Rusthall strolled into the First Round of the FA Vase thanks to a comfortable 4-1 win over Seaford Town. Going into the game, the Rustics were looking to avoid the same mistakes made in Vase ties of previous seasons in defeats to Montpellier Villa and Soul Tower Hamlets in which dominant performances were let down by drops in performance which proved costly. There was no cause for concern on this occasion however, as Rusthall put in a professional performance against a Seaford side who had no answer to the attacking threat of Jimmy Anderson’s team.

From the first whistle, it was clear Rusthall would have the majority of possession- Serine Sanneh was called into action to make a flying save to tip a curling shot from Hayden Beaconsfield round the post but otherwise, Rusthall’s number 98 enjoyed a comfortable afternoon. Rahman Kareem continued at left back following his strong showing against Chislehurst Glebe in the previous match- in fact it was the same starting line-up and bench from that game- consistency of selection which Jimmy Anderson will no doubt be grateful for.

Josh Reid looked lively and, along with Jack Kirby, was enjoying the freedom to run and explore the vast spaces that were opening up. He had a sight of goal when he cut in from the left but his shot was comfortably saved- when Charlie Clover gave him the ball in the same position minutes later, he showed he had learned his lesson as he cut in again but this time found the net to open the scoring. Chances kept coming as Rusthall often found themselves with all the Seaford players in their own half. Charlie Clover took responsibility for breaking down the well-stocked if not particularly capable defence by dribbling past four and shooting low. A good save from the keeper fell to Louie Clarke in prime position to shoot. A favourable review would describe an excellent cross back to his strike partner; a more realistic one would tell of a skewed shot which fell into the path of Clover who blasted the ball into the roof of the net from a seemingly impossible angle. 2-0 at half time could easily have been more but as the second half began, Seaford were in need of something out of the ordinary to get back into the game.

They didn’t find it. Rusthall domination continued, substitutes entered the fray and the quality was maintained- a clear sign of the strength of the Rusthall squad. Daniel Blunn appeared to get rather bored playing in a back line who were mostly able to sit back and watch proceedings along with the home crowd who were very much enjoying their day. When Louie Clarke swung in a cross after 70 minutes, it was Blunn in the box and on the end of it- his header was brilliantly guided low past the keeper but it couldn’t beat the post. Fortunately, Charlie Clover was there to strike high into the net for 3-0. It was four soon after as Ayodeji Owoeye fed the ball to Jack Low who controlled brilliantly before finishing into the corner. The only blemish for the home side was Seaford grabbing a consolation late on when a ball forward wasn’t quite reached by Frank Griffin and the resulting one-on-one situation was finished well past Sanneh.

Another comfortable home win for Rusthall and a place in the next round is a great start to a busy week, with a home game against Holmesdale on Tuesday, and another home game against Faversham Strike Force on Saturday. With games in hand on most teams in the league, Rusthall will be looking to add to their points tally in the coming games, and to continue demonstrating their attacking threat.

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