ASHLEY SHEPPARD’S LATE WINNER SECURES PLACE IN THE NEXT ROUND

Simon Howe reports on the game…

Rusthall left it late again and once more, Ash Sheppard was the hero who won the game for the Rustics in a 4-3 win over Punjab FC in a highly entertaining tie in the Kent Senior Cup.
 
Not for the first time this season, Rusthall got off to a dreadful start, conceding within 5 minutes to another poor goal. With three at the back, the lively Punjab wingers were free to attack at will and the opener came down the left- a cross rolled to the back post was finished well to give the home side the lead. James White was injured in the process of trying to keep the ball out and was replaced by Jake Hampson who would go on to have a tidy game. As Ash Sheppard roared to his teammates, Rusthall had 'gears to go into' and they began to play some of the football they are capable of. Luke Adams, playing against his former side, tried to find Frank N’Douga whose excellent run led to a good effort which was blocked.
 
Just as Rusthall were coming in to the game however, Punjab were two in front. Following a good save with his feet from Ryan Burbridge, the ball fell to a Punjab attacker who tumbled under the slightest of challenges from Adams. Burbridge dived the right way and nearly palmed the ball away but it was past him and in the net. Time and again, positive play from Rusthall was negated by the constant threat down the wings from Punjab- Callum Taylor and Lenny Styles had to be at their best alongside Hampson to repel the attacks.
 
Taylor Robinson, fresh in from Welling Town, was proving to be a willing runner and an honest worker. His non-stop effort would help to set up Rusthall's first goal as a quick throw in fell to him on the left and he cleverly stepped past a tackle and laid the ball off to Adams. There was meaning behind his drive and the keeper had no chance. Another excellent chance fell to Myro just before half time when he was found with a superb pass from Hampson. The Punjab defence thought he was offside but he wasn’t- unfortunately his final effort was skewed wide.
 
Going in at half time just one goal down didn't seem like the worst thing in the world as Rusthall were now offering the greater threat, however, Punjab scored a third not long into the second half. The rapid number 7 was brought down by Hampson who was rightly booked.  The resulting free-kick was delivered with accuracy and when it dropped in the box, it was Punjab who reacted first to restore the two goal cushion.
 
Myro was a constant danger on the right and when he got to the by-line and pulled back for Adams, it felt like a goal would result. Unfortunately, he couldn't quite sort his feet out and his effort flew wide. It was soon 2-3 though and the battling Frank N’Douga played a major role with his strength and hard work helping the ball to Sheppard who finished low from the angle. Chances were coming thick and fast now- N’Douga and Clover combined down the left and when the ball made its way into the middle, a free-kick was given from which Sheppard tested the keeper with a rasping shot. Next, a great cross from Adams was chested down brilliantly by Taylor but he couldn't quite swivel to finish.
 
It wouldn't be long before Man-of-the-Match Callum Taylor got the goal his dominant performance deserved- a long throw-in from Luke Adams was met with a fantastic jump and the ball was glanced over the keeper into the opposite corner. It really felt like the winner was there for the taking and Charlie Clover seemed determined to do all he could to get it. When he found himself in the box on the left with no-one up to support him, he knocked it past the defender and was unlucky to see his shot saved. The winner eventually came from a long ball wellied up field which was missed entirely by the keeper who will not want to relive the moment. Taylor Robinson gathered the ball but was held up well right in front of goal. He remained calm and laid the ball off to Ash Sheppard who took a step and passed it into the net before running with his delighted teammates to the jubilant away support.
 
Two wins in two weeks are the reward for the patience, perseverance, passion, and pride- that has been shown by all in green and white these past few weeks. Rusthall advance into the next round of the cup and, possibly more importantly, will be buoyed by what ended up being a convincing attacking performance over a side in and around the same area of the league.

Next up for the Rustics is Lordwood at home on Saturday 30th October!

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