Rye’s Vase game called-off

All the rain of Thursday night has left The Salts waterlogged despite the best efforts of club volunteers this morning to get the pitch playable.

Rye secretary Roger Bond said: “It’s flooded like it’s never been flooded before. They’ve been over there since first light this morning and I believe they had a pump over there, but it just wasn’t shifting it.”

The match has already been rearranged for next Saturday (December 15) which means Rye’s scheduled visit from Crowborough Athletic in Sussex County Football League Division One will be played at a later date.

Rye, who are third in the league, were actually knocked out of the Vase in the previous round, but conquerors Amersham Town were discovered to have fielded an ineligible player so Rye were reinstated.

South Park, from Reigate, are seventh in the equivalent-standing Combined Counties League Premier Division and were one of only two step five clubs nationally to reach FA Cup fourth round qualifying earlier this season.

Rye got to the quarter-finals of the Vase two seasons ago after winning seven matches away from home. They were due to hand a debut to former Hastings United manager Tony Dolby today.