Rye ease through in FA Vase

The Quarterboys celebrated an ultimately comfortable 3-0 win at home to Cove in the second round proper yesterday (Saturday) to book their place in tomorrow’s draw.

It was pretty much a stalemate until Rye broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Ben Billings delivered an inviting cross from the left and Andy Atkin scored with a firm header which the goalkeeper got a hand to diving to his left but couldn’t prevent from nestling in the corner of the net.

Rye were probably just about worth their half time lead having had the bulk of the few chances created. Cove made a bright start to the second half, but Rye doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Nathan Russell’s shot following an Anthony Storey corner deflected in off an away defender.

The hosts were in full command thereafter and Russell added a third goal in the 70th minute with a thumping close range header from Storey’s left wing free kick. Central defender Russell was only denied another by a goal-line clearance seven minutes later.

Rye are one of three Sussex sides still in the prestigious national knockout competition along with Division One leaders East Preston and Division Two top dogs Eastbourne United AFC. See Friday’s Rye Observer for a full report and pictures.

Rye: Nessling, Cooper, Hales, Richardson, Russell, O’Callaghan, Storey, Strevett, Upton (Gould 82), Atkin (Archibald 75), Billings. Subs not used: Lockyer, Camara.