Supporting a football team is all about ‘moments’ and for Rusthall fans in recent years, Jimmy Anderson and his players have delivered many incredible moments- think Luke Adams on the final day a few seasons back or Yassin Fares opening the scoring against Tunbridge Wells in 2022 with surely one of the greatest goals The Jockey Farm Stadium has ever seen. Club legend Charlie Clover added his name to a growing list by scoring a top-quality goal to earn a thoroughly deserved draw against local rivals, Tunbridge Wells- a goal which will live long in the memory of the 813 who were there to witness it.

Rusthall came into the game off the back of a disappointing result in the FA Vase at the weekend and were clearly in the mood to do their best for the fans who were, once again, in fine voice throughout the game. Louis Anderson started a game for the first time since last season’s injury and the returning Jack Lyons lined up at left back in the absence of the impressive Mustafa Hashemi. Former Wells player, Frank Griffin, formed one half of a formidable central defence alongside the ever-reliable Daniel Blunn and really showed what his former club are missing- his strength, pace and reading of the game- despite any tiredness from being a new father- meant the away side found it hard to threaten Serine Sanneh. Ben Branch- in superb form of late- once again demonstrated his passion for the club with a performance of real drive and determination alongside club stalwart, Jeffrey Njuguna who, following a superb performance in the 2-0 win two seasons ago, once again showed what he can do in central midfield. The impressive attacking quartet of Jack Kirby, Tarik Ibrahim, Steadman Callender and Charlie Clover caused the Tunbridge Wells defence problems with their creativity and ever-willing running.

The first half was a cagey affair, out of which the away side probably came out on top. While Rusthall were able to repel all that Wells threw at them, they were struggling to create a threat to George Bentley in goal for Tunbridge Wells. Just as it seemed the half would end goalless, Wells took the lead with a well-taken goal following a lengthy run which, in truth,should have been stopped before the shot found its way past Serine Sanneh in goal. Despite the disappointment of going in a goal down, it was clear Rusthall would be able to find a way back into the game. This was helped by the second half dismissal of Jack Walder who saw red for two silly yellow cards- an experienced player such as Walder should really know better than to let the occasion get to him, but off he eventually went after kicking up an embarrassing fuss at his deserved dismissal. Wells actually found themselves down to nine men following a sin-bin for their number nine who let himself down by having too much to say to the referee- again, the derby proving too much for some.

Rusthall piled on the pressure and it was clear that Wells were struggling to cope with the quality on show from all in green and white. Rusthall were twice were denied by the frame of the goal- first, Tarik Ibrahim struck from distance and saw his effort bounce back off the bar, and then Daniel Blunn, given license to move forward given the ill discipline of the away side, followed suit and was unlucky to see his effort stay out. Former Rustic, James White, tried his best to keep the home side out but couldn’t do so as on 77 minutes, Rusthall deservedly drew level. Jack Kirby, running the show from the middle of the park, played the ball through the porous Tunbridge Wells defence and Charlie Clover made a mockery of any desperate attempts to catch up with him- Bentley dithered and Clover punished him with a sweetly-struck left-footed drive which nestled in the bottom corner. The celebrations were heartfelt and due reward for the efforts of both the Rusthall players and fans.

The closing stages saw both teams have chances to win the game- Serine Sanneh tempted the otherwise subdued away fans into thinking they could grab a winner by giving them a presentable chance to snatch the points but was able to laugh as an attempt at an open goal sailed over the bar. When the referee failed to give a freekick for an obvious foul in the middle of the pitch, Wells found themselves with a chance to capitalise but were thwarted by an excellent block by the legs of Daniel Blunn who had used his impressive pace to reel in the hapless attacker who thought he could win the game. Jack ‘Smudger’ Smith entered the fray to the delight of the home fans who will have been very happy to see that a year out of football due to injury has not curtailed Smudge’s buccaneering style, mixing graft and solidity with an understated quality on the ball. He inspired those around him including young Jack Lyons who was a constant threat down the left-hand side and nearly found a way to deliver a telling cross but Wells were able to cling on for a draw which was about right in the end.

Even efforts by certain members of the Tunbridge Wells squad to damage the pristine playing surface after the game to try to make it resemble the Somme-like conditions of the Culverden couldn’t spoil an enjoyable afternoon in the sun for the Rustics- while the points were shared, the difference in where each club is at was blatantly clear. As the Tunbridge Wells fans slumped off back to town, the Rusthall fans were able to celebrate a good afternoon in both bars and spirits were rightly high.

Up next, another home game, this time against Fisher who should bring a decent away following to The Jockey Farm Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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