A resolute performance at surely one of the more confusing clubs in the SCEFL Premier Division earned a valuable point for a Rusthall side who responded well to going behind and showed determination to give everything for a club which really means something to the players, management and fans.

As the handful of home supporters attempted to establish who was actually playing for their team this week, the Rusthall fans were pleased to see the returning Martin Youngah warming up- he would go on to put in a Man-of-the-Match performance of quality control, inventive passing, and driving running with the ball.

Kalani Barton lined up at right-back and performed well- while normally found further up the pitch, he was able to contain any threat down his side meaning Robbie Bissett and Dan Blunn were relatively untroubled throughout. Michael Kuku took the left back spot and was excellent throughout- he was always an option when playing out, and again, any danger on his flank was repelled. Frank Griffin took his place alongside Youngah in midfield and the now-familiar attacking quartet of Kirby, Ibrahim, Clover and Callender all set about trying to find inroads.

Sutton tried to assert themselves early on- there was much bluster and noise from players probably unfamiliar with each other- but there was very little in the way of cohesive attacking play on show from the home side. Louie Clarke could only watch on as Tarik Ibrahim, Jack Kirby, Martin Youngah and Frank Griffin tried to get the ball down and play properly- a through ball from Kirby to Steadman Callenderwas cut out at the last minute, nullifying perhaps the best chance Rusthall created to get in on goal. Clarke meanwhile, was forced to deal with balls played high- with Dan Blunn for company, he understandably found it hard to show his top form. Sutton’s best chance inevitably came from a big, highball, this time from a corner. Serine Sanneh came, saw, but didn’t quite conquer when attempting to catch the cross, and as the ball landed at a Sutton player’s feet, it seemed a goal would inevitably follow with Sanneh out of the picture. However, they had not accounted for the good sense of Frank Griffin who had not abandoned his station on the line and the ensuing shot was well-cleared. Callender went close with a looping header from a Griffin cross but, as the half drew to a close, both teams will have felt they could do more going forward.

The second half saw Rusthall grow into the game- Robbie Bissett was able to carry the ball out of defence with typical assuredness, Michael Kuku on his left-hand side was always a willing runner, and Charlie Clover was constantly on the hunt for an opportunity to run in behind the Sutton back line. Louie Clarke was withdrawn amongst a raft of Sutton changes, causing yet more disruption to an already disjointed side but they were able to take the lead against the run of play as a freekick was awarded on the left, whipped in, and headed home leaving Sanneh with no chance. Rusthall showed great character to get straight back to it- heads remained up, effort levels stayed high and proper passing football triumphed over whatever it was that Sutton were trying to do. Kalani Barton moved over to the left and immediately threatened by cutting in from the left and beating his man- he was dragged to the floor and while it was difficult to ascertain whether it was in the box or just outside, the fact a foul had been committed was clear to everyone except the referee who inexplicably waved play on.

Charlie Clover twice went close to finding an equaliser- first, he twisted and turned in the box but was unable to squeeze in a shot of any power, next, he nearly caught the keeper out with an ambitious strike from distance. His efforts were rewarded late on when he was able to capitalise on good work from the impressive Michael Kuku who played a superbclipped pass over and around the tiring Sutton defence- Clover’s touch took him closer to goal and despite the attentions of the onrushing goalkeeper, he was able to bravely prod the ball past him and into the corner of the goal. There was still time for either side to bag a winner- Sutton went close but were denied firstly by an excellent block from Kuku, and then by the referee who turned away protests for what looked like a penalty. In the end, a draw felt about right but it will surely be Rusthall who came away from the game with more pride in their performance.

Next up for the Rustics is an away trip to Kennington on Saturday (7th) before a home game against Corinthian on Tuesday (10th) next week.

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