Rye Town travelled to Tilekiln pitch 3 for the second time already this season to play Rock a Nore in the FA Hastings Junior Cup.
Wanting to avenge the opening day 3-0 league defeat Town started positively from the whistle creating openings and opportunities whilst remaining solid defensively. The first gilt-edged chance missed for Rye was in the 15th minute, Richard Hibbs poking wide inside the six yard box after superb movement and passing from the back moving up the pitch.
A horrendous tackle on skipper Sam “Tekkers” Henham ended his afternoon, being replaced by Craig Pierce, three efforts from distance by Martin Brain should have tested the home goalkeeper but unfortunately for Rye his shots knocked numerous conkers out of the trees to the delight of the children watching the match.
Rye’s summer signing Sam Hesmer caused problems every time he had the ball at his feet but it was his head that gave Rye the lead on 35 minutes, heading high into the net, 1-0. Liam Sayer, working tirelessly sometimes isolated high up the pitch, pulled a half chance wide of the post before the half time whistle.
Bernie Walker at half time described the next goal as critical, if Rye score it was felt a win would be comfortable but if Rocks scored despite not testing Shane Ridgers in the away goal it definitely would be game on…
The second half continued in similar fashion as the first with Rye keeping the ball, having lots of possession yet lacking that decisive clinical streak in the final third. In most games of football each side have a period of play where they dominate, Rock a Nore took full advantage of theirs!! A wonder strike from their right back pulled them level, a strike from distance into the far corner of the net. Shortly after, the solid Sam Richardson misjudged a direct ball forward that fell kindly to the rapid Rock a Nore striker who, one on one with Ridgers, struck wide.
In this period of pressure Rye Town’s day was getting worse – an injury to Sam Hesmer forced him to be subbed. An incident missed by the referee involving a ball being thrown into the face of Brain actually ended up with Brain being booked for retaliation… The final blow was a spill from Rye goalkeeper that allowed Rock a Nore to take the lead with a ferocious shot into the roof of the net.
Chances for Rye still came. George Ball finding himself in acres of space missing the target from inside the box and a beautifully executed lob from Pierce beating the goalkeeper to hit the post and bounce clear.
Rye Town ended the game with 10 men following Brain’s sin bin.
Another week with a mirrored result. Great football, plenty of chances, unfortunately mistakes and not ruthless in front of goal – and defeat!!
Final score: Rock a Nore 2 – Rye Town 1
The Yew Tree Stone man of the match went to Martin Brain.
Rock a Nore vs Rye Town was sponsored by Mick Hovenden Upholstery
Rye Towb lineup
Ridgers, Gilchrest, Monk, Henham (Pierce), Richardson, Brain, Miltiadou, Hibbs, Hesmer (Davey), Ball, Sayer. Sub not used: Booth
Image Credits: Rye Town FC .