Five-star Rye sink Shoreham

Matt Maclean bagged a hat-trick as Rye United won 5-1 at home to Shoreham last night (Tuesday).
Matt Maclean scored a hat-trick for Rye United against Shoreham. Picture by Terry S. BlackmanMatt Maclean scored a hat-trick for Rye United against Shoreham. Picture by Terry S. Blackman
Matt Maclean scored a hat-trick for Rye United against Shoreham. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

The freescoring attacking midfielder set the ball rolling inside a minute by stabbing the ball home from close range following an Anthony Storey corner. Rye could have had four in the first dozen minutes, but Shoreham equalised through Owen Callaghan after a quarter-of-an-hour.

They weren’t on level terms for long, however, because Andy Atkin restored Rye’s advantage with a clinical finish in the 18th minute and Maclean added their third barely 60 seconds later after the Shoreham goalkeeper parried Sean Kelly’s header onto him.

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Shoreham hit the post later in the first half, but Maclean put the outcome beyond doubt with his third and Rye’s fourth in the 66th minute after Atkin had got the better of the goalkeeper. Ollie Lockyer completed the scoring with a cracking strike from five yards outside the box six minutes later.

Elsewhere, Sidley United were edged out 1-0 at home to high-riding East Preston. Joe Shelley scored the only goal during the first half to leave Sidley just one point and two places above the three relegation positions. See Friday’s Observers for full reports on both matches.

Hastings United’s visit from Harrow Borough in the Ryman League Premier Division was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and two of their relegation rivals picked up valuable points.

Lewes ended their barren run with a 2-1 victory at home to bottom club Carshalton Athletic, while Cray Wanderers drew 1-1 at home to Canvey Island. United remain in the second and final relegation place - two points behind Thurrock having played an extra game. Thurrock’s match was also called-off.

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Sussex Division One standings (played-points): 1 Redhill 29-62, 2 Ringmer 34-61, 3 Peacehaven & Telscombe 27-59, 4 Pagham 29-59, 5 East Preston 26-58, 6 Hassocks 34-57, 7 RYE UNITED 26-53, 8 East Grinstead Town 31-53, 9 St Francis Rangers 31-50, 10 Lingfield 29-48, 11 Lancing 30-45, 12 Hailsham Town 27-40, 13 Horsham YMCA 29-39, 14 Arundel 29-38, 15 Crowborough Athletic 31-38, 16 Selsey 31-37, 17 Dorking Wanderers 33-30, 18 SIDLEY UNITED 29-28, 19 Chichester City 32-28, 20 Shoreham 30-27, 21 AFC Uckfield 29-12, 22 Worthing United 30-8.