Rusthall came from a goal down to progress to the Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup thanks to a 3-1 win over Knaphill. After a disappointing exit to Westfield at the first hurdle last season, The Rustics were keen to do better this time around, and a dominant performance means they will face either Kennington or Sheppey United at home on 22nd August.
With Ben Sangare still missing through injury, Frank Griffin once again lined up alongside Robbie Bissett, with Jeffrey Njuguna and Thompson Adeyemi taking up the central midfield berths. Yassin Fares returned to the team meaning Jack Kirby could return to his usual Number 10 role, with Louie Clarke replacing Lekan Osideko up front.
Knaphill began the game the brighter of the two sides, with Rusthall looking a little leggy at times. The away side grabbed the lead following a quickly-taken free-kick which seemed to catch Rusthall a little off-guard- when the ball was played to Lucas Watkins, he took his goal well, finishing with class past Serine Sanneh who had little chance. The goal seemed to spur Rusthall on to better things and when Yassin Fares was released down the left through the best move of the half, it seemed like Louie Clarke, Golden Boot winner from last season, was odds on to equalise for Rusthall. Unfortunately, a huge bobble meant Clarke’s otherwise excellent effort was blazed over the bar from short range. Clarke would go close once more when played through with Harvey Keogh, in goal for Knaphill, charging out- Clarke’s deft lob was not quite high enough to beat the outstretched arm of Keogh and a corner was the result. Josh Reid was next to go close with a cut-in-and-drive reminiscent of his opening goal of the SCEFL Cup Final of last season- this time, his rasping effort flew narrowly wide.
The equaliser arrived after 40 minutes- Robbie Bissett managed to convince Yassin Fares the free-kick awarded on the edge of the box should be his, and his low effort was spilt by Keogh when it seemed he would gather easily, right into the path of Josh Reid who finished from close range. Level at halftime was the least Rusthall deserved and with the slope to their advantage in the second half, confidence was high among the home faithful.
The second half was all Rusthall, with Knaphill seemingly happy to sit back and hope for an opportunity on the break. Rahman Kareem and Jesse Hammond were superb in the fullback positions, with Kareem going close to repeating his heroics at Redhill with a swerving run which was only curtailed by a fine save by Keogh. Robbie Bissett and Frank Griffin were always in full control at the back, and Man-of-the-Match Jeffrey Njuguna was excellent in the middle of the park. Rusthall’s second goal came via excellent work from Yassin Fares, who beat his man with ease before cutting in from the left. When his shot was blocked, the ball flicked up and seemed destined for the goalkeeper’s gloves- however, he hadn’t counted on Jack Kirby sneaking in to head the ball over him and the lead was Rusthall’s.
Knaphill seemed to entirely run out of ideas- Bradley Sweeney was the away side’s greatest threat but he always looked like he needed more quality around him to make an impact. Jimmy Anderson was able to make changes, bringing on four new signings in the shape of Lekan Osideko, Rajan Sahni, Daniel Atta and Christian Lawal. Formerly of Tunbridge Wells, Lawal had played well on debut at Snodland last week and immediately settled in to the midfield with typical confidence and class. It was Dan Atta who became the fourth Daniel to score for Rusthall in the FA Cup- following Mitchell (2017), Kommu (2021) and Blunn (2022)- with a fine low strike from the right-hand side.
Rusthall will have to wait to find out who they will face in the next round but, with a home draw, they will be confident following today’s strong performance. Just 13 more wins until the Rustics lift the FA Cup at Wembley next May, but before that, it’s Fisher up next at Jockey Farm, a team who, like Rusthall, are among the favourites for the SCEFL Premier Division this year.

- Simon Howe

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