Friday afternoon January 12 and despite a week of continuous downpour The Salts pitch is given the go ahead for Saturdays game of the season. The scene was set, league leaders Battle Baptists were the visitors and Rye Town FC awaited them with the confidence of their season’s unbeaten run and the boost of two new signings Chip Winton and Ben Bull.
The stakes were high and there was an expectancy in the air for an upset. However, as per their previous encounter with Robertsbridge, Town found themselves two goals down within the first 20 minutes, it was going to be a big ask to replicate that comeback especially against the quality of the table toppers.
On this occasion there wasn’t to be a glorified fightback and the league leaders went on to double their tally and take the spoils with a 0-4 victory, despite a spirited performance from Town’s man of the match Sam Cooper. So the fantastic unbeaten run which had lasted all season and for over a year sadly came to an end.
All was not lost though, there was one celebration to be had for Rye, the 70th birthday of bar person Chris Ashbee.
It is important now that the boys bounce back quickly and they have the opportunity to put that right this weekend Saturday January 20, with an away fixture versus Sidley who are placed 8th in the league. Kick off is at 2pm and the postcode for the venue is TN33 9HR. The match sponsor is Peter Ashbee.
The next home game at The Salts is on the following Saturday January 27 versus Bexhill Town. Kick off is at 2pm and the match is sponsored by Lee Robinson Air Conditioning Services.
Photo: Micky Day