Rusthall take on high-flying Haywards Heath Town in the second round of the FA Vase on Saturday afternoon in a game which will be Rusthall manager Jimmy Anderson’s 300th in charge. Going into the game on the back of two defeats to Phoenix Sports and AFC Greenwich Borough, The Rustics are perhaps not in the best form but will look to their previous FA Vase outings for inspiration.

Rusthall saw off AFC Walcountians in the Second Round Qualifying, a match which will live long in the memory of all who witnessed Jeffrey Njuguna score a goal. In the First Round, Rusthall travelled to Fleet and after a nervy 3-3 draw, they prevailed 8-7 on penalties thanks to eight perfect penalties and a save from Claudio Boakye. Haywards Heath meanwhile will play their first FA Vase tie this season having reached the 5th round in 2025/26- their defeat on penalties to AFC Stoneham saw them exit the competition just before the quarter-final stage.

Haywards Heath are in good form and sit top of the SCFL Premier Division having won 11 of their 14 league games. Lukas Franzen-Jones leads the way with 9 goals and 9 assists in 18 games this season, with Sam Remfry and Harry Shooman both having chipped in with 6 goals- Robbie Bissett and co will no doubt be relishing the test the Haywards Heath frontline will provide. Rusthall will be without two major goal threats on Saturday- Charlie Clover is cup tied once again having played for Petts Wood and Holmesdale earlier in the season, and Louie Clarke announced his departure from the club last week. In their places, Lekan Osideko, Rajan Sahni, Yassin Fares, and Josh Reid will be among the Rustics looking to threaten a Haywards Heath defence which has been pretty solid all season so far.

A special day is guaranteed on Saturday- this second round tie is the furthest Rusthall have ever been in a competition which offers a good chance to play in a Wembley final. Jimmy Anderson will lead the team out for the 300th time- an incredible milestone for a man who has brought such joy and success to Jockey Farm over the past 8 years. The Rusthall Fire and Glow Festival follows the match from 6pm- visitors are encouraged to park their cars for free at Jockey Farm, enjoy the match, and then head over to Southwood Road Playing Fields for the evening’s festivities.

Supporters who buy a ticket for Saturday’s game will be given a free ticket for Rusthall’s next home league game on Saturday 14th November- a game which will be held in honour of beloved fan and volunteer, Lane Chittenden, who sadly passed away shortly before the beginning of the season.

Come on down to Jockey Farm on Saturday afternoon- there really is no better place to be on a sunny autumnal afternoon!