Following two disappointing results at the beginning of the month Rye Town bounced back with two terrific wins over a three day period, restoring their pride and reaching the final of the ESFL Premier Travel Challenge Cup.
It all started on Thursday April 12 at Little Common in an evening kick-off which saw Town beat AAC Bexhill in the Quarter Final. An opening goal from Adam Hurley in the 22nd minute set out Town’s stall and Sam Richardson followed up with a brace in the 23rd and 32nd minutes to give a commanding 3 – 0 lead at the half time break.
As expected, AAC Bexhill rallied and managed to reduce the deficit to a single goal in the 54th minute, however, it was not enough and Town progressed into the semi-final. The man of the match was Craig Pierce and the match was sponsored by Rope Walk Cafe.
On Saturday April 14 at the Gibbons ground, the unbeaten Hollington awaited Town for the fourth time this season after three successive victories, in the cup semi final.
In another tight and highly fought encounter, Town took a 70th minute lead by Rob Levett. However, the lead wasn’t to last and Hollington pegged Town back within five minutes. With the game at one a piece and with only five minutes remaining, Levett hit his second goal of the match, which was to be the decider, and see Rye through to the ESFL Premier League Travel Challenge Cup Final with a 2-1 win.
Chris Gould was Town’s man of the match and the match sponsors were B&S Felt Roofing.
The cup final will be against Northiam on St Georges Day, Monday April 23, kick-off at 7:30pm at the home of Hastings United, The Pilot Field, Hastings. The game sponsors are Tom Jebb Decorating Services.
Photo: Rye Town FC