In contrast to last week’s late victory over Punjab, this one was all done by halftime with the 4-1 score line at the break remaining unchanged until the end.

Just as in the reverse fixture back in October which really kickstarted the season, it was a bright start from Rusthall and on five minutes, they had the lead. Under pressure in their own box following a good save from Serine Sanneh, Robbie Bissett and Frank Griffin were able to clear up the danger before Jack Kirby was released to roam upfield. Kirby carried the ball with typical grace and directness despite the uneven surface while ahead of him, Kalani Barton broke left and Charlie Clover snuck right. It was to Clover who Kirby passed and Rusthall’s number 9 made it 22 for the season with a fine dinked finish over Shaun Wicks, as ever leading from the back in goal for Snodland.

The lead would not last long however, after a slight case of dithering at the back gave the away side a chance which was brilliantly taken by Ryan Thompson who showed fine skill and determination to roll the ball past Sanneh following a good run. Rusthall gathered themselves and settled into things- Robbie Bissett, missing last week through illness, perhaps took a little longer than usual to find his passing range but when he did, it led to the lead being restored. His perfect pass over the top into the left channel dropped perfectly for Jack Lyons who didn’t even need to control the ball before unleashing a powerful, dipping drive from outside the area which flashed across Wicks and into the bottom corner. Not long after, it was 3-1 after Clover held the ball up, Jeffrey Njuguna and Frank Griffin moved it wide and Lyons found himself faced with two defenders to beat. With Lyons’ pace, the defenders may as well have been sat in the Bob Woodhams stand so pointless were their attempts to stop him. Whether it was a cross or a shot can be debated but the end result didn’t change- the ball nestled in the corner and Rusthall were flying.

Yassin Fares was in no mood to miss out on the scoring action and it always felt like it wouldn’t be long before he added his name to the list. He was grateful, as everyone associated with Rusthall have been this season, for the industry and sheer refusal to not win the ball of Frank Griffin, who got stuck in, took the ball and played it forward. Clever flicks from Jack Kirby and then Kalani Barton played the ball into the path of Fares and although he looked second favourite to win the race, with the defender well-placed, he turned on the afterburners, showed his strength by outmuscling efforts to stop him, before finishing low past Wicks.

Half time arrived with a very different feel to last week- it felt like Rusthall would go on to add to their tally at will. They came close through Fares who was played in again by the excellent Kirby- somehow Fares evaded several challenges but his effort rolled wide. In fairness, Snodland never stopped trying to get back into the game but apart from one excellent save down to his right, Serine Sanneh was untroubled in the Rusthall goal. Jimmy Anderson was able to make use of his strong bench with Theo Hayford in particular impressing during his 15-minute appearance, and there was a debut for Thompson Adeyemi who has played most recently at Phoenix Sports in the Isthmian South East Division. To be able to bring on players of such quality of Hayford and Adeyemi, as well as Steadman Callender, Tommy Lawrence and Abdullah Khalil who all had an impact, speaks volumes.

While the drama and excitement of last week’s game was hard to top, this was another fine day for the vocal Rusthall faithful who were treated to a strong, dominant performance from the home side.

With two home games this week against Lordswood on Tuesday evening, and Whitstable on Saturday, Jimmy Anderson will be looking for more of the same both on and off the pitch.

For regular updates including news, photos & lots more from around the club, follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram & X (formerly Twitter)