Peacehaven v Rye

They could have few complaints after being largely outplayed by the visitors, who as a result went clear at the top of the League. Rye were better organised and more cohesive on the day, and on this evidence will take some stopping in their title bid.

With Peter Edwards unwell and unavailable The Tye were, surprisingly, under the charge of Terry Hall. Another surprise was the appearance on the bench of Scott Marshall, who had been on his way to Redhill until a change of heart the previous day.

There was an air of uncertainty about Peacehaven from the start as Rye settled quickly to their task. With the likes of Scott Ramsey, Sam Adams, Duncan McArthur and Shaun Loft in their side they are perhaps physically the strongest in the league and they made that count in the first half.

Loft brought out the best from Jake Buss with a powerful header, and Liam Upton rattled the bar from long range before they went ahead. McArthur crossed to the back post, where Ramsey headed back for Adams to nod in a simple header.
Peacehaven have missed Hall's organisational abilities this season, and he was at work at half time, moving Wes Millis into defence and reinforcing Peacehaven's midfield to counteract the visitors dominance.

Initially it seemed to have worked, but if the defending from Peacehaven on the first goal could probably have been better, then it was certainly the case when Rye doubled their lead after the break. Matt McLean got in too easily to head in the visitors second goal, and put them into a comfortable lead.

Peacehaven then forced their way back into the match when Carl Dunk's free kick trundled its way under the wall and into the net to give them a lifeline, but it didn't last long. From their next attack Ramsey hooked in a Rye's third goal, and the decisive strike of the afternoon. On this sort of form "Rambo" can be almost unplayable, and he was too much for Peacehaven to handle today.

A lively cameo from Owen Callaghan gave them hope, but in truth the match had gone, and they had to accept a first home League defeat for a year.

Peacehaven were not a million miles away from the visitors, but today showed how important it will be to have everyone pulling in the same direction. With that in mind, it is vital that any decisions made before the next league match against Uckfield are the right ones.