Rusthall travel to Corinthian on Tuesday evening, looking to build on an important 2-1 win over Fisher. The Rustics go into the game in good spirits after Saturday’s late win, courtesy of Lekan Osideko’s 97th minute winner which followed Jack Kirby’s fine goal from the edge of the area. That’s two in two for Kirby who plays such a crucial role in the Number 10 position, and a first of the season for Osideko who will no doubt be keen for more.

Last season brought two and a half intriguing ties between the two sides- the half a game due to the fact the floodlights at Jockey Farm struggled to get going in the second half of the original home game, and despite Charlie Clover’s attempts to fix them, the game was replayed. Rusthall prevailed to win 3-0 having led the original game 2-0, but there was frustration for Rusthall in the away game having led 2-0 through goals from Clover and Thompson Adeyemi, only to throw away the lead and draw 2-2. Fortunately, it didn’t derail the Rustics’ run to 3rd place and the playoffs, while Corinthian finished the season in 14th place.

Corinthian is a club well-known to Rusthall boss, Jimmy Anderson, having led their Under 23s team featuring players such as Louis Anderson, Jack Smith, Charlie Clover, Lenny Styles and Rory Salter before joining Rusthall . In the nearly eight years since, Corinthian have had a few managers and are now led by Mason East.

Corinthian’s season began with an away tie against Fisher which ended in a 2-2 draw with goals from Jamie Billings and Asanti Amoah. Since then, it’s been cup action in the form of a 1-1 draw at home against Lingfield, a 5-3 replay win, and a 1-0 win away at Lordswood in the FA Vase- a team which featured former Rusthall, and indeed Corinthian, player, Luke Adams.

With Ben Sangare yet to feature for Rusthall after sustaining an injury against Crowborough in preseason, it may well be that Frank Griffin takes up a centre-back position alongside captain Robbie Bissett. Both excelled against Fisher, with Griffin setting up the winning goal with a fine pass from deep, despite a facial injury sustained when bravely heading the ball clear earlier in the game. Three in a row Man-of-the-Match winner, Jeffrey Njuguna will be looking to continue his early season form, while Yassin Fares and Josh Reid will look to do the damage from the wings as they did on Saturday. Rusthall fans were delighted to see Louis Anderson return to the bench on Saturday and he could be pushing for a start, and Dan Atta, who has caught the eye with some impressive performances from the bench, will hope for more minutes.

With Corinthian playing in their usual green and white, Rusthall will be playing in their brand-new away kit which takes inspiration from the kit worn by youth teams of yesteryear, as well as local Rusthall landmark, the Toad Rock. This kit, as well as the new home shirt, will soon be available for fans to purchase online- look out for more details coming soon.

This game comes before Saturday’s exciting home FA Cup Preliminary Round tie, but for now, all focus will be on winning a crucial three points.

Simon Howe

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

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