Rye’s big Vase date

The Quarterboys are away to Staveley Miners Welfare in the last 32 of the FA Vase on Saturday - the furthest Rye have ever progressed in the national competition.

Their manager Price said: “It’s definitely the biggest game the club’s ever had. It’s just got a special edge to it, it’s a national competition, we’re representing Sussex as well and you could get to play at Wembley on television (in the final).

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of them and I’m trying to keep their feet on the ground. I’m nervous to be fair so the players must be feeling it as well, but they’ve got to go out and enjoy themselves. The pressure’s on me, not them.”

Rye have won five matches just to reach round four, including knocking out the then third favourites Chalfont St Peter away from home in a second round replay and Sussex County League leaders Three Bridges despite playing 85 minutes with 10 men in round three.

The squad will set off for Chesterfield on Friday afternoon and stay in the area overnight, most of them for the weekend in fact, while a coach load of supporters will make the journey up the M1 tomorrow morning.

The full article and FA Vase preview special will appear in Friday’s Rye Observer.

SATURDAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (3PM UNLESS STATED)

Ryman League, Premier Division: Margate v HASTINGS UNITED.

FA Vase, 4th round: Staveley Miners Welfare v RYE UNITED.

Sussex County League, Division 1: SIDLEY UNITED v Selsey.

Division 2: BEXHILL UNITED v Worthing United; East Preston v WESTFIELD; LITTLE COMMON v Mile Oak 2pm.