Rye Town has two adult football sides participating in the East Sussex Football League, the first team in the premier division whilst the reserve team (newly-formed this current season) is in division three.
Shane Ridgers, first team manager, gave this overview: “Across the two sides we have three playing kits all sponsored by local companies, Rush Witt and Wilson, Rock Channel Marine and Parker Building Supplies. All support is welcomed at our games, home or away and full match details are posted on our social media accounts so do come and support your local teams.
“After every game we ask spectators, the referee and the opposing team to nominate a player of the match. Each vote is counted and the award is given. We are lucky to have this sponsored by Playden Oasts and Buzz Maintenance. These local sponsors make it all possible and help with so many aspects of the club. It motivates the players to know there is the possibility of such an award.
“Our home ground is located at Rye Rugby Club where both the rugby and football teams work alongside each other to support local sports. The ground is maintained by local Brian Clifton of Rye Gardening Services with Rye Town having arguably the best pitch within the league.
“Saying ‘thank you’ is such a small way of acknowledging our secretary’s commitment to the club but Charmain Ridgers is the driving force that keeps us focussed and moving forward. She does so much and we all thank her for her support and encouragement.”
What are the objectives of the first team?
“Our aim was to finish in the top three places within the division and have a decent cup run and we are most definitely on target to achieve this. At the end of February we are currently 4th but have up to five games in hand on the teams above us: winning these games will take us six points clear at the top of the league. We are also in two semi-finals in March.”
Kieran Monk, reserve team manager summed up the objectives for the reserve team: “The objective for the newly-formed reserve side was to challenge for promotion out of the division and to give young players an introduction into adult football. At the end of February we are currently 3rd also with some games in hand, which is superb. The side has introduced no fewer than eight 16-18 year olds into the club and into adult football.”
The match results for the first team in February:
4th Feb 1-0 win vs Bexhill Town
11th Feb 2-1 win vs Sidley United
18th Feb 0-0 draw vs Crowhurst
25th Feb 3-0 win vs Robertsbridge
Man of the Match Milton Miltiadou
February reserve team results
4th Feb 4-0 win vs Parkfield
11th Feb 2-3 lost vs Crowhurst Reserves
18th Feb 3-3 draw vs Hastings Comets
25th Feb 4-2 win vs Westfield Thirds
Man of the Match Ollie Barrow
Upcoming fixtures for the first team
4th March 2-0 win vs St Leonards Social
11th March vs Sidley United Premier Division 2pm kick off at home Rye Rugby Club
18th March vs Hooe Macron Cup Semi Final 1:30pm kick off at home Rye Rugby Club
25th March vs Crowhurst Premier Travel Cup Semi Final 3:30pm kick off away at Bexhill College
Upcoming fixtures for the reserve Team
11th March vs Mountfield Division Three 2pm Kick Off away at Mountfield
18th March vs Orington Division Three 2pm Kick Off away at Orington
Image Credits: Rye Town FC .