Rye strike late to pinch point

A goalmouth scramble during Rye United's 2-2 draw away to Arundel. Picture by Liz Pearce

An 89th minute strike from Liam Upton and Evan Archibald’s added time equaliser earned the Quarterboys an unlikely point in their latest Sussex County Football League Division One fixture.

Rye had the better chances during a goalless first half, but were unable to take them and third-bottom Arundel punished the visitors with two goals in the third quarter of the game through Russell Hardwell and Scott Tipper.

It seemed as though Rye were heading for defeat at a ground where they won an FA Cup replay during August until Upton gave them hope by converting a penalty he won himself. Fellow substitute Archibald then completed the comeback after Andy Atkin flicked on Ryan Cooper’s long throw.

Despite winning all of their last six matches in the various cup competitions, Rye haven’t won any of their last four in the league. In fact, their last Sussex Division One victory was the 3-1 success at home to Selsey on Saturday October 12.

Standings (played-points): 1 East Preston 15-41, 2 Hassocks 15-30, 3 Horsham YMCA 15-27, 4 Crowborough Athletic 16-27, 5 Littlehampton Town 14-26, 6 Dorking Wanderers 16-26, 7 East Grinstead Town 15-25, 8 Selsey 15-23, 9 Newhaven 15-23, 10 Lingfield 15-22, 11 St Francis Rangers 15-21, 12 Pagham 15-17, 13 RYE UNITED 14-17, 14 Shoreham 13-17, 15 Chichester City 15-16, 16 Lancing 14-14, 17 Ringmer 14-13, 18 Arundel 13-13, 19 Hailsham Town 14-7, 20 Worthing United 14-3.