Hythe191019_Complete

Paul Martin—Special Games Part 3
Rye United 5 Guernsey 6 - FA Vase 2012/13
I first visited Rye United in 2000 when they beat Crockenhill 5-2 in the Kent County League. It
was a very attractive, if basic ground, “The Salts”, in the shadow of the town. In 2010, the pavilion
and changing rooms were destroyed in a fire and rebuilt two years later. By
this time Rye United were back in the Sussex County League.
Guernsey had only formed the previous season, joining the Combined
Counties League. I had already seen Guernsey defeat Erith Town 4-3 in an
earlier Vase game which didn’t finish until gone 6pm, if I remember correctly,
because of a serious injury. Guernsey were so impressive that day and
it was a must to take in the FA Vase 4 th Round game at Rye. The programme
mentions that neither side is usually shy in front of goal!
What do I remember about the game?
There was a recording of “Sussex By The Sea” played as the teams lined up. I had to make a
dash to the public car park at full-time to top up my hours (probably illegal) and, of course there
was extra time and 11 goals.
A crowd of 246 plus a number of TV crews watched Rye take an early 2-0 lead but Ross Allen
scored twice for Guernsey before the break. 3-3 at full-time, 4-4 at the end of the first period of
extra time and although Rye took the lead in the 108 th minute Guernsey still managed to score
twice before the end.
Rye United folded at the end of the following season but I understand a new club, Rye Town,
now plays on the ground.
Bolton Wanderers 3 Swansea City 0 - October 1972 & Bury 0 Swansea City 1 – November 1978
As these clubs are currently in the news I have added them to this article. It appears that Bolton Wanderers
are “safe” at least for the foreseeable future. Sadly Bury have been expelled from the EFL. I
think Bury supporters should take heart from the past. I am pretty certain that they will reform at a
lower level and their supporters will have the joys of Non-League football as they climb the pyramid
and make many new friends.
These are my only visits to Burnden Park and to Gigg Lane. I have not (yet) managed to get to the
Reebok (or whatever it is now called). Perhaps I will still get a chance (at time of writing). Weirdly,
both these games were against Swansea City in Division 3 – just coincidence.
I was working in Manchester for a week in October 1972 and staying fairly close to Prestwich Heys
ground. On the Wednesday night, the only football option was a train to Bolton for the evening kick
off. Bolton were lying in second place in Division 3 and went on to be Champions. Swansea City occupied
bottom spot at the time and were well beaten. They were relegated to Division 4 at the end of
the season.
My visit to Bury is clouded in mystery. I think I was on a short speedway tour of the North West and
took in the game as a forerunner of a meeting at Belle Vue in the evening. Bury were 22 nd in the table
while Swansea City were 2 nd and went on to be promoted in 3 rd Place. Bury avoided relegation. I remember
nothing about this game although Swansea City were particularly strong that season with the
likes of Leighton Phillips, Tommy Smith, Phil Boersma, Alan Curtis and John Toshack as player
manager.