A VALUABLE POINT SALVAGED FROM A BORE-DRAW ON THE OPENING DAY

A year on from an opening day victory at home over Welling Town, Rusthall gained a valuable point away from home against the same opponents who scrapped away without really threatening.

Rusthall lined up with new signing Valerie Gurgurov up front, with Addo Amankwah and Luke Miller stationed on the flanks. Callum Taylor, who managed only 27 minutes of the opening day, and indeed the season, last time out lined up at the back with Dan Blunn.

The pitch, which will most likely be cut when the landlords decide, rather than the tenants, stifled Rusthall’s early attempts to play their usual high-quality passing football and it meant the opening exchanges were not particularly easy on the eye for the healthy away following or the handful of ‘home’ fans. Balls over the top were causing problems for the Welling back line with Gurgurov a willing runner- unfortunately, the linesman was a little flag-happy and several good-quality runs were stopped by the officials rather than by good defending. One ball from Amankwah completely opened up the defence and Gurgurov was in- he bore down on the keeper, took it round him with ease but found himself at a difficult angle. His resulting shot which sailed over the bar will not be one he wants to see again.

Rusthall grew into the game and were clearly the stronger side but the final ball was often missing from several promising moves. The home side had a few chances towards the break but Tommy Taylor was in fine form in goal- one save from a free kick was superb-and the excellent Dan Blunn once again dominated in defence on this ground, having nullified Phoenix Sports here last season. His strength, composure and passing ability alongside the typical quality of Callum Taylor was too much for the Welling attackers who rather wilted in the face of such dominance.

It was 0-0 at the break which felt about right and once the second half began, it seemed like it would be more of the same- Rusthall were on top but unable to find that killer ball to really threaten. Gurgurov was keen to score and had several chances to do so- this was an impressive debut from a player who looks a real talent although some of his team mates will have wished he had passed instead of shooting on occasion.

The Rusthall fans were delighted to see Yassin Fares in attendance and while his presence lifted spirits on the side lines, not much could lift on-field affairs. Luke Miller had a low drive well-saved by the Welling keeper, George Hughes went close with a header from a delightful cross from Jack Lyons, and Louis Anderson tried his luck from distance but it always felt like it would end goalless despite the last five minutes where both teams threatened from corners. Callum Taylor had perhaps the best chance when he rose perfectly and headed the ball down towards the corner- the keeper will be glad his defender ignored his shout to claim the ball- instead, hooking it clear just before it crossed the line.

In the end, Rusthall couldn’t really complain about the draw but no doubt Welling Town will be happier with the point. Rusthall will hope to threaten with more fluidity next week as they travel to Lancing in the FA Cup.

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