Mullets grab late equaliser against Rye

ARUNDEL Football Club extended their recent run of just two losses in the last 12 games further against second-place hopefuls Rye United at Mill Road on Tuesday evening with a 3-3 draw.

Mullets had to come from behind twice in order to do so in the County League Division 1 match, including the equaliser in the last minute.

The visitors, who play in the John O’Hara Cup Final on Friday, fielded an unfamiliar side, with star man Duncan McArthur named as a substitute but never actually donning kit of any description during the evening.

Arundel took the lead after just 16 minutes after some good work down the right wing by Russ Hardwell, whose cutback found Howard Neighbour on the edge of the area. His initial shot appeared to going wide until it was deflected onto the upright and in.

The lead lasted just nine minutes as Rye made their presence felt from a set piece. The impressive Matt MacLean’s free kick found Dominic Clarke at the back post, leaving Ben O’Connor with no chance.

The visitors were ahead just three minutes later when Neighbour dithered over a clearance and Neil Winton’s deflected cross was met by another towering Clarke header.

It could have been worse for Mullets had Dave Walker’s handball inside the area been spotted by the referee late in the first half.