Rye suffer first home defeat

Gregg Berry headed against the crossbar during Rye United's 2-0 loss at home to Chichester City. Picture by Simon Newstead

Rye conceded a poor goal in either half as they slumped to a 2-0 reverse against Chichester City. It was their first Sussex County Football League Division One loss anywhere since the opening week of the campaign.

Chichester drew first blood in the 21st minute. A routine long ball forward was missed by Ryan Alexander, putting Joe Gromett through on goal. Gromett appeared to have taken too long, but Rye goalkeeper Yarni Camara hesitated and the striker poked the ball past him.

Rye sought to take the game to their opponents after half time, but struggled to break down a well organised Chichester side and became incresingly frustrated as the game wore on.

The closest Rye came was five minutes into the half when Berry struck the crossbar with a close range header at the near post from Lockyer’s right wing corner.

Evan Archibald headed Storey’s left wing cross wide at the far post moments after coming off the substitutes’ bench.

Rye’s fate was effectively sealed by a second Chichester goal in the 72nd minute. Connor Cody was left completely unmarked at the far post to head home Fraser Smith’s left wing corner.

Although Ben Billings had a shot well saved following a scramble, Rye never looked like getting back into it and Chichester celebrated a thoroughly deserved second league victory of the season.

Rye: Camara, Radley, Billings, Alexander, Cooper, Lockyer (Archibald 60), Storey, Strevett, Berry (Hales 78), Atkin, Upton. Subs not used: Cruttenden, Masters, Cooper.