-kick in the second half to make it 2-2 and Jack Divall put United ahead.

Jack McLean made it 4-2 to the visitors before Cuddington pulled one back for Westfield after 85 minutes. Divall sealed Eastbourne’s win with a late fifth. See Friday’s Observers for full reports and reaction to all these games.

Hastings United, meanwhile, continue their battle for Ryman Football League Premier Division survival at home to leaders Whitehawk this afternoon. Kick-off at The Pilot Field is 3pm and you can get match updates by following @SimonNewstead on Twitter.