Rusthall kicked off the SCEFL Groundhop Weekend in fine style with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Snodland Town. A crowd of almost 400 were treated to an entertaining game in which the away side showed what they are capable of following a recent run of disappointing results. The Rustics looked strong from the off with Robbie Bissett coming back into defence alongside Dan Blunn, and Frank Griffin and Jack Smith forming a solid midfield unit. This gave the two Jacks- Lyons and Kirby, Charlie Clover and Kalani Barton license to push on which they did with great success, ably supported from the flanks by Louis Anderson and Mustafa Hashemi. Having the first-choice fullbacks back in the team is a massive bonus and their impact on the team, both in an attacking sense and when defending the goal, was clear.

Rusthall began the game on top, despite kicking up the not-insignificant slope at the GI Landscapes Stadium. Kalani Barton was eager to make inroads through a slightly suspect-looking defence and went close to opening the scoring within the first two minutes- his effort was saved low by Shaun Wicks. Charlie Clover was next in- he took the ball round Wicks but his shot from the angle was saved by the recovering keeper. It wasn’t long before Barton gave Rusthall the lead- Tyler Hatton, playing centre back for the home team, dithered on the ball and tried to find a teammate through the middle- Jack Lyons has played kids’ football recently enough to spot that sort of error and immediately intercepted the attempted pass. Lyons drove on, beat three defenders and rolled the ball across goal- Charlie Clover couldn’t reach it, Shaun Wicks wasn’t quick enough off his line, and Barton was there tobravely stab the ball home under pressure. It was a lead Rusthall deserved and one which Snodland failed to threaten throughout the game. Chances were plentiful for the Rustics- Kalani Barton cut in from the left and tested the keeper who made a good save and Jack Kirby had an effort blocked after the defender slipped allowing him time and space to shoot.
Only some slightly dubious offside calls stopped the Rustics getting in on goal even more frequently, the assistant referee perhaps understandably not keen to run up the hill to keep up with play. A penalty shout looked nailed on when Clover attempted to finish after he’d once again taken the ball around the keeper only to see his effort strike the arm of a defenderon the line- a corner was given when most in the ground might have expected a different outcome. Clover tested Wicks again with a firm drive which was well-saved. Every time Rusthall moved the ball forward, they were threatening- the pace and good link-up between players becoming increasingly familiar with each other on show a great sign of progress. It was a comfortable half for Serine Sanneh in goal- he mopped up when required and enjoyed watching the game along with the healthy crowd, boosted by the hoppers and another good turn out from the Rusthall fans. Perhaps the fact the Snodland players aren’t used to playing in front of such numbers could explain their fairly lacklustre first half performance and they may well have been grateful only to find themselves a single goal down at the break.

In fairness, Snodland did start to come into the game a little in the second half but failed to do anything of note with the ball going forward. Such is the advantage playing downhill on this pitch, they will have felt their best opportunity had passed. Rusthall doubled their lead on the hour and it was a huge kick downfield from Sanneh which created the chance. The Snodland defender who found himself on the end of it could only hook the ball behind him and Clover, in deadly form of late, had anticipated the mistake and found himself in a position to pounce. The bouncing ball would have caused an issue for some, but not the Rusthall number nine- he lifted the ball over the onrushing Wicks and the ball nestled in the goal for 2-0.

By this time, Yassin Fares had entered the fray and was well into his stride, causing typical havoc down his side- the Snodland defence had little response to his close control and mazy dribbling. Jeffrey Njuguna came on for Jack Lyons who had earlier gone close with a well-placed shot, and put in a great shift on the wing- Njuguna’s ability to play a number of positions a real strength in Jimmy Anderson’s squad. One quality striker made way for another as Clover made way for the returning Louie Clarke to the delight of the away fans. Even the pain from recent dentistry couldn’t keep Clarke from playing for the team which means so much to him and it was his presence which created space for the third goal whichcame from a corner whipped in beautifully by set-piece specialist, Louis Anderson. A defence so concerned with the proximity of Louie Clarke to the goal rather let themselves down by letting former player, Robbie Bissett get a run at the ball before powering an unstoppable header past the despairing dive of Wicks who had failed to adapt in time. Despite Snodland now looking for the final whistle, they had their best chance of the match when Serine Sanneh decided to test the referee’s knowledge of the rules of the game by catching the ball, dropping it, and then picking it up again. Unfortunately, the man in the middle knew something of the laws and an indirect freekick was given in the box- the resulting effort rather summed up Snodland’s evening as the ball sailed high over the crossbar. Ben Branch played the last ten minutes in what will be his final appearance for now- he moves to Dubai in a few weeks and all at the club wish him well and look forward to his return, whenever that may be.
This was a performance of real heart from Rusthall- each and every player gave all they’ve got and their efforts were fully rewarded with three points which can hopefully kickstart a run of results and a continued climb up the table.

Next up for Jimmy Anderson and his young squad is a trip to Faversham in the Kent Senior Trophy, before a league game at home against Holmesdale on Saturday 19th October.

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