Now let’s make it a double

The Quarterboys are aiming to follow up their Sussex RUR Charity Cup triumph of Tuesday night by winning the Sussex County Football League Division One title for the first time ever.

Although Rye are currently two points behind table-topping Three Bridges, they will move ahead of their old adversaries if they win a final day title shootout between the sides in Crawley tomorrow (Saturday).

Rye manager Scott Price said: “I would rather be in our shoes than their shoes to be honest. The pressure’s on them. They’re trying to get promoted to the Ryman League so they’ve got a lot riding on it.”

In what must be one of the closest ever Sussex County League title races, a mere three points separate the top three teams going into what promises to be a dramatic final day.

The champions will be Bridges or Rye, although third-placed Lancing will finish second if they win away to eighth-placed AFC Uckfield - irrespective of the result between the current top two.

Rye and Bridges have built up quite a rivalry over the past two seasons. Rye won three of the four meetings between the two clubs last season, including both away fixtures, but lost the John O’Hara League Cup final.

This season’s games stand at two wins each (Rye won the reverse league fixture and a Sussex RUR Charity Cup semi-final, Bridges won a John O’Hara League Cup semi-final and an FA Vase tie) so tomorrow is a decider in every sense.

Paul Watson is available, but Price is unsure about Jack Franklin, who pulled out shortly before Tuesday’s final. The manager will also speak to Duncan McArthur and Luke Woodley to see how they are.

See today’s Rye Observer for the full article.