Despite the horrendous weather the pitch at the Jockey Farm Stadium was in superb condition and the crowd of 208 were treated to an excellent game of football with both sides playing a great passing game.

The Rustics were forced to make changes and the versatile Steve Camacho put in a great performance at left back with Brad Large and Callum Gallie not available.

From the outset it was plain to see what a good side Lancing were and after just 3 minutes home keeper Callum Hampson was called upon to make a smart save.
At the other end Rusthall created a great chance that saw Reuel Powell-Downey through one on one with Lancing keeper Taylor Seymour, but the big keeper spread himself well to prevent the in-form Rusthall striker.

On 15 minutes Lancing opened the scoring, following great build up play a superb through ball from Lew Finney found James Rhodes to slot home.

Despite this set back the Rustics continued to play their superb passing game and on 21 minutes Louis Clarke's pace saw him cross from wide on the right, but the ball evaded the strikers as it passed across the face of goal.

Once again Tommy Lawrence was at the centre of everything in the middle of midfield, as he worked tirelessly to try and create openings for the Rustics.

On 39 minutes Powell-Downey broke free and as he raced towards the box he was brought down from behind by James Beresford, after consulting his assistant the referee stunned the home crowd by only showing a yellow card. From the resulting free kick Lawrence's effort was well saved by Seymour.

The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with both sides pinging the ball around but as it went on Lancing’s central midfielder Kane Louis began to dominate the middle of the park. It became obvious that the next goal would be crucial and on the hour the visitors scored a fortuitous goal following a corner. Lew Finney was played in and his shot rebounded off the upright before falling kindly for Kane Louis whose outstanding midfield display was rewarded with a goal from close range.

Lancing were now looking a class side as they slowed the game down making it difficult for the Rustics to create an opening and in truth despite their best efforts Rusthall were beaten by a better side on the day.

The game was played in a great spirit and both sides were warmly applauded off at the end of the game.

On non league day this was a great advert for non league football and on this showing Lancing could well go a long way in the competition.

Attendance: 208

The lads are in cup action again on Saturday and once again will be up against it as they travel to Premier Division Bearsted in the Kent Senior Trophy before returning to league action the following week.