Leaders keen to stay unbeaten

The Sussex County Football League Division One leaders will travel to St Francis Rangers on Saturday and Peacehaven & Telscombe on Monday.

Rye manager Scott Price said: “It’s nice not playing catch-up like we have been (last season). Eight points out of 12 away from home isn’t bad and if we can make it 11 out of 15, you’ve got to be happy with that.”

Price admitted he hadn’t been happy with Rye’s form until the very good 2-1 win at East Grinstead Town on Tuesday night. The Quarterboys had won one and drawn two of their three matches prior to that.

Nathan Russell is doubtful with a dead leg, while Allan McMinigal may be out for another couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. Luke Woodley is expected to return.

John Lambert, meanwhile, has urged his Sidley United players to improve their final ball as they seek a swift response to their disappointing FA Cup exit in midweek.

Sidley manager Lambert said: “We’ve played well in all four games (so far this season) and we’ve had so many good moves. We’re getting in great positions, but the final ball in is woeful really.”

The Blues will travel to Dorking Wanderers in round one of the Sussex RUR Charity Cup on Saturday before heading to Ringmer in Sussex Division One on Monday.

Lewis Hole will possibly miss both games with a tweaked ankle ligament, but Danny Spice is expected to play despite splitting his eye. Kevin Bird is back from holiday and Dan Cruikshank is due to return on Sunday.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Bexhill United are away to AFC Uckfield in round one of the Sussex RUR Charity Cup, while in Division Two, Little Common will host Rustington and Westfield will entertain Littlehampton Town. All of Saturday’s matches will kick-off at 3pm.

See tomorrow’s Observers for full previews on each club.