Rye edged out in Vase classic

The Quarterboys led 2-0, 4-3 and 5-4 only for Combined Counties League title hopefuls Guernsey, the second favourites for the prestigious national competition with bookmakers Bet Victor, to eventually triumph in an epic encounter.

Rye got off to a dream start, taking a two-goal lead in the first 11 minutes with Sam Crabb scoring both. But Guernsey pulled one back in the 26th minute through a Ross Allen penalty and levelled 14 minutes later when Allen arrowed a shot on the turn into the far bottom corner.

The visitors went ahead for the first time 10 minutes into the second period via a Dominic Heaume header and looked in control until Rye squared things up in the 81st minute, Matt Maclean nodding the ball home from close range after Andy Atkin’s header had been saved.

Rye went back in front seven minutes into extra-time when Sam Adams controlled a cross from the right and thumped the ball home only for Guernsey to level through Heaume in the fifth minute of added time at the end of the first additional period.

The hosts took a 5-4 lead less than two minutes into the second period of extra-time with Sean Kelly claiming the goal following a Tony Dolby free kick. Nigel Hutton brought Guernsey level again four minutes later, though, and Dave Rihoy won it with a low angled drive in the 115th minute.

See Friday’s Rye Observer for a full report and pictures.

TODAY’S OTHER RESULTS

Ryman League, Premier Division: Wealdstone 3 HASTINGS UNITED 0.

Sussex County League, Division 1: SIDLEY UTD P Shoreham P.

Division 2: BEXHILL UNITED 1 Loxwood 3; LITTLE COMMON 3 Newhaven 5; WESTFIELD 0 Littlehampton Town 0.