Rye Town travelled to bottom-placed Crowhurst Saturday May 12 with the knowledge that a win of any sorts would be highly likely to secure the club a third-place finish on their return to the East Sussex Premier League.
However, the Crows had other ideas and shocked the visitors with an opener in the 16th minute. This galvanised Town into action and within two minutes Adam Hurley had fired Town level.
A red card handed out to Town’s Joe Fraser in the 26th minute was to test their character and desire and it was there to be seen as the 10 men went in front with a goal from Kenny Butchers which gave Town a 2-1 lead in the 31st minute.
Crowhurst inspired by the dismissal scored in the 34th minute and drew the teams level, which meant two apiece at the half-time interval.
As the second half began, Town tried in vain to find a winner, but it wasn’t to be their day and in the 56th minute the Crows took advantage of their extra man and struck again which left a final score of 3-2, meaning Town had to be content with a fourth place finish.
Town’s man of the match was Martin Brain and the game sponsor was Cinque Ports Sweep.
Sidley United held on to third place only two points in front of Town, with Battle Baptists finishing second and the unbeaten Hollington United taking the honours and Championship trophy.
Rye Town did itself proud this season with a top end finish in the League and winning the Premier Travel Challenge Cup. The team had fantastic support from the locals and hopefully this will continue and grow next season as it looks to build on the past year’s success and establish itself as an excellent football club in our county.
Photo: Micky Day