Sussex County League Division One

Rye United 2

Lingfield 2

A MIX-UP between Ashford, Kent, and Ashford, Middlesex, meant several Lingfield players did not make the game against Rye United on Saturday.

However the players who arrived in East Sussex more than made up for it with a great display to hold their title-chasing opponents to a draw.

Manager Dixie Dean was pleased with his team's fighting spirit to come from behind against FA Vase quarter-finalists Rye.

"Everyone expected us to get beaten," he stated.

"It was a terrific point especially when you consider we had players out. We played with great spirit and really deserved to get something out of the game."

Lingfield recently signed pacy winger Joshua Smith who has been playing for Ryman League Division One South team Whyteleafe and he opened the scoring with a well executed goal after cutting in from the right and firing a left foot shot into the corner.

Lingfield have been conceding far too many goals in recent games so perhaps it was no surprise when Rye equalised through Scott Ramsay after 20 minutes, when he headed in a disputed free-kick.

However in the circumstances Lingfield were pleased to go into the break on level terms.

A real setback for Lingfield at the start of the second half when Marc Gall put Rye 2-1 up after 47 minutes following a corner.

But Lingfield's top scorer Josh Coulson earned his side a well deserved point when he converted from the penalty spot, 10 minutes from time.

On Saturday Lingfield host Ringmer at Godstone Road. Kick off is 3pm.

Lingfield: White, Mooney, Lilley, Hughes, Holmes-Lewis, Courtney, Coleman, Smith, A Dean, Coulson, Pitt Subs: Watson, Maziere