Lambert backs Rye in Vase battle

Sidley United boss John Lambert is tipping Rye to come through their third round tie away to fellow Sussex County League Division One title hopefuls Three Bridges.

Lambert said: “I think it will be a decent game and a good spectacle for Sussex without doubt, but if I was a betting man - and I do like the occasional flutter - I would put my money on Rye to be fair.”

Although Sidley and Rye are yet to meet this season, Lambert is familiar with all the Rye players and has managed several of them either at Sidley or during his previous post at Hastings United.

His Sidley side led 2-0 and 3-1 away to Bridges during August before the sending-off of Danny Spice and an injury to former Rye player Sean Kelly contributed significantly to a cruel 4-3 defeat.

Lambert is also tipping Rye, who were promoted as Division Two champions last season with Sidley also going up after finishing third, to be crowned Sussex County League champions for the first time in their history.

The full article will appear in tomorrow’s Rye Observer.