Rusthall kickstart their 2026/27 campaign with a trip to Snodland Town, looking to get off to the best possible start in their quest to go one better than last season.
With a strong preseason run behind them- including two victories over Step 4 opposition- Rusthall will go into Saturday’s match with confidence. Yassin Fares is in fine form, scoring 5 goals in 6 preseason games, including an absolute beauty against Crowborough on Tuesday evening. New signing, Lekan Osideko, has found the net on his last two outings and will be looking to make an impact in the league, alongside Rusthall’s other attacking threats Josh Reid, Louie Clarke, Rajan Sahni, Dan Atta, and the always dangerous Jack Kirby. At the other end of the pitch, Rusthall will hope Ben Sangare can overcome a worrying injury picked up in the previous game.
Snodland have enjoyed a mixed preseason, beating Croydon FC and Staplehurst Monarchs, drawing with Sittingbourne and Step 6 Greenways, and losing to Faversham Town and Cray Valley PM. There will be some familiar faces in the Snodland Town line-up including goalkeeper Frankie Leonard, formerly of Bearsted and occasional Baller League player along with Serine Sanneh. Chris Alhassan and Nathaniel Olawole will no doubt be players for the Rusthall backline to keep an eye on.
Rusthall have enjoyed success against Snodland Town over the past two seasons, winning all four games in the league in that time. Last season, Rusthall won comfortably at home despite going a goal down, running out 5-1 winners. Away from home, it was a 2-0 win for the Rustics with goals from Jack Kirby and Charlie Clover.
The opening day of the league campaign has not brought much joy for Rusthall in recent years- not since 2022 against Welling Town have the Rustics enjoyed a win in the first game- but Jimmy Anderson will be hoping for three points to get up and running for 2026/27.

- Simon Howe

When - Saturday 1st August, KO 3pm
Where - The G.I. Landscapes Stadium, ME6 5DP
How much? - Adults £8, Conc £6, U16's Free

Any questions or queries, please email club@rusthallfc.com

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