Last gasp Crabb puts Rye through

Crabb gave Rye a 1-0 victory over South Park tonight (Tuesday) with a superbly taken solo goal and there was barely time for the opposition to kick-off before the final whistle blew.

The win over a South Park side which reached FA Cup fourth round qualifying earlier in the season sets up a home tie against Guernsey on Saturday January 19.

There was little incident during an uneventful first half other than Rye captain Anthony Storey having a shot tipped over and Sam Adams, playing at full-back, hitting the post.

South Park had Jack Higgins sent-off early in the second period following a clash with Storey, but the numbers were levelled up moments later when Jack Franklin saw red for a robust challenge which sparked a mass confrontation of players.

Storey was denied by the away goalkeeper when well placed and Liam Upton had a low shot palmed wide, while at the other end, Josh Willis made a fine save to tip over Kieran Lavery’s header.

Just as it looked like extra-time was going to be required, Crabb latched onto a ball out of defence, outpaced one defender and cut inside another before finding the net for the 94th minute winner.

Rye: Willis, Adams, Woodley (O’Callaghan), Alexander, Kelly, Franklin, Storey, Maclean, Upton, Atkin, Crabb. Subs not used: Hope, Ramsay, Cooper, Diallo.

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