Rye and Sidley both taste defeat

Rye were knocked out of the Sussex Senior Cup at the third round stage after going down 2-1 after extra-time against East Preston at Worthing FC.

Ryan Alexander’s header gave Rye an early lead, but Scott Price’s side was pegged back before half time in a clash of two Sussex County League high-flyers.

Despite going down to 10 men in the final five minutes of normal time, East Preston rallied to take victory in the additional half-hour as the game looked to be heading to penalties.

The loss means Rye missed out on a quarter-final against Eastbourne Town or Loxwood and are now out of all cup competitions.

Sidley were in action for just the second time since the turn of the year, when they hosted high-flying Ringmer in Sussex Division One.

After a goalless first half, the visitors took control with two strikes before the hour mark. Andy Hales pulled a goal back for Sidley, but Ringmer sealed a 3-1 win with a minute left on the clock.

For full reports on both of these games as well as reaction, see Friday’s Observers.

Sussex Division One standings (played-points): 1 Peacehaven & Telscombe 21-50, 2 East Preston 21-47, 3 Pagham 22-47, 4 Ringmer 24-47, 5 Hassocks 26-43, 6 RYE UNITED 19-42, 7 Redhill 21-42, 8 Lancing 24-41, 9 East Grinstead Town 23-40, 10 Lingfield 22-46, 11 St Francis Rangers 23-33, 12 Horsham YMCA 22-31, 13 Crowborough Athletic 23-31, 14 Arundel 23-29, 15 Hailsham Town 20-25, 16 Selsey 23-24, 17 SIDLEY UNITED 21-23, 18 Shoreham 24-23, 19 Dorking Wanderers 25-21, 20 Chichester City 24-15, 21 AFC Uckfield 21-9, 22 Worthing United 22-4.