Latest News

Blues battle back to claim a point against rivals Rye

Sidley United 2 - 2 Rye Town - ESFL Premier Division

Sidley United showed great character as they recovered from 2 goals behind to come back to draw against Rye Town in the only ESFL Premier Division game to beat the weather on Saturday.

The Blues began strongly and Rosh Wells hit an excellent free kick just over the crossbar but the visitors struck after 10 minutes as a cross in from the left was met by the head of Richard Weller who guided the ball back across goal and into the corner of the net.

Rye enjoyed the better of the half but Sidley goalkeeper Joe Rogers wasn't called into action too often as most shots came from distance and were relatively comfortable although much of the game was played in the Blues half.

Rye struck the crossbar with another effort from distance 6 minutes into the second half and it looked like it was game over when Charlie Stevens added a second goal on 56 minutes when he cut in from the right and smashed the ball past Rogers at the near post to double Rye's lead.

But Sidley showed great character to respond and after a double substiution they pulled a goal back as Sean 'Irish' Kelly, having only come on a few minutes earlier, headed home a corner on 64 minutes to breathe new life into the contest. After that Sidley took control and they deservedly levelled when Arron Scrace turned on the left of the area and fired low into the net on 71 minutes.

Both sides pressed for a winner and it seemed a certainty that somebody was going to score late on. But Rye wasted a great chance from a free kick right on the edge of the area while Wells' free kick in the final minute almost dropped over Rye goalkeeper Edward Avann who had to tip the ball over for a corner.

A good point in the circumstances but Sidley also may feel that the elusive winner was within their grasp. 

Sidley Team: Rogers, May, Copley, Cole, Hempe, Elphick (Kelly), Day (Carey), Wells, Elliott-Noye, Scrace, Baldwin.

Click here to return to the News page