THREE VALUABLE POINTS TO KICK-START 2023 AWAY AT BEARSTED

The joy of victory over Tunbridge Wells on Boxing Day was still in the minds of all associated with Rusthall FC as the new year brought its first game for the men in green and white.

After last season’s 1-0 home win in the derby, Rusthall followed up with a drab performance away at bottom-side Tower Hamlets, drawing 0-0. The challenge at lowly Bearsted was to avoid a similar fate and kick-on from such an important win last time out. An eight-goal thriller, three penalties, a red card and a baffling refereeing performance certainly provided entertainment for the numerous away fans in attendance who went home delighted with the start to 2023.

It didn’t take long for Rusthall to take the lead - a long ball floated up from defence found Louie Clarke who, after a quiet performance in the derby, was in the mood for scoring goals. His superb control allowed him to turn, nutmeg the onrushing goalkeeper, skip around him and confidently roll the ball home.

Bearsted came back into the game immediately and Rusthall were grateful for the leg of Tommy Taylor which deflected a goal-bound shot wide. The physical antics of the Bearsted players were largely ignored by the referee who seemed incapable of making a decision in the face of pressure from the home side. He was, however, happy to dish out punishment to Rusthall players for minor infractions, including harsh yellows for Yassin Fares and Jack Smith. However, just before halftime, a penalty was awarded to Rusthall when Fares was brought down in the box - Louie Clarke stepped up, saw his effort saved but tucked home the rebound.

The second half was minutes old when another penalty was awarded to Rusthall - this time a shot from outside the box was blocked by the hand of a Bearsted defender and the referee once again pointed to the spot. Clarke was hat-trick hunting and opted for pace for this one - his shot was hammered down the middle and the match-ball was his.

The third goal meant that Rusthall had scored as many in the league as they managed in the whole of last season - considering we are only just into the second half of the season, it shows how much of an improvement Jimmy Anderson has overseen in a short timeframe.

Reuel Powell-Downey offered his traditional threat down the right-hand side and when he chased down a pass and managed to hook a cross back into the middle, it looked like Clarke would once again reach the ball and score. However, he stumbled a little and injured himself in the process- he would be replaced following a spell of treatment on the side lines.

Bearsted’s Number 5, who had been quite happy to tangle with Rusthall’s more diminutive attackers, wilted somewhat when he looked up and saw the muscular frame of Dan Blunn entering the pitch. He immediately requested to be withdrawn, leaving his colleagues to face the slightly different challenge of Rusthall’s big striker.

It was a challenge they didn’t pass with flying colours - within two minutes, Powell-Downey expertly flicked a pass into the path of Blunn who looked up, saw the keeper advancing, and hooked a beautiful lob over his flailing grasp which nestled in the net for 4-0.

Bearsted pulled a goal back but it looked like it would be in vain, especially when they were left with ten men following a red card for Adam Turton whose advice for the referee was not appreciated and his marching orders followed. Good advice is often ignored, though Tom Benham would have been well-advised to not attempt to tackle Dwan Archer when he is gliding through defences - his clattering challenge meant a third penalty was awarded. A quick game of rock-paper-scissors determined Powell-Downey as the taker and he stroked the ball home to make it 5-1.

What should have been an easy end to the game ended up providing moments of nervousness for the away side - two sloppy goals were given away making it 5-3 at the whistle though ultimately, Rusthall will reflect upon an important win at a ground where positive results have been hard to come by and the fact that they have played better this season and not got the points.

With players returning from injury and holiday, the team second place in the league, and such an obvious difference from last season, the Rusthall faithful will be keen to see what the rest of 2023 brings.

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