Rusthall continued their run of fine form with a 1-0 victory over Stansfeld in a game which was completely in contrast to the frantic, slightly chaotic reverse fixture back in October which ended 6-6. A much calmer affair saw Rusthall perhaps not performing at their best but getting the job done regardless- Kalani Barton’s strike late in the first half proving sufficient to claim another three points and maintain the push for the playoffs.

The Rustics were once again deprived of the services of Jack Lyons and Yassin Fares who was completing the third of a three-match ban, but as they have in the past couple of games, players stepped up and made sure the absences of the dangerous pair weren’t felt too keenly. Jesse Hammond, scorer of the late equaliser against Bearsted on Tuesday evening, came into the side in place of Steadman Callender, but otherwise it was as you were from the tough midweek battle, with Jeffrey Njuguna and Frank Griffin patrolling in front of the familiar back four featuring the latest Rustic to make it to 100 games, Dan Blunn, who was led out on to the field by his biggest fan to help celebrate his special day.

Rusthall began slightly sluggishly and were grateful for the concentration and excellent shot-stopping of goalkeeper Serine Sanneh on more than one occasion early on. Stansfeld were content to play the ball up to the big number nine who struggled to get much out of Dan Blunn but they were still able to create a number of chances while Rusthall, for the main part, failed to string together much of note. When the scoring was opened, it felt against the run of play but it was a goal of a high standard indeed.

Harvey Mead attempted to make inroads down the left but underestimated Jeffrey Njuguna whose tackle was typically robust and successful- he played the ball forward to Charlie Clover who managed to play in Kalani Barton who will have had visions of his chance from the same spot on Tuesday evening which hit the far post and rolled away to safety. This time, his finish was unerring, flashing past Penny in goal and straight into the far corner for 1-0.

The second half was more of the same- a few chances for both sides, some excellent goalkeeping from Sanneh, and more dominance from the man of the hour, Dan Blunn. Robbie Bissett went off at the break to be replaced by Tommy Lawrence who put in a typically composed performance in midfield, and Frank Griffin showcased his versatility with an assured half at centre back.

Steadman Callender entered the fray and created the best two chances of the second period. First, his flicked header, having once again outjumped a taller defender, was played perfectly into the path of Charlie Clover who saw his effort well saved. Next, Callender tore down the left and fired the ball across towards Clover- the keeper got a slight touch and the ball headed for the goal but was cleared before it crossed the line. Charlie Clover went close again, but real chances were at a premium and it really did feel like a game which would end with just the solitary goal.

While fans who were at the 6-6 game will remember it forever, this was a game which will be soon forgotten, but the importance of the three points should not be taken for granted.

With Lyons and Fares returning, a week to rest up, and more good weather on the way, there are many reasons for cheer for the Rustics ahead of a trip to Corinthian on Saturday. A strong away contingent is expected to make the relatively short trip to Gay Dawn Farm to celebrate Non-League Day 2025 and to cheer on Jimmy Anderson’s boys in the first of the remaining eight league games for Rusthall.

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